Increasing FPS on a low-end system

Introduction

Definition of FPS and why it is important

FPS stands for frames per second and refers to the number of images or frames that are displayed on a computer screen each second. A higher FPS rate typically results in a smoother and more fluid visual experience, as there is less lag between the frames being displayed. This is why gaming pcs and gaming laptops are made with the purpose of maintaining a high and stable framerate while providing minimal input lag or screen delay.

FPS is important because it can directly impact the gameplay experience in video games. For example, if a game has a low FPS rate, it may feel sluggish or unresponsive, which can be frustrating for players. In addition, a low FPS rate can also make it more difficult to aim and shoot accurately in first-person shooter games. On the other hand, a higher FPS rate can make the gameplay feel more responsive and immersive, which can greatly enhance the player’s enjoyment of the game. The results of lower FPS may as well cause anger and anxiety since you are losing the edge over your enemies.

FPS is also important for content creators such as streamers and video editors, as it can impact the quality and smoothness of the video output. In general, a higher FPS rate is generally preferred for video content, as it can result in a more visually pleasing and professional-looking final product. Learn more about the benefits of FPS here.

Overview of the challenges of increasing FPS on a low-end system

Increasing FPS on a low-end system can be challenging for a few reasons:

Limited hardware capabilities: A low-end system may have outdated or underpowered hardware that is not capable of running games or other demanding applications at high FPS. In this case, upgrading the hardware such as the graphics card or CPU may be necessary to increase FPS.
High system requirements: Some games or applications may have very high system requirements that a low-end system may not be able to meet. In this case, it may be necessary to lower the graphics settings or resolution in order to increase FPS.
Background programs and system issues: Sometimes, background programs or system issues can cause a drop in FPS. In this case, closing unnecessary programs and troubleshooting system issues can help increase FPS.

Overall, increasing FPS on a low-end system requires a combination of hardware upgrades, optimization of in-game settings and software, and regular maintenance of the system. It may also require making trade-offs such as lowering graphics settings in order to achieve higher FPS. Learn more about the importance of keeping a high framerate on budget gaming rigs here.

Hardware considerations

Upgrade or replace the graphics card

The graphics card, also known as the GPU (graphics processing unit), is a key component of a computer or video game console that is responsible for rendering and displaying images on the screen. A graphics card with a higher performance level will typically be able to display more complex and detailed graphics at a higher FPS rate.

If you are looking to increase FPS on a low-end system, upgrading or replacing the graphics card can be a effective way to boost performance. Some things to consider when choosing a new graphics card include:

Compatibility: Make sure the new graphics card is compatible with your system’s motherboard and power supply.
Performance level: Choose a graphics card that is powerful enough to meet the demands of the games or applications you want to run. You can find benchmarks and comparison charts online to help you make an informed decision.
Price: Determine how much you are willing to spend on a new graphics card and choose one that fits your budget.

Keep in mind that upgrading or replacing the graphics card can be a technical process, and it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a professional or follow detailed instructions. It is also important to properly install and configure the graphics card in order to get the best performance out of it. You can check our detailed article about how to go about choosing the right GPU for a low-end gaming pc or gaming laptop here.

Upgrade or replace the CPU

The CPU (central processing unit) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing tasks. A CPU with a higher performance level will be able to handle more demanding tasks and applications, which can result in higher FPS for games and other applications.

Upgrading or replacing the CPU can be an effective way to increase FPS on a low-end system, especially if the existing CPU is outdated or underpowered. Learn about getting the correct CPU for your desired results here.

Upgrade or replace the RAM

RAM (random access memory) is a type of computer memory that is used to store data that is being actively used or processed by the system. The more RAM a system has, the more data it can store and access quickly, which can improve the overall performance of the system.

Upgrading or replacing the RAM can be an effective way to increase FPS on a low-end system, especially if the existing RAM is outdated or insufficient. If you are in the search of a detailed guide about opting for the best possible RAM for your budget you can check this.

Consider using an SSD instead of an HDD for faster load times

An SSD (solid-state drive) is a type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data. An HDD (hard disk drive) is a type of storage device that uses a spinning disk to store data. SSDs are generally faster and more reliable than HDDs, as they have no moving parts and can access data more quickly.

Switching to an SSD from an HDD can be an effective way to increase FPS on a low-end system, as it can result in faster load times for games and other applications. Some things to consider when choosing an SSD include:

Capacity: Determine how much storage you need based on the size of your games and other files.
Speed: Choose an SSD with a higher speed rating for better performance.
Price: Determine how much you are willing to spend on an SSD and choose one that fits your budget.

In addition to these, an SSD can greatly improve the responsiveness of your desired OS as well as the loading times of certain functions.

Software considerations

Optimize in-game settings

Optimizing in-game settings can be an effective way to increase FPS on a low-end system. Here are some tips for optimizing in-game settings:

Lower the resolution: Reducing the resolution can greatly reduce the workload on the GPU and result in a significant increase in FPS.
Lower the graphics settings: Reducing the graphics settings such as texture quality, shadow quality, and antialiasing can also help increase FPS.
Enable v-sync: V-sync synchronizes the frame rate of the game with the refresh rate of the monitor, which can reduce screen tearing and input lag. However, it can also cause a decrease in FPS, so it may be necessary to disable v-sync in order to increase FPS.
Enable game mode: Many modern TVs have a game mode that optimizes the display for gaming, which can result in a higher FPS rate.
Use a configuration tool: Some games have built-in configuration tools that allow you to easily adjust graphics settings and other options.

It is important to note that optimizing in-game settings will likely result in a decrease in graphical quality, but it can be a trade-off that is worth it in order to achieve a higher FPS rate. Experiment with different settings to find the best balance between performance and visual quality.

Update graphics drivers

Graphics drivers are software programs that allow the operating system to communicate with the graphics card and display images on the screen. Updating graphics drivers can be an effective way to increase FPS on a low-end system, as newer drivers may contain optimizations and bug fixes that can improve performance.

Here is a general guide for updating graphics drivers:

Determine what graphics card you have: You can use a system information tool such as CPU-Z or check the documentation for your computer or graphics card to find out what graphics card you have.
Download the latest drivers: Go to the website of the manufacturer of your graphics card (such as NVIDIA or AMD) and search for the latest drivers for your specific graphics card. Download and save the driver package to your computer.
Install the drivers: Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to install the drivers. This may involve uninstalling the current drivers, restarting the computer, and then installing the new drivers.

You should take into account that you will have to regularly update graphics drivers to ensure that you are getting the best performance out of your graphics card. Some graphics card manufacturers offer automatic driver update tools that can make the process of updating drivers easier.

Use performance-enhancing software such as MSI Afterburner

MSI Afterburner is a free graphics card overclocking utility that allows you to fine-tune the settings of your graphics card to improve performance. Some features of MSI Afterburner include:

Overclocking: MSI Afterburner allows you to safely overclock your graphics card by increasing the clock speed and voltage. This can result in a boost in FPS, but it may also increase the risk of hardware failure and shorten the lifespan of the graphics card.
Monitoring: MSI Afterburner includes a real-time monitoring feature that allows you to track the performance of your graphics card, including the FPS rate, temperature, and voltage.
Custom fan profiles: MSI Afterburner allows you to create custom fan profiles to control the speed of the graphics card’s cooling fan, which can help keep the graphics card cool and prevent thermal throttling.

Using performance-enhancing software such as MSI Afterburner can be an effective way to increase FPS on a low-end system, but it is important to use caution when overclocking and to regularly monitor the performance and temperature of the graphics card. It is also a good idea to back up your system before making any changes with MSI Afterburner or any other software.

Use a game optimization tool such as Razer Cortex

Razer Cortex is a game optimization tool that claims to boost FPS and improve system performance for gaming. Some features of Razer Cortex include:

Game booster: Razer Cortex includes a game booster feature that shuts down unnecessary background programs and optimizes system settings in order to free up resources for gaming.
Game optimizer: Razer Cortex allows you to optimize the settings of individual games to improve performance and reduce lag.
FPS tracker: Razer Cortex includes an FPS tracker that allows you to track the FPS rate of your games in real time.
PC cleaning: Razer Cortex includes a PC cleaning feature that helps you remove unnecessary files and programs to free up space and improve performance.

Taking advantage of a game optimization tool such as Razer Cortex can be an effective way to increase FPS on a low-end system, but it is important to carefully read and understand the instructions and warnings provided by the tool before using it. It is also a good idea to back up your system before making any changes with Razer Cortex or any other software.

Tips for maintaining high FPS

Close unnecessary background programs

Closing unnecessary background programs can be an effective way to increase FPS on a low-end system, as it can free up resources such as CPU and RAM that can be used by games and other applications. Here are some tips for closing unnecessary background programs:

Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open the Task Manager.
Click the “Startup” tab to see a list of programs that start automatically when you turn on your computer.
Right-click on a program and select “Disable” to prevent it from starting automatically. You can also click “Open file location” to see where the program is installed and decide whether you want to keep it or not.
Click the “Processes” tab to see a list of programs that are currently running.
Right-click on a program and select “End task” to close it. Be careful not to close any important system processes or programs that you are currently using.

It is a good idea to regularly review the list of background programs and disable any that you do not need in order to improve system performance.

Lower the resolution and graphics settings of non-critical programs

Lowering the resolution and graphics settings of non-critical programs can be an effective way to increase FPS on a low-end system, as it can reduce the workload on the GPU and free up resources for more demanding programs such as games. Here are some tips for lowering the resolution and graphics settings of non-critical programs:

Open the program that you want to optimize.
Look for a settings or options menu where you can adjust the resolution and graphics settings.
Experiment with different settings to find the best balance between performance and visual quality.

Consider that some programs may not have the option to adjust the resolution or graphics settings, or the settings may be locked. In this case, there may not be much you can do to improve the performance of the program.

Conclusion

Regularly maintaining and optimizing your system is important for ensuring the best performance possible. Some tasks that should be part of a regular maintenance and optimization routine include:

Updating drivers: Keeping your drivers up to date can help improve performance and fix bugs.
Cleaning the system: Removing unnecessary files and programs can help free up space and improve performance.
Defragmenting the hard drive: Defragmenting the hard drive can help improve the speed and efficiency of the system.
Checking for and fixing errors: Running a system check or using a tool such as chkdsk can help identify and fix errors on the hard drive.
Monitoring the performance of the system: Using a tool such as Task Manager can help you monitor the performance of the system and identify bottlenecks or issues that may be affecting performance.

By regularly maintaining and optimizing your system, you can help ensure that it is running at its best and can handle the demands of games and other applications. This can help improve your overall enjoyment of the system and extend its lifespan.