Frame timing is an important part of the graphics pipeline and can impact your overall gaming experience. Understanding frame timing and how to fix micro stutter can help improve your gaming performance.
Frame timing is the process by which video frames are delivered to your graphics card. Frames are delivered in a fixed order, so it’s important that the graphics card receives them at the right time. If there’s anything wrong with the way frames are delivered, you’ll see micro stutter.
Stutter in games can be devastating for your performance. No matter how fast/expensive your computer is stutter can still occur if the system is badly optimized. Bad pacing makes it impossible to predict future actions and interferes with your gameplay.
What can cause bad Frame-timing?
Happens when the Frame-timing is bad
If you have an underpowered PSU Can happen because of bad optimization in games. Up to the developer to fix.
Overheating components and throttled GPU and CPU. Slow Drive can cause stutter when new textures are loaded in the game. Unstable overclock will make the system unstable and can cause bad Frame times
Hyper-Threading (Intel) and SMT (AMD) can cause stutter. Hyper-V and virtualization technologies can cause stutter Conflicting drivers and leftovers can interfere and cause stutter Malware and Bloatware running in the background Service and Tasks running in the background.
Graphics
SLI/Crossfire with multiple GPUs can cause stutter because of bad sync between the devices.
Windows
Windows Update Downloads and installation during the game is bad
Hardware bottlenecks
When the CPU usage is 100% causes the game to stutter. This phenomenon is often referred to as a bottleneck Happens when the CPU can’t provide enough frames to the Graphics card to render. Often a problem for 240Hz and higher specification monitors.
Memory compression
Lack of enough RAM causes Windows to dump data to the page file (disk).
Power Management
Energy-saving can cause CPU and GPU to lower performance during low-intensity moments which will make the game stutter.
V-Sync
If your computer is unable to maintain FPS equal to your monitors Refresh-rate the FPS will drop to effectively 50% of the Refresh-rate causing the massive stutter.
How to fix bad Frame-timing
To minimize the impact of bad Frame-pacing
Total Time:1 hour
Limit FPS
Lower FPS limit until a solid Framerate is achievable. Higher Framerate such as 240Hz is very demanding on the CPU Use tools such as RTSS and Nvidia Control Panel to limit Framerate.
Power management
Disable power saving features that lower the performance to save on power. Set CPU and GPU to full speed during gaming to avoid downclocks during low-intensity moments.
Make sure to clean out and update all Drivers on the system to avoid slow access to essential functions Carefully remove old devices and drivers. Optimize and streamline BIOS Disable unnecessary devices
Background applications
Disable additional software from running during gameplay which may request CPU cycles to process. Quit demanding such as Spotify, Google Chrome, etc. Avoid applications that manipulate and injects overlays on top of the viewport Limit amount of background services and updates
Memory management
Disable memory compression in Windows.
Resolution Timer
Conclusion
In conclusion, frame timing is a crucial factor to consider for smooth gaming without micro stutter. There are ways to address this issue, and each one comes with its own set of pros and cons.
By understanding what frame timing is and how it affects your gaming experience, you can make the best decision on how to achieve a smoother experience.
Be sure to apply the fixes we’ve outlined in this article to get the best performance possible from your system!
This guide will show you how to optimize Steam to get the best performance and responsive gameplay.Steam is the primary games launcher in 2021 and most competitive games rely on the platform for updates and content downloads.
Steam is also a mature platform at this point which means there is a lot of legacy features built-in over the years.Because of its size, and the need to work for everyone there is a lot of functionality that’s unnecessary for competitive gamers.
Luckily, there are optimizations that can be done to streamline the platform and its overall impact on your system.
In this post you will learn the following
What is Steam optimization
Why it’s important to configure Steam properly
How to set up Steam for reduced Input-lag and increased performance.
Understanding Steam
Before diving into optimization, let’s briefly understand what Steam is and why it’s significant. Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is the leading platform for purchasing, downloading, and playing video games. With millions of users worldwide, it’s the epicenter of the PC gaming community. Steam provides access to an extensive library of games, multiplayer functionality, and social features that make it a one-stop destination for gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Steam?
Steam is the first and largest game launcher on the PC platform. It is developed and run by Valve, the makers of Half-Life and Dota 2 amongst other classics.
Early on during the days of Counter-Strike 1.6, Valve realized the potential of a centralized launcher for game servers and other social activities.
Ways to configure settings for performance and responsiveness in games by deactivating bloated functionality and disabling visual effects.
There are settings inside Steam that should be configured for increased responsiveness and reduced Input-lag.
Extra features such as the built-in browser should be disabled to reduce the number of background apps that help with Frame-timing.
Why is it important to optimize Steam?
Configuring Steam for performance works by limiting extra processes and services which may cause Input-lag and Frame-timing issues during gameplay.
Because Steam is usually running in the background while playing games its footprint should be minimized.
Over the years Steam has accumulated a lot of features like in-home streaming and various social features that may be turned off for increased performance.
How To Optimize Steam
Most configuration is done inside the Steam client using the settings menu. To disable the Chrome browser some minor tweaking to the application shortcut.
Steam Library
Enable all the performance-enhancing features to limit the number of visual effects and bandwidth stealing features. These features are completely unnecessary and are only used for marketing, really.
Steam In-Game settings
While the feature is great for staying up to date with your friends, all kinds of overlays on top of games are always a bad idea. Just like In-home streaming, Big Picture is impressive if you keep the computer close to your TV and want to kick back for an immersive experience. Additional features will impact the overall performance of your computer.
Steam Interface
Disable Steam from starting with your computer to limit startup time. Limits the graphics overhead from the various visual improvements.
Steam Broadcasting
The in-home stream can be great for casual gaming on the couch. However, the feature itself is adding some extra processes which will interfere with raw performance for competitive games.
Steam Family
Disable Family Library Sharing to limit interruptions during gameplay.
Steam Cloud
Disable Steam Cloud sync to avoid various configs from transferring over to your main gaming station.
Disable the built-in browser
Use –no–browser on your Steam shortcut to disable chrome browser inside Steam to stop Steam webhelper.exe process to spawn.
Troubleshooting Performance Issues
Even with optimization, you may encounter performance issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:
Crashes: Update your graphics drivers and verify the integrity of game files.
Freezing: Close background applications and lower in-game graphics settings.
Frame Rate Drops: Adjust graphics settings and ensure your system meets game requirements.
Conclusion
Optimizing Steam for competitive gaming is a strategic move that can give you the edge you need to succeed. By understanding Steam, ensuring your system meets requirements, optimizing your network, and customizing settings, you’ll be on your way to smoother, uninterrupted gaming sessions.
Remember that staying up to date with hardware and software improvements is an ongoing process to maintain peak performance in the world of competitive gaming. Harness the power of Steam to elevate your gameplay and outperform your rivals.
Before you install new NVIDIA drivers it’s recommended to carefully remove the old ones, whether you are upgrading the graphics card or just updating to a newer version.
The official uninstallers from NVIDIA (and AMD) are notorious for leaving leftover files that may interfere with performance.
This guide focuses exclusively on NVIDIA graphics cards, for the time being, check out our PC guide for our hardware recommendations.
In this NVIDIA driver’s optimization guide you will learn the following.
What GPU driver optimization is
Why it’s important to optimize your GPU drivers
How to optimize your Graphics drivers
The Ultimate NVIDIA Drivers Guide
What are Nvidia drivers?
NVIDIA and AMD make drivers for their graphics cards containing software and instructions on how to run their hardware on a PC. The Graphics card drivers contain optimizations and instructions for specific games.
Why are GPU drivers important?
Fresh drivers are released to increase the performance of new games and established titles alike. Updates may also introduce features and bug fixes for existing drivers and will improve compatibility with newer games. It’s recommended to use the latest version for the most up-to-date features (NVIDIA Reflex etc.)
(It May or may not be worth it to evaluate older drivers for specific competitive titles that have reached maturity.)
How to optimize your GPU drivers
To completely optimize your GPU and game graphics, you need to professionally install drivers. Configure the drivers for improved performance, responsiveness, and limited Input-lag. Follow the steps below to remove your current drivers. Install the latest version without the unnecessary features that may interfere with your gameplay.
Nvidia Drivers Guides
Conclusion
The installer has now installed the optimized NVIDIA drivers with the configuration we set above. This will limit the amount of additional bloatware and improve performance and lower network lag.
In conclusion, by following the tips in this article, you can optimize your Nvidia drivers for 2022. This will help improve your gaming experience and ensure that your hardware is running at its best. So, be sure to try out these tips and see how they work for you!
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is an essential firmware component that acts as the backbone of a gaming PC, initializing the hardware during the boot-up process and ensuring smooth communication between the operating system and the computer’s hardware components.
Since its inception in the 1970s, BIOS has evolved significantly, with the introduction of the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) marking a significant advancement over traditional BIOS systems.
This evolution reflects the growing needs of modern computing, including the demand for higher security, better hardware support, and a more user-friendly interface.
For gamers, optimizing BIOS settings is crucial for enhancing gaming performance, providing the ability to tweak hardware configurations, manage power settings, and overclock components to achieve the best possible gaming experience.
The role of BIOS in gaming PCs cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts system performance, load times, and the overall stability of games.
By adjusting BIOS settings, gamers can overcome common issues like slow game loads and poor graphical performance.
Moreover, accessing and navigating the BIOS or UEFI settings allows for a level of customization and hardware optimization that can significantly elevate the gaming experience.
From configuring CPU and RAM settings for optimal performance to ensuring effective thermal management and security, the BIOS is at the heart of a finely tuned gaming machine.
While traditional BIOS interfaces have served gamers well over the years, the shift towards UEFI brings forth a modern firmware interface that supports faster boot times, enhanced graphical interfaces, and better security features such as secure boot.
Despite these advancements, the term “BIOS” continues to be used interchangeably with UEFI in the context of gaming PCs, underscoring the enduring legacy of BIOS terminology.
Gamers looking to maximize their system’s performance must familiarize themselves with their BIOS or UEFI settings, understanding the impact of each adjustment on gaming performance and system stability.
As the interface between a computer’s firmware and its operating system, both BIOS and UEFI play a pivotal role in the gaming experience, offering gamers the tools to push their systems to the limits.
Whether adjusting settings for better performance, ensuring compatibility with the latest gaming hardware, or enhancing system security, the importance of BIOS settings in gaming PCs is undeniable.
This article explores the history, functionality, and critical settings of BIOS and UEFI in the context of gaming PCs, providing insights into how gamers can optimize their systems for peak performance.
Understanding bios and its functionality in gaming pcs
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a critical component of a gaming PC, serving as the backbone for both hardware initialization and the seamless operation of the operating system and software upon startup[3][5].
BIOS is essentially the firmware embedded within the motherboard, tasked with executing the power-on self-test (POST) to check the system’s hardware components and prepare the system for booting[3][5].
This initial check ensures that all hardware components, such as the RAM, graphics card, and storage devices, are functioning correctly before the operating system takes over.
Role in gaming performance
For gamers, the BIOS plays a pivotal role not just in the smooth operation of their PC, but also in optimizing gaming performance[6].
Adjustments made within the BIOS settings can address and rectify common gaming issues such as slow game loads, graphical glitches, and overall sluggish performance.
Tweaking RAM or SSD BIOS settings can lead to significant improvements in game load times and performance, offering a more enhanced and fluid gaming experience.
Furthermore, the BIOS provides gamers with the control they crave over their hardware, allowing for a level of customization that can fine-tune the gaming experience.
This includes adjusting power settings, managing boot options, and optimizing the system’s hardware for maximum performance[8].
The Ultimate BIOS Settings Guide
What is the BIOS & What can be optimized?
Why is it important to optimize the BIOS settings?
How to configure BIOS settings for performance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BIOS?
BIOS is the underlying software controlling the various components inside a computer. The BIOS is running inside the Motherboard and works independently from the OS.
Its memory is stored on a battery located on the motherboard to save the BIOS configuration in case of power and hardware failure.
Why are they important?
Since the BIOS controls everything on the hardware level it is recommended to configure it properly in order to reduce input lag and increase overall responsiveness.
All the major Motherboard brands release BIOS updates regularly. Updates are primarily released to improve compatibility with newer hardware such as CPUs and RAM. Other improvements may include bug fixes and general enhancements.
How to reset the BIOS?
If your computer refuses to start, or if you are unable to access the BIOS during startup, you might need to reset the CMOS battery. Carefully remove the physical battery from the motherboard to reset the onboard memory. Place it back inside its socket to start over. Wait 10 seconds before inserting the battery again and start up the system.
How to enter BIOS?
To enter BIOS, restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, or Del) when prompted to do so.
The key you need to press will be displayed on the first screen that appears when you turn on your computer.
Comparing bios and uefi in the context of gaming pcs
When optimizing a gaming PC, understanding the difference between BIOS and UEFI is crucial for enhancing performance, compatibility, and security.
Both BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) serve as the low-level software interface between the operating system and the firmware of the motherboard, but they differ significantly in their architecture, capabilities, and user experience[6][21][2].
Bios overview
The BIOS has been the traditional firmware interface for PCs for many years. It initializes all the critical hardware components in your PC, including the CPU, GPU, and motherboard chipset, setting the stage for the operating system to take over[2].
The BIOS provides a text-mode interface that users navigate using keyboard inputs, such as the arrow keys and the Enter key, to select options.
Despite its widespread use and familiarity among veteran PC users, BIOS has limitations in terms of hardware support, user interface, and security features[21][4].
Uefi overview
UEFI, on the other hand, is a more recent firmware interface standard that offers several improvements over BIOS. It provides a graphical user interface that is easier to navigate, supports larger hard drives, and features a secure boot mechanism to protect against malware attacks at the firmware level.
UEFI is designed to work with modern hardware, offering faster boot times and better support for high-resolution screens and network functionality[3][2].
Performance and thermal management
For gamers, the firmware can play a pivotal role in the performance and thermal management of their systems.
Manufacturers often release firmware updates that can fix bugs, add support for new hardware, and enhance overall system performance.
In the context of gaming PCs, UEFI’s advanced features and support for the latest hardware can translate into better gaming performance and improved thermal management, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking to optimize their systems[21].
Compatibility and security
Another significant advantage of UEFI over traditional BIOS in gaming PCs is its enhanced compatibility with new hardware and security features.
UEFI’s support for larger hard drives and its secure boot feature provide gamers with the flexibility to upgrade their systems with the latest high-capacity storage devices while offering protection against boot-time viruses and malware.
These features are particularly important for gamers who demand high performance and security from their systems[3][2].
Key bios settings for enhancing gaming performance
Gaming on a PC requires not just powerful hardware but also fine-tuning of the system to ensure that all components are working at their optimal performance levels.
One way to achieve this is by adjusting the BIOS settings of the computer. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) acts as a bridge between the computer’s firmware and its operating system.
While the default settings provided are aimed at delivering a balance between performance and energy efficiency, gamers can modify these settings to prioritize speed and responsiveness.
This section outlines several key BIOS settings that can enhance gaming performance.
Adjust cpu settings
Overclocking the CPU is a common approach to improve gaming performance[6].
This involves entering the BIOS and adjusting the CPU FSB (Front Side Bus) frequency. Increasing this frequency can significantly boost the processor’s speed.
The default increment is usually about 10%, but it might vary depending on the specific hardware and its cooling capabilities.
Always be cautious with overclocking, as it can increase heat output and potentially reduce the lifespan of your components.
Disable power saving features
Many BIOS setups include power-saving options designed to reduce energy consumption when the computer is under light use.
While these features are beneficial for everyday tasks, they can interfere with gaming by causing latency or reducing the CPU’s availability for sudden, intensive tasks.
Disabling features like Intel’s SpeedStep or AMD’s Cool’N’Quiet can ensure the processor runs at full speed at all times, benefiting gaming performance[12].
Configure ram settings
Setting the RAM to its optimal performance settings involves adjusting its voltage and frequency in the BIOS.
Higher-end motherboards may also allow for the adjustment of timing values, which can fine-tune the performance further. Be aware that some settings intended for advanced workstation tasks may negatively impact gaming and should be avoided.
Fan and temperature settings
To prevent overheating, especially when overclocking, it’s important to configure fan settings properly. Some BIOSes allow for the creation of a customized speed-to-temperature curve, ensuring that the system remains cool under load without unnecessary noise.
Additionally, setting temperature alarms can alert you to potential overheating issues before they become critical[12].
Virtualization and other features
For gamers, certain BIOS features that are valuable in other contexts might be unnecessary. For example, virtualization technologies like Intel’s VT-x or AMD-V are not typically used during gaming and can be disabled to free up system resources.
Similarly, features related to power state changes, such as C-states, should be set to keep the CPU from entering low-power modes during gameplay.
Advanced bios features and customizations
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is an essential component of a gaming PC, acting as an interface between the computer’s firmware and its operating system.
Advanced BIOS features and customizations can significantly impact the performance, stability, and security of a gaming PC.
This section delves into the intricacies of BIOS settings that are particularly relevant to gamers and how they can be optimized for an enhanced gaming experience.
Performance tweaking
Tweaking BIOS settings can unlock superior performance in gaming PCs. Adjustments such as modifying the RAM timings, overclocking the CPU, and setting the correct XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) can lead to noticeable improvements in game loading times and overall system responsiveness[12][13].
However, it is crucial to proceed with caution as incorrect settings can lead to system instability or even hardware damage.
Ensuring the latest BIOS version is installed is often the first step in optimization, as manufacturers frequently release updates that enhance hardware compatibility and system stability[13].
Hardware configuration
The BIOS allows for the configuration of various hardware settings, which can be critical for gamers looking to maximize their system’s performance.
Settings such as enabling or disabling onboard components, configuring hard disk transfer rate settings, and adjusting built-in serial and parallel port settings are common tweaks that can optimize system resources and performance[14].
Furthermore, for those who are upgrading their system with new hardware, BIOS updates are sometimes necessary to ensure compatibility with new CPUs or memory modules.
How to Optimize BIOS Settings for Gaming
If you’re a gamer, you may be wondering if there are any settings that you can tweak to improve your gaming performance. The answer is: it depends. Here are a few things to consider:
Always be careful when configuring the BIOS, its settings may prevent the PC from starting correctly. Follow the steps below to set a foundation for increased performance and improved responsive from your system.
But remember to be aware of the fact that some settings may have to be tweaked for your particular PC in order to achieve peak performance.
Total Time:20 minutes
Update the BIOS
It may be recommended to update the BIOS version to guarantee maximum performance out of the system. Download from the manufacturer’s website and install using a USB stick during system boot. Could be important to secure the best possible compatibility with new hardware.
Load BIOS to optimized defaults
Usually, F10 brings up the toggle for restoring the factory default settings. It’s always recommended to do this before making any changes to the BIOS settings.
Used for advanced workstation tasks and will impact gaming performance in a negative way.
Disable Hyper-V
Hyper-V and similar virtualization technologies should be disabled. Such features are used for virtual machines in workstations and have no use in games.
Disable Hyper-Threading
Controversial since it disables a large selling point of various CPUs. Lowers temperatures which allow for better latency thanks to less risk of throttling. Usually not well utilized in games and is usually better for content creation apps that are optimized for more threads. Only recommended for people with 6 or more CPU cores.
Disable Fast Boot
“Fast boot” will postpone crucial desktop checks until later and it’s recommended to disable it. Let the computer do a proper check during startup to guarantee flawless operations.
Disable Intel Speed Shift Technology
Technology from Intel controls the CPU by changing the clock speed to save power whenever possible. While it’s good for saving energy it may introduce Frame-timing spikes as a result. Disable to avoid spikes in FPS from changes in CPU frequency.
Another energy saving feature present in the BIOS menu. It should be deactivated to ensure ultimate performance during gameplay.
Set SATA mode
The SSD bios settings should be set to AHCI for best load times and performance. (Only applicable to SATA-drives)
Secondary ATA controllers.
Disable if not needed as it will need to load Drivers and various tools that may interfere with performance.
Disable On-board Graphics
It’s always preferred to use a discrete graphics card for gaming. Avoid loading additional (Intel) drivers inside Windows On-board graphics may help with media encoding features.
Set Display output
Set preferred display output to your dedicated graphics card in the bios settings.
Disable Onboard Audio
Unnecessary devices will require additional drivers which will add additional load to the system. Avoid onboard audio if you are using a wireless headset or a dedicated DAC.
Enable High Precision Event Timer (HPET)
It’s usually enabled by default, and it is currently recommended to leave enabled on modern systems. This is part of the Windows bios settings that control how the OS can schedule various operations.
Set PCI-E to Gen3
Ensures the latest and fastest communication between your Graphics card and the rest of your components. The system itself can adjust to lower settings if necessary.
Disable Intel Software Guard Extensions (SGX)
There are barely any benefits from using it and it may slightly interfere with the CPU performance.
Disable all RGB
RGB functionality and similar technologies are known for introducing Input Lag, Frame timing issues and various problems. (Sorry, not sorry)
Disable ASPM & ALPM
Disable any Active State Power Management (ASPM)/Aggressive Link Power Management (ALPM) settings
Disable Platform Power Management
This is one of the most important settings – Disables the power saving features in Windows and gives full performance to your games.
Legacy USB Support
It May not be enabled by default depending on your specific setup. Disable to force the CPU out of System Management Mode (SMM) which may cause system latency. This happens because of System Management Interrupt (SMI).
Fan Settings
It’s a clever idea to configure fan settings in bios. Use DC power and set the fan speed to a locked RPM to avoid short spikes of overheat which will throttle your CPU.
The Results
In conclusion, by following the steps above, you can optimize your BIOS for competitive gaming. This will help you to achieve the best performance possible and give you a competitive edge over your opponents.
Remember to always assess any changes you make to ensure that they are working correctly and don’t have a negative impact on your system. If set correctly the BIOS will work for you to make your system more responsive and faster.
Keep in mind that every system is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and carefully consider the risks and benefits before making any changes to your BIOS.
If you want to compete at the highest level, you need the best tools available. With so many moving parts inside a PC, it’s crucial to limit the impact it has on performance.
Building the best gaming PC is crucial for success in today’s esports landscape.It’s more than picking the most expensive, and the highest-powered parts, however.
Different pieces of hardware, from different manufacturers, are created differently.Gaming performance is more than FPS, Input-lag and Frame-timing are more important.
Follow this guide to find the best synergies and the best parts for the overall best gaming PC.We will break it down to each component, as well as how to bring it all together to complete the package.
In this guide, you will learn the following
What are the best Gaming PC components?
Why are components important for competitive gaming?
How to put all the components together
What is the ultimate gaming PC?
What’s the best Motherboard?
Use a model with Intel NIC for the best network performance. The option to set HPET is desirable. Ability to set XMP
What’s the best Cooling?
Use an air-cooler for reliability. Enough cooling is important to allow your hardware to run at full speed with performance hits. AIO water cooling can look impressive but there is always a risk of failure thanks to the added moving parts inside. Often referred to as DC power. Stuttering may occur when the temperature rises, and the fans are not updating fast enough. This can cause throttling and crippled performance in a worst-case scenario.
How To Build the Ultimate Gaming PC?
The Best CPU For Gaming
In 2021 Intel is still the recommended brand for High Refresh rate gaming.
We recommend at least 6 cores for modern games and remember to disable Hyper-Threading.
K-series SKUs come with the highest clock frequency for high FPS gaming.
For 240Hz (FPS) and above close to or above 5 GHz is recommended.
Core i9 has the best available hardware from the factory and are handpicked for their performance.
i9 also has the highest frequency out of all CPUs.
i7 are usually damaged chips with disabled cores which may add latency thanks to re-routing inside the unit.
The Best Gaming PC Motherboard
Intel networking on the motherboard is preferred thanks to its proven record for performance.
Asus is our recommended brand because of its long tradition of stability and support.
Driver and firmware support is crucial to avoid problems down the line.
(Avoid RGB and brand-specific software suits with unnecessary features).
Sound is important if you want to use the onboard audio for your headphones.
The Best RAM
XMP-enabled DDR4.
Always use dual-channel memory by making sure you buy a kit of 2x RAM modules.
Samsung is the best manufacturer of RAM chips and can provide performance.
Find the RAM with the lowest CAS latency specification while using XMP.
16 GB RAM is currently our recommendation for pure gaming.
B-dye selection of memory is the best option.
Graphics Card (GPU)
We recommend Nvidia GPUs for the best performance and most advanced features for competitive gaming.
Newer games rely more on the GPU to produce higher resolution textures while older games played at high FPS are still more reliant on the CPU.
Pick a GPU with Reflex support to assist with reduced Input-lag in newer titles such as Valorant.
Microsoft Windows is the best and most popular operating system for gaming.Besides the consoles there simply is no alternative that supports all the popular game titles.
Windows 11 is not only used for gaming however and many of its features and configurations are made for office work.
Luckily, there is a lot that can be done to the OS to optimize its performance.
In this guide you will learn the following
What Windows optimization is
Why it’s important to optimize Windows
How to optimize Windows for competitive gaming
The Windows 11 Optimization Guide
What is Windows optimization?
Windows is currently the most popular Operating System in the world. Windows contains a large amount of legacy code since it’s required to maintain features for many use cases.
If done correctly you will get a more responsive OS with less Input lag and better frame-timing. Follow the steps correctly to optimize your Windows installation and improve your gameplay.
Total Time:30 minutes
Windows installation
Windows 10 is the preferred operating system in 2021. We recommend Windows 10 Home for most people instead of Pro. However, both versions come with unnecessary applications so be prepared to do some cleaning. Install Windows 10 with the latest major update for maximum security, compatibility, and features for the latest games and patches. We advise against using insider and preview builds as they are not optimized and may contain bugs. Avoid using unlicensed versions of Window as they are prone to viruses and other vulnerabilities Microsoft no longer maintains windows 7, and therefore it’s not recommended to use for any application in 2021.
Download & preparation
Download the latest available release of Windows to ensure up-to-date security and the best possible DirectX support in games.
Local account
Disconnect ethernet to avoid unnecessary driver installation and registration during setup. To create a local account during the installation, you should unplug the PC from your network. Use a local account to limit the amount of Telemetry data that is synchronized back to Microsoft and may interfere with performance.
Fresh reset
In Windows 2004 it’s possible to use internet recovery to download a fresh installation of Windows Avoid any bloatware installed by the OEM if you purchase a system from any of the major computer brands like Dell and HP.
Power plan management
Use the High-Performance Plan. Set the highest possible setting to let the hardware draw enough power.
Advanced power plan options
The most important option to set is the one to allow your CPU to run at full speed all the time. Disable “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” for USB hosts and Network adapters.
Telemetry
Telemetry is data and information that gets sent from your PC to a server for analysis and diagnostics. Unfortunately, this will interfere with performance and should be limited. Network activity running in the background to report usage, update online apps, and pinging servers for updates to the system.
Privacy settings
We are not involved in the politics of privacy, but the performance hit such tools have on our hardware. Privacy features are usually a connected service that runs in the background. Pings servers and scans files and may interfere with running apps and games.
Services
Services are running in the background to enable various features such as printing etc. Limit the number of running services to avoid stutter and interruptions in Windows. Set unneeded services to manual. Stuff like printer and file sharing can be disabled to improve performance and lag
Disable Windows Defender
Use Antivirus inside Router to offload CPU if possible. Requires Untangle or similar
Security threats
Update Windows and other applications to avoid vulnerabilities that may compromise your system and interfere with performance. Stay up to date with security threats such as crypto mining scripts etc.
Scheduled tasks
Tasks are processes running in the background to keep the system up to date.
Memory compression
Windows Store bloatware
Most apps installed with Windows are paid ads in the form of apps from the Store. Remove using a script or a third-party application for best efficiency.
Limit background apps
Exit any background applications when you launch a game. They are stealing resources from the CPU and your RAM which may cause stutter and increased input-lag
Input lag is the most notorious performance issue gamers will encounter.
Whenever your actions on screen get delayed you are in deep trouble.
It makes you miss crucial shots and the whole experience feels disconnected.
The Input Lag Optimzation Guide
What is Input lag
Why latency is important
How to fix Input lag
One of the best ways to think about this is when you try your favorite retro game that you played on a CRT monitor. CRT Monitors have close to zero Input-lag meaning we were spoiled in the old days. If you compare it to how it feels when you play the same game on a modern console of your LCD TV, you will notice an enormous difference.
Games like Megaman and Super Mario are overly sensitive to Input lag. The slightest delay between inputs and actions on the screen will make the games unplayable. Modern TVs also uses plenty filters to improve the picture quality which we will learn adds to the latency. Computer monitors are better even when using “Game Mode” on your television.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is input lag?
Input lag is defined by the amount of time between physical action and the visual response on the screen.
More Input-lag will increase the time from when you push the button on your mouse to when your character will fire its gun in the game. Input-lag is measured in ms (milliseconds) and equals the amount of time between an action and a visual reaction on the screen.
While it’s easy to describe and feel Input-lag it’s often more complicated to understand why and how latency is introduced. Latency happens in all stages of the processing inside the computer which makes it impossible to eliminate completely.
Why is input-lag bad?
Accuracy Another way of explaining Input-lag is to describe the floaty feeling you get when using the mouse cursor.
Floaty gameplay makes it harder for the brain to predict future movements which affect our ability to react and adapt.
Is 9ms input lag good? – According to various sources a difference in 5 MS lag is perceivable by humans.
Responsiveness If there is a delay between the physical movement on the Mousepad and the cursor on the screen. Based on this it’s easy to understand why this behavior is bad for your performance.
During competitive play, your actions need to make an impact instantly. The goal is to have your skills work 1:1 with your actions in-game because a missed shot can make or break an important match.
How do I reduce input lag?
While it’s easy to explain what latency is, how it works in every step is far more complex. It’s always a clever idea to limit the number of devices, effects, and software running on your system, reducing the resolution and graphics settings of your game, disabling V-sync, and using a monitor with a low response time.
Does RGB increase input delay?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors. However, RGB does tend to increase input delay. This is because RGB signals are typically processed in addition to other signals, which can lead to increased delays. Furthermore, RGB often require more processing power in terms of required software, which can also contribute to increased delays.
Factors impacting input lag
Human reaction time (200-300ms)
Input devices
Computer processing
GPU and graphics
Display output & monitor
Human Reaction time
– The importance of sleep – Get enough sleep to stay alert. – Sleep also enhances our ability to predict future actions. – Improves the brain’s speed to process available information.
Keyboard & Mouse
Use 1000 Hz polling rate on your mouse which equals 1 MS added latency, 500 Hz equal 2 MS added to your overall latency. More devices will add more strain to the USB controller, make sure to disconnect any non-crucial peripherals during important games. There is data suggesting that using a high polling rate on multiple devices will interfere with performance. (If desired you can experiment with lowering the polling rate for the keyboard as it is not as crucial.)
Drivers
Limit the number of connected devices and make sure the essential drivers are up to date. Avoid software suits with added functionality such as RGB which will add latency. Modern drivers are smaller in size which can improve the access time for your system. The above is one of the main reasons to update your drivers regularly.
Make sure you always play at your monitor’s native resolution to avoid Input-lag and other side effects. The monitor is designed to use the native resolution, other settings force the monitor to add an extra layer of processing.
Graphics settings
Performance impact Higher graphical settings will put an increasing amount of strain on your graphics card. Avoid the most demanding visual effects to keep the GPU utilization below 100%. Visual enhancements Anti-Aliasing and other post-processing techniques will increase the visual fidelity at the cost of responsiveness. A bonus effect is that your own vision will improve, as well as the processing of visual elements inside your brain. In most cases, lower graphics settings will reduce the amount of clutter and details in the viewport that will distract you from the enemy.
Limit FPS
Limit the FPS output using an application such as Nvidia Control Panel, RTSS or use the in-game FPS limiter. Different methods come with different pros and cons depending on how your system hardware is balanced. Limiting the FPS lowers GPU utilization and improves input lag. (This also has an enormous impact on Frame-pacing making it one of the most important settings overall.) In-game FPS limiter Limits the FPS on a game engine level. Usually results in the lowest impact on input lag. The main downside is the risk of uneven frame timing. NVIDIA Control Panel Nvidia has improved the FPS limiter with the latest version. Limits the FPS on the (GPU) driver level. Works best if you are not limited by GPU utilization. Rivatuner RTSS Limits the FPS using the CPU. Generally, adds 1 frame of lag. Works best if you are not bottlenecked by the CPU.
V-sync
V-sync will result in smoother gameplay because every frame is perfectly lined up with the monitor. The downside is that there is going to be added input latency thanks to how V-sync waits for an even frame output to the monitor. The key is to find a compromise between input lag and frame-timing to avoid stutter and retain stutter-free gameplay.
Post-processing and filters
Limit the number of filters and post-processing techniques in your monitor. Avoid Anti-Aliasing and other visual filters as they will add to the post-processing and increase Input-lag. (Bigger problems on TV but still relevant for gaming monitors.)
Monitor settings
Enable Overdrive to increase pixel response time and counter input lag. Avoid filters and additional features that add strain and overhead to your monitors.
Conclusion
If you follow the general steps above, you will have heads start against your opponents.
Combine these concepts with our other more specific guides to optimize your complete setup for increased responsiveness.
And remember high FPS is not all, instead you want a balanced configuration with as low latency as possible.
