How to Get Better FPS on a Low-End PC

If you're gaming on a low-end PC, you might find yourself frustrated with low frame rates and stuttering. But don’t throw in the towel just yet—there are several ways to optimize your system and squeeze out every bit of performance possible. This guide will walk you through practical, actionable steps to improve FPS (frames per second) on your aging machine.

1. Upgrade Your Hardware

Let’s start with the most straightforward approach: hardware upgrades. Even small improvements can make a significant difference.

**1.1. Increase RAM

Adding more RAM can provide a noticeable boost to performance, especially if you’re running multiple applications or playing games that are demanding on memory. Check your system specifications to determine the maximum amount of RAM your PC can handle, and consider upgrading if you’re currently below that threshold.

**1.2. SSD Over HDD

Switching from a traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive) to an SSD (Solid State Drive) can drastically reduce loading times and improve overall system responsiveness. SSDs are faster at reading and writing data compared to HDDs, which can enhance your gaming experience.

**1.3. Graphics Card Upgrade

If your graphics card is outdated, upgrading to a newer model can provide a substantial increase in FPS. Focus on cards that offer the best performance within your budget. Even entry-level graphics cards can provide a significant improvement over older models.

2. Optimize System Settings

Before investing in new hardware, you should optimize your existing system settings to get the best performance possible.

**2.1. Adjust In-Game Settings

Lowering your in-game settings can have a profound impact on FPS. Here’s what you can tweak:

• Resolution: Lowering your resolution can boost FPS. For instance, switching from 1080p to 720p can improve performance, though it may reduce image quality.
• Graphics Quality: Set graphics quality to low or medium. This reduces the load on your GPU.
• Shadows and Effects: Disabling or reducing shadows and special effects can significantly increase FPS.

**2.2. Update Drivers

Ensure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date. Manufacturers regularly release driver updates that can improve performance and fix bugs. Check the manufacturer’s website or use a driver update tool to get the latest version.

**2.3. Adjust Power Settings

In your PC’s power settings, switch to High Performance mode. This ensures that your system is running at its maximum potential and not throttling performance to save energy.

3. Clean and Maintain Your PC

A clean and well-maintained PC operates more efficiently. Here’s how to keep your machine in top shape:

**3.1. Clean Dust and Debris

Dust buildup can lead to overheating, which can throttle your PC’s performance. Regularly clean your PC’s interior to ensure optimal airflow and cooling.

**3.2. Defragment Hard Drives

If you’re using an HDD, defragmenting can help improve performance by reorganizing fragmented data. This is less of an issue with SSDs but can be beneficial for HDDs.

**3.3. Check for Malware

Malware can significantly impact performance. Use reputable antivirus software to scan for and remove any malicious software that might be slowing down your system.

4. Optimize Game Performance

Games often have their own settings and optimizations that can improve FPS.

**4.1. Use Game Mode

Windows has a built-in Game Mode that optimizes your system for gaming. Ensure this is enabled in your system settings.

**4.2. Close Background Applications

Close unnecessary background applications while gaming to free up system resources. Programs running in the background can consume CPU, RAM, and disk space that could otherwise be used by your game.

**4.3. Enable V-Sync

Vertical Sync (V-Sync) can reduce screen tearing and improve the visual quality of your game, although it may impact FPS slightly. Test to see if it provides a better experience.

5. Use Performance-Enhancing Software

Several software tools can help improve performance on a low-end PC:

**5.1. System Optimization Tools

System optimization tools like CCleaner can clean up temporary files and fix registry issues that may be affecting performance.

**5.2. Game Optimization Software

Some programs are designed specifically to optimize game settings for better performance. These tools automatically adjust settings based on your hardware to maximize FPS.

**5.3. Overclocking Software

If you're comfortable with it, you might consider using overclocking software to push your CPU or GPU beyond their standard limits. Be cautious, as this can lead to overheating and potentially damage your hardware if not done properly.

6. Upgrade to a Lightweight Operating System

Sometimes, the operating system itself can be a bottleneck. Upgrading to a lightweight OS or even a specialized gaming distribution can reduce the load on your hardware and free up resources for gaming.

**6.1. Use a Minimalist OS

Consider using a minimalist operating system or a version of Linux that is optimized for performance. These systems use fewer resources and can improve overall performance.

**6.2. Optimize Windows Settings

If you prefer to stick with Windows, there are several settings you can adjust to improve performance, such as disabling unnecessary startup programs and adjusting visual effects for best performance.

Conclusion

Improving FPS on a low-end PC requires a combination of hardware upgrades, system optimizations, and software adjustments. By following these steps, you can enhance your gaming experience and get the most out of your current setup.

By applying these techniques, you’ll not only improve your frame rates but also extend the life of your low-end PC, making your gaming sessions smoother and more enjoyable.