When it comes to gaming, one of the most important pieces of equipment is the graphics card. A good graphics card can mean the difference between an average gaming experience and an amazing one.
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here is a list of the best graphics cards for gaming in 2022, so you can make the right choice for your needs.
The Forgeary Graphics Card Guide 2022
AMD or NVIDIA?
Nvidia has been dominant for a long time and therefore has better optimization support and compatibility overall.
There is currently more data to process for Nvidia cards and that is why we recommend this for now.
Nvidia has better and more advanced Input lag and Frame timing technologies for smooth and responsive gameplay.
AMD unfortunately has problems with its drivers now, which can cause problems in games.
How much video memory is needed?
The amount of memory is primarily linked to the resolution you run. Higher resolution with more textures requires more memory. Modern AAA games with a lot of focus on graphics require more from GPU
What about SLI, Crossfire?
Several graphics cards are not recommended at this time. Multiple GPUs bring a lot of problems with drivers and stutters in games due to the sync between the cards.
What games rely on the GPU?
Modern AAA games with a lot of focus on graphics require more from GPU Esports titles and older games running in higher FPS are less dependent on GPU and rely even more on the CPU.
GeForce Experience is a powerful tool for optimizing games and provides a console-like experience with a focus on gameplay and streaming. Nvidia RTX and GTX 16XX have new hardware for streaming video with the highest possible quality. The technology with the best support for accelerated streaming hardware is called NVENC.
End results
Graphics drivers support important since it usually directly impacts game performance. AMD has been having stability and performance issues with its GPU drivers in recent years.
Nvidia has (thanks to marketing) been able to achieve the best adoption of specific performance-enhancing features such as Reflex and another input-lag tech.
However, AMD had a strong 2022 and there are reports of AMD having better “raw” performance in (older) competitive games, meaning they should not be counted out just yet.
MSI Afterburner is a highly acclaimed overclocking utility that has become a staple for gamers and PC enthusiasts alike.
Developed by MSI, this versatile software is designed to provide users with comprehensive control over their graphics cards, enabling them to optimize performance, monitor system metrics, and even capture in-game footage.
Despite its association with MSI, Afterburner is compatible with a wide range of graphics cards from various manufacturers, including NVIDIA and AMD.
Overview of msi afterburner
MSI Afterburner is a powerful tool that allows users to overclock their GPUs, thereby improving gaming performance and overall system responsiveness. The software is known for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set, which includes:
Core Voltage Control: Allows users to adjust the voltage supplied to the GPU core, which can help achieve higher overclocking results.
Core Clock Adjustment: Enables users to increase the GPU core clock speed for better performance.
Memory Clock Adjustment: Allows users to tweak the memory clock speed, which can enhance the performance of memory-intensive applications.
Fan Speed Control: Provides users with the ability to create custom fan profiles to manage GPU temperatures effectively.
Hardware Monitoring: Offers real-time monitoring of various system parameters, including GPU temperature, usage, clock speeds, and voltages.
Custom Profiles: Users can save different overclocking settings as profiles and switch between them easily.
Key features and capabilities
MSI Afterburner offers a robust set of features that cater to both novice and experienced users. The primary function of the software is to facilitate GPU overclocking, allowing users to adjust the clock frequency, voltage, memory clock, and temperature limits of their graphics cards. This can lead to significant performance improvements in gaming and other graphics-intensive applications.
Users can keep an eye on critical metrics such as GPU temperature, usage, clock speed, and voltage through an on-screen display (OSD) or the Windows Tray Icon.
This real-time feedback is invaluable for ensuring that overclocking adjustments do not compromise system stability.
Additionally, MSI Afterburner includes a customizable overlay display that provides real-time performance data while gaming. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who want to monitor the impact of their overclocking settings on frame rates and overall performance.
Ease of use and accessibility
Despite its advanced capabilities, MSI Afterburner is designed to be user-friendly. The software’s interface is intuitive, and MSI has streamlined the overclocking process to make it accessible to users of all skill levels. For those new to overclocking, the software includes a Kombustor stress test tool that helps ensure stability by running stress tests at various presets.
Moreover, MSI Afterburner is completely free to download and use, with no hidden costs or premium memberships. This makes it an attractive option for users looking to enhance their system’s performance without incurring additional expenses. The software is available for download from the official MSI website, ensuring that users can avoid phishing sites and other security risks.
Community and support
MSI Afterburner benefits from a strong community of users and developers who contribute to its ongoing development and support. The software is frequently updated to include new features and improvements, as evidenced by the recent updates that have expanded its capabilities. Users can also find support and share their experiences on various forums, such as the Guru3D forums and the MSI official forums.
Overview and key features of msi afterburner
Compatibility and accessibility
MSI Afterburner is renowned for its broad compatibility and accessibility. It supports a wide range of graphics cards, including those from non-MSI brands, making it a versatile tool for gamers and PC enthusiasts. The software is available for free, which adds to its appeal and widespread usage. Users can download it from the official MSI website or from Guru3D, ensuring they avoid phishing sites that could compromise their digital security.
Overclocking and undervolting
One of the primary features of MSI Afterburner is its overclocking and undervolting capabilities. Overclocking allows users to increase the clock speed of their GPU, thereby enhancing performance.
Conversely, undervolting reduces the voltage supplied to the GPU, which can decrease power consumption and heat output without significantly impacting performance.
MSI Afterburner provides a comprehensive walkthrough for both overclocking and undervolting, making it accessible even to those who are new to these processes.
Detailed guides are available on the MSI website to help users navigate these features.
Real-time hardware monitoring
MSI Afterburner includes a robust real-time hardware monitoring system. This feature allows users to keep track of various parameters such as GPU temperature, usage, clock speed, and voltage. The On-Screen Display (OSD) feature is particularly useful for gamers, as it provides real-time performance data in the corner of the screen during gameplay. This enables users to monitor the effects of their overclocking settings and make adjustments as needed. More information on this feature can be found on the MSI website.
Custom fan profiles
Effective heat dissipation is crucial for maintaining optimal GPU performance and longevity. MSI Afterburner allows users to create custom fan profiles, enabling them to define a fan speed curve that adjusts based on the GPU temperature. This feature ensures that the GPU remains cool under heavy loads, thereby preventing thermal throttling and potential damage. Users can fully customize these profiles to balance noise levels and cooling performance according to their preferences. Detailed instructions on setting up custom fan profiles are available on the MSI website.
Video capture with predator
MSI Afterburner includes a video capture feature called Predator, which allows users to record their gameplay or overclocking sessions. Predator supports the H.264 codec and offers multiple file formats such as .WMV and .AVI. Users can adjust the size and quality of the recordings to suit their needs. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who want to share their achievements or create content for platforms like YouTube and Twitch. More details on Predator can be found on the MSI website.
Integration with msi dragon center
MSI Afterburner integrates seamlessly with MSI’s Dragon Center software, providing a unified platform for monitoring, tweaking, and optimizing MSI products. Dragon Center offers additional features such as system tuning, device management, and RGB lighting control. This integration enhances the overall user experience by consolidating various tools into a single interface. Users can learn more about Dragon Center on the MSI website.
Security and protection
MSI emphasizes the importance of digital security, especially given the prevalence of phishing sites that mimic the official Afterburner download page. Users are advised to download the software only from the official MSI website or Guru3D to avoid compromising their digital assets.
Game optimizer
MSI Afterburner also includes a Game Optimizer feature, which is designed to enhance gaming performance by dedicating CPU power to the game and isolating non-essential applications to a single CPU core. This helps eliminate FPS lags and slowdowns, providing a smoother gaming experience. More details on this feature are available on the MSI website.
How to download and use msi afterburner
Downloading msi afterburner
Step-by-step guide to downloading
Visit the Official Download Page: To ensure you are downloading a legitimate and safe version of MSI Afterburner, visit the official MSI Afterburner download page. Alternatively, you can also find it on 3DGuru.
Download the Software: Click on the download button to start downloading the MSI Afterburner installer. It is recommended to also download MSI Kombustor, which is a stress-testing tool that integrates well with Afterburner.
Install the Software: Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. During the installation, you will be prompted to install the RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS). It is advisable to include RTSS as it enhances the functionality of MSI Afterburner, particularly for monitoring and on-screen display (OSD) features.
Setting up msi afterburner
Initial configuration
Launch MSI Afterburner: After installation, launch MSI Afterburner. The main interface will display various sliders and options for tweaking your GPU settings.
Adjust Power and Temperature Limits: Set both the ‘Power Limit’ and ‘Temp Limit’ sliders to their maximum values. This allows the GPU to utilize more power and operate at higher temperatures, which is essential for overclocking. Note that the GPU will not reach these upper limits unless there is a hardware malfunction.
Enable Voltage Control and Monitoring: Go to the settings menu (gear icon) and navigate to the ‘General’ tab. Check the boxes for ‘Unlock voltage control’ and ‘Unlock voltage monitoring’. This will allow you to adjust and monitor the GPU’s voltage settings.
Overclocking your gpu
Using msi afterburner for overclocking
Core Clock Adjustment: Increase the core clock speed by moving the ‘Core Clock (MHz)’ slider to the right. It is recommended to increase the clock speed in small increments (e.g., 10-20 MHz) and test the stability after each adjustment.
Memory Clock Adjustment: Similarly, adjust the ‘Memory Clock (MHz)’ slider to increase the memory clock speed. Again, make incremental changes and test for stability.
Testing Stability: Use MSI Kombustor or other benchmarking tools like FurMark to stress test the GPU. Monitor the temperatures and ensure that the system remains stable. If the system crashes or shows artifacts, reduce the clock speeds slightly.
Voltage Adjustment: If you need to push the overclock further, you can increase the GPU voltage using the ‘Core Voltage (%)’ slider. Be cautious with voltage adjustments as excessive voltage can damage the GPU.
Undervolting your gpu
Steps to undervolt
Access Voltage/Frequency Curve Editor: Click on the ‘Curve Editor’ button (graph icon) in the main interface. This opens the Voltage/Frequency Curve Editor.
Adjust Voltage Points: Select a lower voltage point on the curve and drag it to the desired frequency. The goal is to find the lowest stable voltage for a given clock speed. This reduces power consumption and heat output.
Test Stability: After making adjustments, test the stability using stress-testing tools. Ensure that the GPU does not crash or throttle under load.
Customizing fan profiles
Setting up custom fan curves
Access Fan Settings: Click on the ‘Fan’ tab in the settings menu. Enable ‘User-defined software automatic fan control’.
Create a Custom Fan Curve: Adjust the fan speed at different temperature points to create a custom fan curve. This allows the fan speed to dynamically adjust based on the GPU temperature, improving cooling efficiency.
Apply and Save: Apply the settings and save the profile. You can create multiple profiles for different scenarios (e.g., gaming, idle).
Monitoring hardware statistics
Using on-screen display (OSD)
Enable OSD: In the settings menu, go to the ‘Monitoring’ tab. Select the metrics you want to display (e.g., GPU temperature, CPU usage, FPS) and check the ‘Show in On-Screen Display’ box.
Configure OSD Settings: Navigate to the ‘On-Screen Display’ tab to configure the appearance and position of the OSD. You can also set hotkeys for toggling the OSD on and off.
Use RivaTuner Statistics Server: RTSS enhances the OSD functionality. Ensure it is running alongside MSI Afterburner to display real-time hardware statistics during gaming or benchmarking.
Capturing screenshots and recording gameplay
Using msi afterburner for screen capture
Set Up Screen Capture: In the settings menu, go to the ‘Screen capture’ tab. Configure the hotkey for taking screenshots and choose the file format and save location.
Recording Gameplay: For video capture, navigate to the ‘Video capture’ tab. Set the hotkey for starting/stopping recording and choose the video format, quality, and frame rate. MSI Afterburner supports various formats including MJPG, RTV1, NV12, and H.264.
Start Recording: Press the configured hotkey to start recording your gameplay. The recorded videos will be saved in the specified location.
Additional tips and tricks
Using oc scanner
Automatic Overclocking: MSI Afterburner includes an OC Scanner feature that automatically finds the optimal overclock settings for your GPU. Click on the ‘OC Scanner’ button and follow the prompts to run the scan.
Apply Results: Once the scan is complete, apply the recommended settings. This provides a safe and stable overclock without manual adjustments.
Creating and managing profiles
Save Profiles: After configuring your settings, save them as profiles. You can create multiple profiles for different use cases (e.g., gaming, productivity).
Switch Profiles: Quickly switch between profiles using the profile buttons on the main interface. This allows you to easily apply different settings based on your current needs.
Comparisons and alternatives to msi afterburner
Popular alternatives to msi afterburner
Evga precision x1
EVGA Precision X1 is a robust GPU overclocking tool that offers a comprehensive suite of features. It includes voltage adjustment, performance graph curves, fan control, automatic tuning, custom profiles, and hotkeys. The software also features an OC Scanner that attempts to find a fast yet stable GPU overclock without requiring extensive manual adjustments. The user interface is visually appealing and user-friendly, making it accessible to both novices and experienced users (Digital Trends).
Asus gpu tweak ii
ASUS GPU Tweak II is another powerful overclocking tool that provides a user-friendly interface with various modes such as Default Mode, OC Mode, Silent Mode, and User Mode. Each mode allows users to adjust voltages, set power targets, GPU frequency, and fan controls. The Profile Connect feature enables users to set different overclock settings for specific applications, enhancing the customization experience (MakeUseOf).
Amd radeon software auto overclock
Designed specifically for AMD hardware, AMD Radeon Software Auto Overclock offers a range of preset overclock options for AMD Radeon 6000-Series GPUs and will support AMD’s 7000-Series GPUs. It also includes preset CPU overclock options for AMD Ryzen CPUs. The user interface is simple and intuitive, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a straightforward overclocking tool (MakeUseOf).
Nvidia inspector
NVIDIA Inspector is tailored for NVIDIA GPUs, providing overclocking capabilities and detailed information about the graphics card. The simple user interface allows users to overclock their NVIDIA GPU with ease, offering presets for performance levels, target performance for fan speeds, GPU voltage, power, and temperature (MakeUseOf).
Sapphire trixx
SAPPHIRE TriXX is designed for AMD graphics cards and offers a user-friendly interface for overclocking. It includes features such as core and memory frequency overclocking, voltage control, and fan speed adjustments. The TriXX Boost feature provides an integrated FPS boost by reducing rendering resolution and upscaling the output image, similar to NVIDIA’s Image Scaling (MakeUseOf).
Key features of alternatives
User interface and usability
Many MSI Afterburner alternatives offer user-friendly interfaces that cater to both novices and experienced users. For instance, EVGA Precision X1 and ASUS GPU Tweak II provide visually appealing and intuitive interfaces that simplify the overclocking process. These tools often include automatic tuning features, such as EVGA’s OC Scanner and ASUS’s Gaming Booster, which help users achieve optimal overclock settings without extensive manual adjustments (Digital Trends).
Customization and precision
Alternatives to MSI Afterburner often provide advanced customization options, allowing users to fine-tune their graphics card settings with precision. Tools like EVGA Precision X1 and SAPPHIRE TriXX offer detailed control over voltage, core and memory frequencies, and fan speeds. This level of customization enables users to achieve higher clock speeds and optimize their GPU performance to meet specific needs (MakeUseOf).
Compatibility
While MSI Afterburner is known for its broad compatibility with most Nvidia and ATI cards, some alternatives may have narrower compatibility ranges. For example, NVIDIA Inspector is designed solely for NVIDIA GPUs, and AMD Radeon Software Auto Overclock is specific to AMD hardware. However, tools like EVGA Precision X1 and ASUS GPU Tweak II support a wide range of GPUs, making them versatile options for users with different graphics card brands (RocketFiles).
Limitations of alternatives
Compatibility issues
One of the primary limitations of MSI Afterburner alternatives is the potential for narrower GPU compatibility. While MSI Afterburner supports a wide range of Nvidia and ATI cards, some alternatives, such as NVIDIA Inspector and AMD Radeon Software Auto Overclock, are limited to specific brands. This can pose a challenge for users who switch between different GPU brands or have multiple systems with different graphics cards (RocketFiles).
User interface standardization
The diversity in user interfaces among MSI Afterburner alternatives can result in a lack of standardization, making it challenging for users who switch between different tools. While some alternatives offer sleek and visually appealing designs, others may have less intuitive interfaces, potentially complicating the overclocking process for users accustomed to a specific tool (RocketFiles).
Unique features of alternatives
Advanced tools and features
Many MSI Afterburner alternatives excel by offering advanced tools and features that push the boundaries of GPU overclocking. For instance, EVGA Precision X1 includes stress tests to evaluate the performance of overclock configurations and control RGB lighting on compatible GPUs. ASUS GPU Tweak II’s Profile Connect feature allows users to create and save custom overclock settings for specific applications, enhancing the overall user experience (Digital Trends).
Tailored solutions for different gpus
MSI Afterburner alternatives recognize the diversity among GPUs and offer tailored solutions to ensure optimal performance for different graphics card models. Tools like AMD Radeon Software Auto Overclock provide preset overclock options specific to AMD hardware, while NVIDIA Inspector offers detailed overclocking options for NVIDIA GPUs. This tailored approach ensures that each GPU, regardless of brand or model, reaches its optimal settings (RocketFiles).
Conclusion
MSI Afterburner remains one of the most popular and powerful tools for GPU overclocking and monitoring.
The latest update brings significant improvements and new features that enhance the software’s capabilities and user experience.
With better compatibility, an improved user interface, advanced overclocking tools, enhanced monitoring capabilities, and stability improvements, MSI Afterburner continues to be a valuable tool for gamers and enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their GPUs.
The update ensures that MSI Afterburner remains relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of GPU technology, providing users with the tools they need to optimize their system’s performance.
Whether you are a seasoned overclocker or a novice looking to improve your gaming experience, MSI Afterburner offers a comprehensive solution that caters to a wide range of needs.
NVCleanstall is a software utility developed by TechPowerUp, designed to enhance user control over the installation of NVIDIA graphics card drivers.
Launched in October 2019, it addresses the common complaint among users about the bloat and unwanted components often included in standard NVIDIA driver installations.
By allowing users to select and deselect specific components, NVCleanstall aims to streamline the installation process, potentially improving system performance and stability by eliminating unnecessary software.
The tool is notable for its user-friendly interface, which provides explanations for each component, aiding users in making informed decisions tailored to their specific needs and system requirements.
NVCleanstall stands out due to its customization capabilities, offering presets for different levels of installation depth, from a minimal setup that includes only the essential drivers, to a full installation with all components.
This customization not only caters to advanced users looking to optimize their systems but also to average users seeking a clutter-free driver installation. The software supports a wide range of NVIDIA hardware and is compatible with various Windows operating systems, making it accessible to a broad audience.
Since its release, NVCleanstall has been positively received by the NVIDIA user community, particularly for providing an alternative to NVIDIA’s standard installation process, which is often criticized for its bloat.
The ability to bypass the GeForce Experience requirement and directly install drivers has been a significant advantage, especially for users of older NVIDIA models.
The tool’s regular updates and support for the latest driver releases further contribute to its value, ensuring compatibility and offering new features to enhance user experience.
However, NVCleanstall’s approach has sparked discussions and some controversies regarding the necessity of such a tool, reflecting on NVIDIA’s software distribution practices.
Critics argue that the existence of NVCleanstall underscores the bloat in NVIDIA’s drivers and highlights a broader industry trend towards overly cumbersome software updates.
Despite these criticisms, NVCleanstall remains a popular solution for users seeking more autonomy over their driver installations, symbolizing a step towards more user-centric software management in the realm of graphics drivers.
Overview
NVCleanstall is a software tool designed to give users more control over the installation process of NVIDIA drivers by allowing them to select which components to install. One of the key features of NVCleanstall is its ability to provide explanations for each component directly within its interface.
When users click on a component, a helpful snippet appears on the right side of the window, offering insights into what the component does and aiding users in making informed decisions about what to keep or remove from the installation[1].
To streamline the selection process, NVCleanstall introduces three presets that cater to different user needs.
These presets include “All,” which installs every available component in the drivers; “Recommended,” which omits components that most people would not notice if missing; and “Minimum,” which retains only the essential elements required for the GPU to be operational, primarily the display driver itself.
History
Nvcleanstall, a third-party tool designed to assist users in managing NVIDIA graphics card drivers, was first introduced to the public in October 2019[2].
This innovative software, developed by TechPowerUp, was created to provide a streamlined and efficient way of installing NVIDIA drivers, offering users more control over the installation process[1].
Since its initial release, Nvcleanstall has seen several updates, with the latest version being made available just yesterday from the time of the referenced information[2].
Upon its release, Nvcleanstall was quickly recognized for its utility and the benefits it offers to NVIDIA graphics card users.
Initial release and development
The journey of NVCleanstall began with its beta version, which was actively developed between 2018 and 2019[4].
This period was crucial for gathering user feedback and refining the software to meet the needs of a broad audience.
The official release of NVCleanstall was announced in October 2019, marking the beginning of its availability to the general public[2].
Compatibility and support
The wide range of NVIDIA hardware and software configurations supported by NVCleanstall underscores its versatility.
Compared to other methods that might require specific versions or have limited compatibility, NVCleanstall aims to cater to a broad audience by facilitating the installation of drivers across various devices and systems.
This inclusivity, combined with the tool’s ability to identify and load the best drivers for the user’s hardware, positions NVCleanstall as a valuable alternative for users seeking a tailored installation experience.
Features
NVCleanstall, a utility designed to streamline the NVIDIA GeForce Driver installation process, offers a range of features aimed at enhancing user control, performance, and system stability.
By providing options to remove unnecessary components and optimize driver configurations, NVCleanstall stands out as a valuable tool for NVIDIA graphics card users.
This section outlines the key features of NVCleanstall, highlighting how it improves the installation process of NVIDIA drivers.
This customization extends to offering explanations for each component, aiding users in making informed decisions about what to include in their driver setup.
Performance optimization
NVCleanstall not only focuses on removing unnecessary components but also adds advanced tweaks to improve input-lag, potentially enhancing gaming and graphics performance.
By tailoring the driver installation to the system’s requirements, users can achieve an optimized performance that suits their specific needs.
Stability and compatibility
The removal of unwanted components through NVCleanstall can lead to greater system stability. Additionally, the utility supports a wide range of NVIDIA hardware and software configurations, ensuring broad compatibility.
This feature is particularly beneficial for users aiming to maintain a balance between performance and stability in their systems.
Enhanced control over driver versions
By enabling the “Show all versions” option, users gain access to a comprehensive list of available drivers, including those that may not be officially recommended for their hardware.
This feature allows for greater flexibility in choosing driver versions, offering the opportunity to use older drivers if they better suit the user’s needs or to experiment with newer releases ahead of official compatibility updates.
Presets for easy configuration
NVCleanstall introduces three presets (All, Recommended, Minimum) to simplify the selection process for users. These presets range from enabling all available components for a complete installation to keeping only the bare essentials for GPU functionality[1].
Despite the seeming convenience, users are advised to be aware that many driver components are interdependent, which may affect their decisions on what to deselect.
Direct driver file utilization
Users have the option to use driver files already downloaded to their disk, providing flexibility for those who prefer to download drivers directly from NVIDIA or other sources.
This feature is particularly useful for reinstalling drivers or applying custom configurations without needing to redownload the entire package.
The Nvcleanstall Solution
Nvcleanstall differentiates itself from the standard NVIDIA driver installation process by offering users a streamlined and customizable experience.
It enables you to tailor your driver installation to your specific needs, granting you full control over the components you want to install.
Advantages of Using Nvcleanstall
By utilizing Nvcleanstall, users can experience several advantages:
Precise Control: Customize the installation by selecting only the necessary driver components, eliminating unnecessary bloatware.
Optimized Performance: Tailor drivers to your system’s requirements, potentially enhancing gaming and graphics performance.
Stability Enhancement: Remove unwanted components to potentially achieve greater system stability.
Compatibility: Nvcleanstall supports a wide range of NVIDIA hardware and software configurations.
How to use NVCleanstall
Check out our NVIDIA Drivers ultimate guide for more information on how to utilize this tool and get a more responsive gaming PC.
NVCleaninstall should be used after you have completely removed your old NVIDIA drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller for the best effect.
Launch NVCleanstall and wait for the application to find the latest driver from NVIDIA. Click Next to proceed to the next step (Using optimized GPU drivers will not only limit the amount of telemetry sent back to NVIDIA but will also remove the need to create an account for future updates.)
Driver components
Select only the essential components to install with the package. Click Next, the application will now prepare the driver installation without unnecessary bloatware. (Our recommendation is to select only the Display Driver unless you rely on ShadowPlay to record your gameplay.)
Installation tweaks
Check all the boxes except “Add Hardware Support” (which is only for older laptops etc with limited driver support). Click Next. (“Disable NVIDIA HD Audio device sleep timer” will throw an error during installation due to the HDMI Audio driver not being installed – You can simply ignore this.)
Finish installation
Wait for the installation to create a customized driver package based on your configuration. Once unpacked the NVIDIA drivers will install automatically.
Wait for the installation to finish
Keep this window open until the installer has finished.
Restart the PC
Wait for the PC to restart and once you are back in windows you are ready to configure the NVIDIA Control Panel to further improve the gaming performance.
NVCleanstall is a software utility that enables the user to cleanly reinstall the NVIDIA drivers on their system.
This is useful if you are having issues with your current drivers, or if you want to install a fresh copy of the drivers with best performance.
Can it enhance my gaming experience?
NvCleanstall removes unnecessary bloat from NVIDIA’s GeForce Driver, and adds advanced tweaks for improved Input-lag.
Using optimized GPU drivers will not only limit the amount of telemetry sent back to Nvidia but will also remove the need to log in using an Nvidia account.
Multiplane Overlay (MPO) is a feature of Windows display adapter that enables multiple framebuffers to be composited by the display controller hardware. This can reduce the workload of the GPU and CPU, as well as the latency of displaying the content.
MPO can also allow for independent page flips of different planes, which can improve the performance and responsiveness of Windows applications.
However, MPO can also cause some issues with certain graphics drivers, such as AMD, and may require disabling for optimal stability.
What is Message Signaled Interrupts?
Message signaled interrupts (MSI) are a way of signaling an interrupt without using a dedicated pin. Instead, devices that use MSI write a value to a specific memory address to trigger an interrupt.
This method has some advantages over pin-based interrupts, such as reducing the number of pins, increasing the number of possible interrupts, and avoiding race conditions with memory writes.
MSI is supported by PCI bus since version 2.2 and by PCI Express bus.
What is NVIDIA HD Audio Device Sleep Timer?
Nvidia HD Audio Device is a driver that allows your computer to communicate with the audio hardware on your Nvidia graphics card. It can also enable features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive sound.
The sleep timer is a setting that lets you specify how long the audio device should remain active before going into power-saving mode.
You can adjust the sleep timer in the Nvidia Control Panel under Manage 3D Settings > Power Management Mode.
What is HDCP?
HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. It is a form of digital copy protection that prevents unauthorized copying of audio and video content.
HDCP is used by devices such as Blu-ray players, game consoles, streaming services and HDMI cables to ensure that only authorized devices can receive and display the content.
Users have appreciated the ability to bypass the cumbersome process of signing into GeForce Experience and directly install only the components they need, leading to improved system performance and reduced resource consumption.
The customization options available in NVCleanstall have been praised for providing an unprecedented level of control over graphics driver installations.
Gamers and professionals, who demand peak performance from their hardware, have found the tool’s ability to select individual components for installation especially useful.
This granularity not only helps in avoiding unnecessary bloat but also in resolving driver conflicts and compatibility issues, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.
Conclusion
While NVCleanstall has been praised for providing NVIDIA users with the ability to streamline their driver installations and reduce system bloat, its introduction and use have not been without controversy and criticism.
One primary concern among users is the potential for NVCleanstall to inadvertently remove critical components necessary for specific functionalities, leading to driver conflicts, graphical glitches, and compatibility issues.
The program aims to mitigate these risks by offering explanations for each component that can be removed, but the effectiveness of these descriptions and the user’s understanding can vary, sometimes resulting in unintended consequences.
Furthermore, some critics argue that the need for a third-party tool like NVCleanstall highlights deficiencies within NVIDIA’s own software distribution model.
Critics point out that NVIDIA’s drivers have become bloated with unnecessary features that consume significant system resources, prompting the need for tools to customize the installation process.
This criticism suggests a broader issue within the industry, where software and driver updates are increasingly seen as overly intrusive and burdensome by users. Another point of contention is the reliance on third-party tools for what some believe should be built-in features.
The fact that users must seek out and trust software like NVCleanstall to manage their driver installations reflects a potential gap in customer service and software design on NVIDIA’s part.
While NVCleanstall itself is widely regarded as safe, the general practice of downloading and using software to alter system drivers carries inherent risks, including the possibility of introducing malware or other vulnerabilities.
Users are advised to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before downloading and using any third-party software.
Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is a program designed to remove all traces of AMD, Nvidia and Intel graphics drivers from a system.
It can be used to fix various graphics issues, or to prepare a system for a new graphics card/driver installation. DDU should always be used in conjunction with a fresh install of the latest graphics drivers.
What is Display Driver Uninstaller?
Most official uninstallers in Windows 10 are known for leaving leftovers on the system when used to remove an application.
It can be all sorts of junk, and in the case of GPU drivers, this is particularly troublesome as these leftover files may interfere with performance.
Display Driver Uninstaller is a free tool to carefully remove old GPU drivers.
It works by properly scanning the computer for all known files and configurations and removing them for the last time.
NVIDIA Control Panel comes bundled with your graphics card drivers and provides configuration options for various scenarios. As usual with these applications, they are meant to be compatible with a wide range of use cases. Hence optimizations are necessary for competitive gaming.
How to setup Nvidia Control Panel
Setting up the right options inside NVIDIA Control Panel is crucial to maximise your NVIDIA drivers and Graphics Card
Total Time:25 minutes
3D Settings (Top)
3D Settings (Mid)
Ultra-low latency Limit Max Framerate
3D Settings
Prefer Maximum Performance
Resolution & Scaling
Set the option to “No Scaling”. From the drop-down make sure to select your main monitor. Make sure you have the resolution set to your native resolution for your monitor. Check the option to “Override game-specific” to force these options in all applications. Additional layers of graphics will add input lag from your monitor
PhysX
Set your Nvidia graphics card as the PhysX compute device. (While PhysX is rarely used today, your GPU is vastly superior to your CPU for these tasks.
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!
