PC gamers can lift frame rates through settings changes, Engadget says
Engadget recommends reducing demanding graphics options, updating drivers and trying upscaling, while warning that frame generation can add input lag.
PC gamers may be able to improve frame rates without buying new hardware, according to an Engadget guide published on 28 September. Its recommendations focus on adjusting game settings and Windows performance options, though the results will vary by game and system.
The guide suggests reducing texture quality, shadows and ambient occlusion, or lowering a game’s internal resolution to ease demand on the graphics processor. It also recommends closing background apps and updating graphics drivers.
For Windows 11, Engadget advises enabling Game Mode and switching the power setting to “Best performance”. The latter may reduce battery life on laptops.
Upscaling technologies including NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR and Intel XeSS are presented as ways to render fewer pixels internally and reconstruct the image at a higher output resolution. Engadget also suggests experimenting with frame generation, but cautions that interpolated frames can increase input lag.
Ray tracing is another potential performance cost, with path tracing described as especially demanding. The guide recommends turning off ray tracing on less capable systems, while noting that the visual trade-off depends on the game and hardware. It provides no benchmark methodology or independent measurements, so its suggestions are not guaranteed to deliver a particular frame-rate gain.
