You don't necessarily need to buy expensive parts to get the best
This guide will show you how to properly check your gaming system and provide practical tips for creating a comfortable gaming environment. No complicated jargon here, just things you can put into practice right away.
Start with the basics: Understanding system specifications
First, check your PC's configuration. It's important to know your CPU, GPU, memory capacity, and storage type. In Windows, you can check this in Task Manager or System Information. For consoles, check the console model and available storage space.
Next, compare it with the game you want to play . The minimum system requirements are only a guide to whether or not the game will run. The recommended specifications are important for a smooth gameplay.
If you are close to the minimum requirements, you may need to adjust the image quality or reduce the resolution.
Check for CPU and GPU bottlenecks
A common cause of poor performance is a bottleneck, which occurs when either the CPU or GPU is unable to utilize the capabilities of the other.
For example, even if you have a high-performance GPU, if your CPU is weak, your FPS will not increase.
To identify these issues, a bottleneck analysis tool like this one can help: https://pcbottleneckcalculator.io
This tool will help you determine whether your CPU and GPU combination is suitable for gaming. While it's only a rough guide, it can help you identify the cause.
Check temperatures and thermal throttling
Heat is a silent culprit in performance degradation. When your CPU or GPU gets too hot, it automatically reduces performance to protect you. This is thermal throttling.
Monitor your temperatures while gaming to see if they are abnormally high.
The following are ways to improve this:
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Clean the dust off the fans and vents
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Improve airflow inside the case
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Replace old grease
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Lower the settings a bit
Even a drop in temperature by a few degrees can make a big difference in stability.
Keep your drivers and system up to date
Outdated drivers are a major cause of game performance issues, especially graphics drivers. Updates often improve performance and fix bugs.
Please check the following:
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Are your GPU drivers up to date?
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Is the OS updated?
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Are your chipset and audio drivers outdated?
Unless you have a specific reason, we recommend avoiding beta versions and using stable versions.
Check storage speed and installation location
Modern games are highly dependent on storage speed, and if you install them on an older HDD, you're more likely to experience longer load times and stuttering.
Install your games on an SSD if possible. Even a SATA SSD can make a big difference compared to an HDD. Also, the amount of free space on your SSD is important; if it's full, it will slow down.
Networking is also important in online games
In online games, not only FPS but also communication stability is important. Latency and packet loss can cause lag and disconnections.
The key improvements are as follows:
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Use a wired connection if possible
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Reboot your router regularly
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Stop background downloads
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Choose a server in a nearby area
A stable connection can sometimes provide a better experience than high-definition settings.
Testing your controllers properly
Controllers are often overlooked, as button lag and stick drift can make the experience frustrating even when the system is perfectly fine.
Rather than relying on intuition, it's useful to check with a tool like this: https://gamepadtester.co
You can check button inputs and stick movements in real time, making it easier to find minor issues.
Adjust your in-game settings intelligently
Turning everything up to max doesn't necessarily mean you'll get the best experience - shadows, anti-aliasing, ray tracing, draw distance, etc. are particularly expensive settings.
By simply lowering some settings, you can improve your FPS without significantly reducing image quality. First, aim for a stable frame rate.
Clean up background apps
Unnecessary apps running in the background can consume resources without you knowing. Browsers, recording software, and launchers are especially important to watch out for.
It is effective to close any apps you are not using before playing games.
Make it a habit to check regularly
Setting up a gaming environment isn't the end of the story. The situation changes with game and driver updates, and hardware deterioration over time.
Getting into the habit of checking before starting a new game will help you avoid trouble.
summary
The best gaming experience isn't just about expensive equipment, it's about understanding your system and fixing small issues one by one.
Checking for bottlenecks, managing temperatures, and checking your controllers all contribute to a smooth gaming experience. Gaming is truly enjoyable when you can play in a problem-free environment.