So, you’ve got yourself a brand-new gaming PC or maybe you’ve built one from scratch, and now you’re all set to dive into the world of gaming. But wait! Before you start, let’s make sure your PC is running at its best. With a few tweaks and adjustments, you can optimize your gaming experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are 11 must-try tips to get you started.
- Activate Game Mode
Game Mode is like a secret weapon hidden in your Windows settings. It helps manage your PC’s resources to give you better performance while gaming. To activate it, simply follow these steps:
Press the Start button on your keyboard and type “Game.”
Click on Game Mode Settings.
Toggle the switch to turn on Game Mode.
With Game Mode activated, you’ll notice smoother gameplay and faster response times in your favorite games.
- Disable Windows Notifications
Notifications can be a real buzzkill when you’re in the middle of an intense gaming session. Luckily, Windows lets you turn them off while you’re gaming, so you can stay focused and uninterrupted. Here’s how:
Press the Windows start button and type “Focus Assist.”
Click on “Notifications” and select “Turn on do not disturb automatically.”
Tick the box that says “When playing a game.”
Now, you can game in peace without any pesky pop-ups ruining your fun.
- Turn on Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling
Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling might sound complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. It helps optimize your graphics card’s performance and reduces latency, giving you smoother gameplay. To turn it on:
Press the Start button and search for “Graphics Settings.”
Turn on Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling.
Choose your preference for graphics performance for each app.
With this feature enabled, you’ll experience less lag and better overall performance in your games.
- Adjust Settings for Best Performance
Windows likes to look pretty with all its fancy animations, but sometimes, those visual effects can slow down your games. By adjusting your settings to prioritize performance over appearance, you can give your games a speed boost without sacrificing too much visual flair. Here’s how:
Press the Windows start button and type “Appearance and Performance.”
Select “Adjust the performance and appearance of Windows.”
Choose “Adjust for best performance” and click apply.
Now, your PC will focus on speed, ensuring smoother gameplay in your favorite titles.
- Turn Off Enhanced Pointer Precision
Your mouse is your best friend in the gaming world, so it’s essential to make sure it’s performing at its best. One setting that can affect its performance is Enhanced Pointer Precision. Here’s how to turn it off:
Press the Windows start button and type “Mouse Pointer.”
Click on “Change the mouse pointer display or speed.”
Untick the option for “Enhance pointer precision” and click apply.
By turning off this setting, you’ll enjoy more precise mouse movements and better control in your games.
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- Update Your Drivers Regularly
Keeping your drivers up to date is crucial for optimal performance. Make sure to regularly update both your Windows and graphics card drivers to ensure you’re getting the best performance possible. You can use tools like GeForce Experience to automatically download and install the latest drivers for your graphics card.
- Turn on Nvidia G-Sync
If you have a compatible monitor and graphics card, turning on Nvidia G-Sync can make a world of difference in your gaming experience. It ensures that your monitor’s refresh rate matches the frames per second your graphics card is putting out, preventing screen tearing and ensuring a smooth, tear-free gaming experience.
- Set Your Monitor Refresh Rate
Windows doesn’t always default to using the maximum refresh rate for your monitor, so it’s essential to set it manually. By setting your monitor’s refresh rate to its maximum, you’ll enjoy every frame in all its glory, resulting in smoother gameplay and better overall performance.
- Adjust Windows Start-up Settings
Many apps automatically start up when you boot up your PC, hogging up resources in the background. By disabling unnecessary start-up apps, you can speed up your boot time and optimize your PC for gaming. Here’s how:
Press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to launch Task Manager.
Go to the Startup tab and disable any apps you don’t need running right away.
By doing this, you’ll free up resources for gaming and ensure your PC runs smoothly.
- Use Ethernet Instead of Wi-Fi
While Wi-Fi is convenient, nothing beats the speed and reliability of a wired Ethernet connection. Invest in a high-quality Ethernet cable and connect your gaming PC directly to your router to ensure a stable connection that won’t let you down, especially during intense gaming sessions.
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- Take Care of Your PC
Lastly, don’t forget to take care of your PC. Keep it clean and well-maintained by regularly dusting out the vents, updating your drivers, and giving it some TLC.
