Capping your frame rates may seem illogical, but there are valid reasons for doing so.
For PC gamers, frame rates are typically a massive concern. However, even with a top-tier gaming setup, limiting in-game frames per second (fps) can be beneficial. Those seeking to enhance GPU performance without investing in new hardware may find that setting a frame rate cap can help. This method not only reduces screen tearing—especially when paired with V-Sync—but also eases the load on the GPU.
Should You Cap or Uncap Your Frames?
In many gaming scenarios, it’s advisable to cap your frame rate. This capping can help maintain stable performance—assuming your hardware is capable—while also minimizing screen tearing. Additionally, limiting frame rates reduces strain on your GPU, resulting in quieter fan operation and less power consumption.
It is particularly sensible to impose a frame rate cap when utilizing Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) monitors. With a cap, your games remain within the effective VRR range, typically starting at 48 fps and peaking at your monitor’s maximum refresh rate. By limiting frame rates on VRR displays, you ensure that the in-game action does not exceed the refresh ceiling, which can also lead to lower latency. When combined with V-Sync, this limitation effectively prevents screen tearing.
Screen tearing itself is an unwelcome issue caused when the GPU sends a new frame to a monitor while the previous one is still being displayed. This leads to parts of two frames appearing simultaneously, resulting in unsightly flickering lines during movement. It’s a significant distraction and can undermine the gaming experience.
Personally, I’ve capped frame rates for years to ensure smooth, consistent gameplay while using my NVIDIA G-Sync compatible monitor. I generally forgo setting a minimum frame rate, as both G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync technologies synchronize the display’s refresh rate with the GPU’s output. While I play on a high-end RTX 5090 gaming rig, so frame drops are rare, even drops to 110 fps from 120 fps go unnoticed.
How to Limit Frame Rates in Any PC Game
The simplest method to cap frame rates in games is by using an fps limiter. Many games include this feature in their graphics settings, although they may not always function reliably. A more consistent approach is to utilize your GPU’s software to set a frame rate cap.
For those using NVIDIA graphics cards, the NVIDIA app or Control Panel will allow you to cap frame rates. Access Manage 3D Settings > Global Settings > Max Frame Rate and input your desired fps. AMD users can apply a system-wide frame rate cap through AMD Adrenalin by going to Gaming > Radeon Chill and setting the minimum and maximum fps to the same value. Third-party tools, like Guru3D RTSS RivaTuner, also offer more options.
The output rate you choose should be just below your monitor’s maximum refresh rate to prevent screen tearing. Generally, setting a cap of three to four frames below the max refresh rate works well. For example, a 60Hz panel should target 57 fps, while a 120Hz display should aim for 117 fps, and a 240Hz setup should consider 237 fps.
With VRR monitors, a cap set slightly below the refresh rate can also help reduce latency. Don’t fret over losing a few frames; the difference between 57 and 60 fps, or 237 and 240 fps, is unlikely to be noticeable. As long as your GPU can maintain the capped frame rate without dips, smooth, tear-free gameplay is attainable.
Pros and Cons of V-Sync
If you’ve been wondering how V-Sync impacts your frame rates, the essence is this: it caps the fps to match your display’s maximum refresh rate. For example, with a 120Hz monitor, your in-game frame rate will not surpass 120 fps when V-Sync is activated.
V-Sync syncs the game’s frame rates with the display’s refresh rate, causing the GPU to wait until a complete refresh cycle before rendering new frames. This adds a delay—16.7ms for 60Hz, 8.33ms for 120Hz, and 4.17ms for 240Hz displays.
The significant advantage of V-Sync is its ability to nearly eliminate screen tearing, which is a major disruption to immersion. However, there is a notable downside: it introduces input lag because the GPU must wait to render new frames until the refresh cycle completes.
The latency introduced varies by game, usually estimated at one additional refresh cycle of lag. Consequently, on a 120Hz monitor, this equates to 8.33ms. If the GPU struggles to render frames quickly, delayed frames can accumulate, further increasing latency.
From my experience, V-Sync does not typically introduce noticeable lag. However, for serious competitive gamers using NVIDIA cards, experimenting with NVIDIA’s Fast V-Sync may yield better results. This setting reduces standard V-Sync latency while maintaining a smoother experience and is found in the NVIDIA Control Panel under Manage 3D Settings.
Fast V-Sync allows the GPU to continue rendering frames rather than pausing for refresh cycles, hence it doesn’t cap fps like traditional V-Sync. I’ve found this helpful in maintaining smooth performance in games where my frame rate exceeds my monitor’s refresh rate, although it might not be effective in all titles.
