How to Fix Low FPS on PC Games (STEPS)

Why is my FPS so low all of a sudden?

The main reason why your FPS (frames per second) is too low when playing PC games is because of insufficient RAM storage, clogged or dusty fans, or an outdated CPU.

 

Possible Causes

• Clogged or dusty fans
• Outdated CPU
• Insufficient power
• A weak graphics card
• A glitch in the Microsoft update

 

Insufficient RAM

Playing games on insufficient RAM is dangerous for your computer. Every game comes with a disclaimer that tells users about the specs required to play the game. You must ensure that your computer meets the game’s criteria. If you are experiencing the problem of low FPS, you should change your RAM.

 

Clogged or dusty fans

Even though this problem is more common in desktop computers, laptop users may also face the issue of dusty fans. When the fans inside your CPU become heavily clogged with dust, they stop performing efficiently. This heat retention stops the CPU from running smoothly. Getting the fans cleaned will have a drastic change in your system’s performance.

 

Outdated CPU

Just like you need specific RAM for running games, you need a gaming-modified CPU to run high-end games smoothly. Ensure that your CPU can support the game.

 

Insufficient power

If there is a problem with your computer’s battery, it will be difficult to store the power required to run the system smoothly. If you are running the game on your laptop, you should play the game when the laptop is plugged in.

 

A weak graphics card

You need a high-end graphics card to run heavy-graphic games. If you have an outdated graphics card, you will need to get it replaced. New games are more intense and have better video quality, so it is important to ensure that the graphics card is capable of running the game.

 

A glitch in the Microsoft update

Windows 10’s update may also cause a few glitches in the system’s FPS. When such a thing happens, Microsoft usually fixes the bug.

 

 

How do I fix low FPS?

To fix low FPS, enable game mode, decrease your PC’s resolution or change the video settings of your computer.

 

Enable Game Mode [Method 1]

1. Go to Start.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select the Gaming option.
4. From the left pane, choose Game Mode.
5. Toggle on Game Mode.

 

Decrease Your PC’s Resolution [Method 2]

If you don’t have a high-end, gaming-modified PC, you will encounter several problems while running high-quality games. A simple computer cannot run high-resolution games while maintaining an FPS of 60.

You should lower the resolution to 900p from 1080p. This step will reduce pixels by 30%. You can further reduce it to 720p for a larger drop. 

 

Change The Video Setting [Method 3]

Try adjusting the following settings:

• Graphical details: it reduces the quality of features like texture, shadows, reflections, lighting, etc
• Anti-aliasing: It smoothes out the edges of objects in such a manner that although they look good, they don’t harm FPS
• Draw distance: It is done to avoid rendering far-off objects. Since the CPU doesn’t have to render all objects simultaneously, it can maintain FPS constantly.

 

Upgrade Graphics Card Driver [Method 4]

1. Press and hold the Windows + R keys.
2. In the dialog box, type devmgmnt.MSc
3. Press Enter.
4. Under the Display adapters option, right-click on Graphics Card.
5. Select Properties.
6. Choose Driver.
7. Click on the Update driver button.
8. Click on the Search automatically for the updated driver software option.
9. Follow on-screen instructions.

 

Disable Superfetch And Prefetch [Method 5]

1. Open the Windows search box.
2. Type services.
3. Select the Services option.
4. Go to SysMain.
5. Double-click on it.
6. From the Startup type option, choose Disabled.
7. Click Apply.
8. Click OK.
9. Close the window.
10. Press and hold Windows + R keys to open the dialog box.
11. Type Regedit
12. Press Enter.
13. Click Yes.
14. In the address bar, paste the following command: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParametersPress Enter.
15. Double-click on EnablePrefetcher.
16. Enter O.
17. Click OK.

 

Optimize Your Desk [Method 6]

1. Open Start.
2. Type the word defragment.
3. Click on Defragment and Optimize Drivers.
4. Choose Windows disk.
5. Hit Optimize.

 

This step will either optimize the SSD via TRIM or defragment the HDD.

 

Third-Party Program Settings [Method 7]

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Go to the Startup button on Task Manager.
3. Click on the third-party programs causing trouble.
4. Hit Disable.
5. Restart the computer.

 

Update The GPU Drivers [Method 8]

1. Go to Start.
2. Type Add or remove programs.
3. Find AMD Software/NVIDIA GeForce Experience.
4. Uninstall it.
5. Download Display Driver Uninstaller.
6. Install it.
7. Select AMD/NVIDIA.
8. Click on Clean and restart.

 

What is considered low FPS?

30 FPS is generally considered the minimum level at which the game is at the playable stage. Anything below it can cause serious issues in your gaming experience.

 

Usually, for the single-user game, the standard is 60 FPS. For multiplayer games, 120 FPS is preferred for an optimal gaming experience.

 

But not every PC is modified to support 120 FPS. The table below explains what different levels of FPS mean for users:

 

FPS Level	Game Experience
Less than 30 FPS	Unplayable
30-45 FPS	Playable
45-60 FPS	Smooth

 

60 FPS is low for high-end computers, but for average (normal) computers, 30 FPS is workable.

 

Is low FPS a good thing?

Low FPSis not a good thing as it can adversely impact your gaming quality and experience. High FPS levels provide a great gaming experience. But low FPS levels make your game choppy and slower.

Playing games on high FPS is a better experience. High-FPS performance depends on your computer’s power, monitor, and game settings. It gives you a competitive advantage. Low FPS is not desirable for people who are into high-end games.

 

How do I fix low FPS but high GPU usage?

To fix low FPS but high GPU usage, reinstall graphic driver or update chipset driver.

 

Reinstall The Graphics Driver [Method 1]

1. In the search bar, type device manager.
2. Tap Enter.
3. Choose Display adapters.
4. Choose graphics card driver.
5. Select Uninstall driver.
6. Click on the Delete the driver software for this device button.
7. Click Uninstall.
8. Restart the computer. 
9. The system will reinstall the driver whenever you restart it.

 

Update Chipset Driver [Method 2]

1. Type system information.
2. Look for BaseBoard Product and copy the motherboard model written beside it.
3. Scroll down to AMD’s or Internet’s website.
4. Paste the model number. 
5. Press Enter.
6. Download the drivers.
7. Install them.

 

How do I fix low FPS but low GPU usage?

To fix low FPS and low GPU usage, take assistance from third-party program settings or fix corrupted windows registry. You can also try updating the GPU drivers to see if the problem gets resolved.

 

Update the GPU Drivers [Method 1]

1. Go to Start.
2. Type Add or remove programs.
3. Find AMD Software/NVIDIA GeForce Experience.
4. Uninstall it.
5. Download Display Driver Uninstaller.
6. Install it.
7. Select AMD/NVIDIA.
8. Click on Clean and restart.

 

Fix The Corrupted Windows Registry [Method 2]

1. Go to Start.
2. Type CMD.
3. Choose Command Prompt.
4. Click on Run as administrator.
5. Type SFC/scannow.
6. Press Enter.
7. Wait for the scan to finish.
8. Restart computer.

 

Third-Party Program Settings [Method 3]

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Go to the Startup button on Task Manager.
3. Click on the third-party programs causing trouble.
4. Hit Disable.
5. Restart the computer.

 

How do I fix low FPS but high CPU usage?

To fix low FPS but high CPU usage, on the search bar, type power and sleep settings, click high performance and turn off display option.

 

Below we discuss this step-by-step:

1. Go to Power and Sleep.
2. Go to Related Settings.
3. Click on High Performance.
4. A new window will open; click on the drop-down menu next to the Turn off the display option.
5. Choose Never.
6. Now go back to the Desktop.
7. Type Run in the search bar.
8. Type %LOCALAPPDATA%.
9. Click OK.
10. Scroll down to find Temp files.
11. Press Ctrl + A.
12. Delete all files.
13. Go back to the Desktop.
14. Right-click on the screen.
15. Go to Display Settings.
16. Go to Graphics Settings.
17. Go to Browse.
18. Locate your game launcher.
19. Click on Options.
20. Prefer High Performance. 
21. Select Save.

 

How do I fix low FPS but high refresh rate?

To fix low FPS but high refresh rate issue, click start,go to settings,choose System, click on Display, select Advanced Display Settings, now note the monitor’s refresh rate.

 

You can compare the refresh rate with FPS. To improve it, you can follow these steps:

1. Optimize your game settings.
2. Install the latest version of the video drivers.
3. Reduce your screen resolution.
4. Update the graphics card.

 

Why do I have low FPS on a high-end PC?

The reason why you have low FPS on a high-end PC is because of heat retention. Clogged or dusty fans are not allowing your CPU to function smoothly. To get the most out of your CPU performance, you should regularly get the fans cleaned.

 

While you can get this step done at home, it is better to get a technician to fix the issue.

Another reason for low FPS could be outdated graphics card drivers. You should reinstall the new one and keep it updated. Low FPS messes up with your gaming experience, so it is quite important to have your computer in top-notch condition so that you can play high-res games.

 

Is 10 FPS good for gaming?

Even though it largely depends on the game, 10 FPS is not playable. Your screen will lag, and playing a game will not be fun. 10 FPS is not recommended at all if you are playing a game.

 

Is 20 FPS good for gaming?

Many people think that 20 FPS falls in the “ok” range, meaning the gaming experience will not be awfully bad. But it all depends on the game that you’re playing. Fast-paced games cannot possibly run on 20 FPS. 

There will be no fun in playing the game. Most users think that 20FPS is not at all recommended for any kind of game.

 

Is 30 FPS good for gaming?

30 FPS does fall in the “playable” range. It means that your gaming experience will largely be smooth, and the game will not lag at all.

However, it still depends on the nature of the game. Games that require continuous movement will definitely need a better FPS level for their optimal performance. Also, if you are playing a multiplayer game, you will need to have a higher FPS level so that there are no lags. 

 

Is 40 FPS good for gaming?

Most users find 40 FBS in the playable range. However, many believe it is “passable” only if they play a single-player game.

In multiplayer, users cannot afford any lags as such issues will give their opponents a better shot at winning. Shooting or racing games, for example, require precision and attention to detail. Any disruptions or lags in such a scenario will cause users to lose. 

For high-end games, the standard limit is 60 FPS.

 

Conclusion

Gaming-modified, high-end PCs are tailor-made to give an optimal gaming experience to users. However, there are a few factors – both internal and external – that may disrupt a user’s experience.

When it comes to installing updates, make sure that your computer’s software is updated. Also, ensure that all its components are in pristine condition for its hardware.

All these factors help you achieve better FPS levels, improving your gaming experience.