How to Optimize PC for Gaming: Complete Guide 2025

Introduction

First steps in the world of PC gaming are often accompanied by mistakes that steal the joy of the process. Among common mistakes of beginner PC gamers is neglecting system and hardware optimization. This article will help avoid these mistakes, improve performance, and make your gaming comfortable. The first tip for a beginner is not to chase ultra-settings on an old system. The correct approach to setup starts with understanding key concepts.

Part 1: What is FPS in Games?

FPS (Frames Per Second) is the frame rate, the number of images your system manages to process and output to the screen per second. This indicator is a key marker of performance in games. The higher the fps value, the smoother and more responsive the picture, which is especially important in dynamic shooters or esports disciplines. For a beginner, tracking this parameter should become a habit—this is the foundation for any further optimization actions.

Part 2: What FPS is Considered Low and What is Good?

A typical question from a beginning gamer: what fps is good? There is no universal answer; it all depends on the game genre and monitor capabilities.

• 30 FPS: Minimum threshold for comfortable perception, often used in leisurely story-driven RPGs.
• 60 FPS: The gold standard to strive for. Provides smoothness in most games and matches the refresh rate of most screens.
• 120 FPS and above: Relevant for fast MOBAs and shooters where reaction speed is important, as well as for monitors with high refresh rates (144 Hz and above).

Low should be considered fps at which you notice stuttering, lag, and delays in control. A bad indicator is when frames drop below the stated refresh rate of your screen.

Part 3: Causes of Low FPS on a Powerful PC

Even on a strong PC, fps can be low. Let's analyze typical causes.

Overheating (Throttling)

The most common problem. When the temperature limit is exceeded, the processor (CPU) and graphics card (GPU) automatically reduce frequencies to avoid burning out, leading to a sharp drop in fps. It's important for a beginner to monitor temperature and system cleanliness.

Too Many Background Applications

Every open background program, especially a browser with a dozen tabs or messengers, consumes CPU and RAM resources. This creates lag and reduces performance in games.

Outdated Drivers

A driver is a program that connects hardware to the operating system. Outdated drivers, especially for graphics cards, cannot unlock their potential in new games and often become the cause of poor performance.

Incorrect Power Settings

In "Power Saver" mode, Windows limits processor and graphics card power to save energy, which is unacceptable for gaming. Beginners on laptops often encounter this mistake.

Weak Internet Connection

For online games, not only fps is critical, but also ping—signal delay to the server. A poor network channel or overloaded Wi-Fi router causes lag, which can be mistakenly taken for low fps. Check the network cable and router settings.

After eliminating these causes, you can proceed to targeted optimization.

Part 4: How to Increase FPS in Games?

1. Windows System Optimization

Disable unused services and features: disk indexing, User Account Control (UAC), remote access. Make sure that in power settings, "High Performance" mode is selected. This is a basic tip that a beginner should do first.

2. Graphics Settings in Games

Go to your game's graphics settings. The greatest fps boost comes from reducing or disabling:

• Anti-Aliasing and Shadows.
• Volumetric Lighting and Reflections.
• Screen resolution: reducing it is the most effective but also most noticeable way to boost fps.

3. Updating Graphics Card Drivers

Always download drivers from the manufacturer's official website (Nvidia or AMD). You can use proprietary utilities like GeForce Experience, which automatically select optimal settings for your hardware.

4. Closing Background Applications

Before launching a game, close all unnecessary programs. Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to end processes consuming RAM and CPU resources.

5. Updating Computer Components

If software methods don't help, the problem is in the hardware. The most significant boost comes from replacing the graphics card. However, before upgrading, make sure your processor won't become a "bottleneck" for the new power.

Part 5: Graphics Card (GPU) Optimization

1. Updating Graphics Card Drivers

I repeat, but this is important. For Nvidia, use Nvidia Control Panel; for AMD, use Radeon Software. In addition to drivers, there are fine settings there.

2. Performance Mode Settings

In the graphics card control panel, find the "Power Management" or "Power Mode" parameter and set it to "Prefer Maximum Performance." This will allow the graphics card to work at full power in games.

3. Disabling G-Sync / FreeSync

Adaptive synchronization technologies are good for smoothness, but on weak PCs they may slightly reduce fps. If you're fighting for every frame, try disabling them temporarily.

4. System Dust Cleaning

Dusty radiators and fans cannot cope with cooling, leading to throttling. Regular (every 6-12 months) careful PC dust cleaning is a mandatory procedure.

Part 6: Processor and RAM Optimization

1. Background Process Cleanup

In addition to closing programs, check startup (in Task Manager on the "Startup" tab) and disable everything you can do without when Windows starts. This will unload CPU and RAM.

2. Disabling Antivirus

You can disable antivirus background scanning during gameplay, especially built-in Windows Defender, which is known for sudden scans. Do this only if you're confident in the safety of the files you're running.

3. Checking Processor Temperature

Use programs like HWMonitor or Core Temp. If CPU temperature in games consistently exceeds 80-85°C, you may need to replace thermal paste or more effective cooling.

4. RAM Overclocking

In BIOS/UEFI, you can enable XMP profile (for Intel) or DOCP (for AMD) so RAM works at the manufacturer's stated frequency, not the base one. This is a simple and safe way to get a boost.

5. Increasing Page File

If physical memory (RAM) is insufficient, Windows uses a page file on disk. Set its initial and maximum size to 1.5-2 times your RAM capacity for system stability.

Part 7: Windows Settings for Games

1. Enabling Game Mode

Windows 10/11 has a built-in Game Mode ("Settings" -> "Gaming"). It prioritizes system resources for the active game window, disabling some background tasks.

2. Disabling Screen Recording

Disable background game clip recording and automatic screenshot creation in Game Bar settings. This feature may slightly affect performance.

3. Graphics Processor Settings

In system settings ("Settings" -> "System" -> "Display" -> "Graphics Settings"), you can manually specify which graphics card (discrete or integrated) to use for a specific game, which is important for laptops.

Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question: I did everything, but the game still lags. What to do?

Answer: Identify the "bottleneck" using monitoring (MSI Afterburner). If the graphics card is loaded at 100%—reduce graphics settings. If CPU or RAM—optimize the system or plan an upgrade.

Question: Can I use "booster" programs for optimization?

Answer: Many of them (for example, Razer Cortex) only automate routine tasks: clean RAM, disable services. Don't expect a significant miracle from them, but for a beginner they can be a convenient tool.

Question: How to choose your first gaming peripherals?

Answer: For starting, you don't necessarily need a top mouse and keyboard. The main thing is comfort. The mouse should fit well in your hand, and keyboard keys shouldn't stick. Pay attention to mouse pad size.

Part 9: Gaming PC Selection Recommendations

1. Graphics Card (GPU)

The key component for gaming. When building or buying, most of the budget is allocated to it. Study current reviews and tests on YouTube and specialized sites.

2. Processor (CPU)

Don't skimp on the processor, buying a weak CPU for a powerful graphics card. This is a classic mistake leading to imbalance and fps shortfall. CPU and GPU should be of the same class.

3. RAM

For 2025, a comfortable minimum is 16 GB. For online games, streams, or background work, consider 32 GB. Make sure it's memory with a frequency supported by your motherboard.

4. Storage (SSD/HDD)

Always install games and the system on SSD. This will speed up level loading and overall system operation many times. HDD can be used as storage for media files.

5. Power Supply

It's extremely wrong to skimp on the power supply. Choose a model with power reserve (20-30% more than calculated) from a trusted brand with 80 Plus certification. This is a guarantee of stability and protection for all hardware.