Why Am I Getting Low FPS on My High-End PC? (Complete Solution & Fixes)

Running into poor game performance after buying or building a high-end PC can really dampen your excitement. Luckily, you have a variety of options for addressing low FPS or frame rate problems including upgrading computer hardware and configuring custom settings.

This guide breaks down why you might have frame rate issues in your high-end computer and fixes you can try to improve FPS for PC gaming.

Common Causes of Low FPS on High-End PCs

There are several reasons why your high-end PC might be experiencing low FPS, including demanding game settings, outdated GPU drivers, or background processes wasting resources

Hardware Limitations

Even a high-end PC can struggle with low FPS if it encounters limitations. Outdated hardware like a graphics card or processor unable to handle the graphical demands of modern games would be prime candidates. Additionally, insufficient RAM can bottleneck performance, especially in titles that rely heavily on textures and complex AI. While your PC might be considered high-end for its time, the ever-evolving world of games may have pushed its capabilities past what they were built to do.

CPU Bottlenecks

Low FPS can be caused by a log jam in your CPU, which does the calculations and runs the game logic for the title you're playing. When the CPU isn’t able to keep up with the needs of your graphics card. Even when your GPU is rendering movie quality visuals, the CPU might be struggling to feed it data fast enough, which then results in sluggish gameplay and frame rate drops. This commonly happens in games that are CPU intensive, which means it relies on complex simulations or large open worlds with many characters.

GPU Performance Issues

Even high-end GPUs can experience performance issues that lead to low FPS. Overheating because of dust buildup or inadequate cooling can really slow your GPU's performance, which will cause the frame rate to drop. 

Additionally, outdated video drivers can be incompatible with the CPU for example, or might be passed over for performance optimizations. In some cases, faulty hardware itself could be the issue. Once you rule out other possible issues, it is best to stress test your GPU while monitoring for heat spikes. This will help identify if the card is underperforming.

Software & Drivers

High-end PCs normally have top-of-the-line hardware installed. With that said, software and driver issues can make it frustrating for you while playing the most modern titles. Background programs running in the shadows consume CPU and memory resources, which can easily lead to stuttering and frame rate drops. 

Additionally, if you place in-game settings too high, even on a powerful machine, you can push the graphics card beyond its intended capabilities. Optimizing software settings, including updating drivers and potentially adjusting in-game graphics options, might be the answer to low FPS.

Outdated or Corrupted Drivers

If the gaming PC’s server is outdated or somehow corrupted, it will struggle to keep up with the demands of the game. The resultings issues might be lag, rubberbanding (where characters appear to jump back and forth), and low FPS. While you can't directly control the server itself, monitoring server health updates from the game developer can help you identify if this is causing frame rate drops.

Software Conflicts & Bugs

Software conflicts and bugs can arise when multiple programs compete for resources like CPU and memory and cause stuttering and dropped frames. Bugs within a game itself can cause unforeseen performance issues and even a recent update that you completed can introduce compatibility problems with your gaming PC’s hardware setup, leading to frame rate dips. 

You need to regularly check for software updates, while keeping the game and drivers updated to patch any performance-sapping bugs.

System Settings & Configuration

When gaming PCs are not configured correctly, i.e. overly ambitious in-game settings, especially those dealing with visuals, textures, and anti-aliasing, they come at the cost of frame rate drops. Additionally, hidden system settings like power management profiles set to "power saver" can limit your hardware's performance potential. 

Optimizing your settings by finding a balance between visual quality and frame rate, along with ensuring your system is set to high-performance mode, can help your gaming PC deliver a smooth, high-FPS experience.

Power Settings

Many gaming PC systems may default to "balanced" or "power saver" modes to save energy. In doing so, the unintended ramifications are that these settings may limit the performance capabilities of your CPU and GPU. These components in particular, need all the power they can grab to render the complex visuals and work out the intense calculations that are needed to make a game play to its potential. 

Switching your system to "high performance" mode ensures your PC isn't cannibalizing its own power. Don't underestimate the impact of a simple power setting adjustment.

Background Applications

If you have web browsers running multiple tabs, chat applications that refresh frequently, or even antivirus software scanning your system on an hourly basis, these can stealthily take CPU, memory, and disk resources. When memory and storage are stretched too thin, the game you’re playing, which also needs its own gas, can suffer from stuttering, frame rate drops, and overall sluggishness. 

Try closing unnecessary programs before launching your game. Also, some system management tools can help identify and prioritize allocation of resources, ensuring your game has what it needs to deliver a smooth FPS experience.

Game-Specific Issues

Game optimization issues can lead to frame rate dips even in high-end gaming PCs. While game developers make fixes through patches, it is best to keep your game updates current. There are also gaming bugs that can cause performance problems for certain hardware configurations. These bugs, while frustrating, usually have fixes that are brought out quickly if not by the developer, then by the gaming community. 

Finally, the game itself can play a role in low FPS. Older or less powerful engines might struggle to handle the demands of modern games, leading to performance bottlenecks. Usually this happens with older titles or indie games that haven't been built or kept up with the latest hardware advancements.

Poor Game Optimization

Poorly optimized games can lead to big dips in your FPS. This happens when the game has big graphic files and includes fine details, such as intricate textures, dense foliage, or complex lighting effects that can bog down your gaming PC and cause the game to stutter and slow. Developers issue fixes through patches, so it’s important to keep updating your games software.  

Incorrect Game Settings

Most gaming PCs, regardless of how high-end it is, will slow down if you turn up the graphics settings in your games too high. Movie quality visuals, rich textures and lighting effects might look like must haves, but they can also make the game run choppy if not optimized correctly. Think of it like trying to race a bike uphill with a backpack full of bricks – not easy! 

To get the smoothest experience, try lowering some of these settings in the game's options menu. Most modern games have tools that point you toward a perfect balance between looks and smooth gameplay.

Diagnosing Low FPS Issues

Feeling like your gaming PC isn't as fast as it should be? Here's a quick way to troubleshoot low FPS:

Search online to see if others are having performance issues. Maybe the game itself needs a fix.

Close programs you need, like web browsers or antivirus, before launching your game as they might be taking too much power.

Lower some graphics options in the game itself. You may want super realistic textures but they can slow things down if you don’t have the right configurations to back them up.

Update your graphics drivers to make sure everything is cinched and compatible.

Make sure your system is set to high performance mode to give your PC the power it needs for gaming.

Monitoring Performance

If you are experiencing frame rate dips in your games, here's how to monitor performance on your PC and identify potential causes of low FPS

Identifying Bottlenecks

There are tools specifically to track CPU, GPU, and RAM usage while you game, including MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor. If one component consistently hits 100% utilization while others remain low, it's likely the bottleneck. Focus your troubleshooting efforts on either upgrading the bottlenecking component or adjusting settings to reduce its workload.

CPU vs. GPU Bottlenecks

If your CPU turns out to be the cause of the bottleneck, lowering in-game settings like texture quality or draw distance can free up processing power. However, if your GPU is maxed out, reducing resolution or anti-aliasing settings can ease its workload.

Memory (RAM) Issues

If the monitoring tools you installed on your gaming PC show that your RAM usage is consistently reaching or exceeding capacity while gaming, this could very well be the reason for your low FPS. Insufficient RAM forces your system to rely on slower hard drive space, leading to stuttering and frame rate drops. Upgrading your RAM capacity is a relatively inexpensive way to address this bottleneck and unlock smoother gameplay.

How to Fix Low FPS on a High-End PC

Below is a quick primer on how to optimize your gaming PC and unlock smooth gameplay (higher FPS).

Update Your System

Updating your operating system (OS) can improve overall efficiency. These updates often include bug fixes and performance optimizations that can directly impact gaming performance.

Updating Drivers

Outdated drivers can be the cause behind low FPS on your gaming PC. It’s important to keep your graphics card drivers up-to-date. With this, you can ensure compatibility with the latest games and these updates often include performance optimizations. You can download the latest drivers directly from your graphics card manufacturer's website – this quick and easy update will most likely unlock a boost in frame rate. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) controls the most basic functions of your motherboard. Updating it can improve hardware compatibility and potentially unlock performance features.

DirectX/Vulkan Update are development frameworks or APIs that link communication between your games and your gaming PC’s graphics card. Keeping DirectX or Vulkan updated ensures compatibility..  

Ensuring the Latest OS Updates

An OS update, short for Operating System, refers to a new version of the software that runs your computer and is released by the operating system developer (like Microsoft for Windows or Apple for macOS). An OS update can include:

Security Patches update and fix vulnerabilities in the operating system that could be exploited by hackers.

Performance Improvement updates focus on improving the overall efficiency of the system and include optimizing the OS to manage memory, background processes, and interactions with hardware.

Bug Fix updates may not directly impact your gaming performance but fixing them can improve the overall stability and functionality of your gaming PC’s system.

Optimizing System Settings

System settings include two areas for optimization when dealing with low FPS:

In-Game Settings are options within the game itself that control its visuals and performance.

Operating System Settings are settings within your Windows (or other OS) that manage background processes and overall system performance. Tweaking these settings will free up processing power and memory that your gaming PC can then dedicate to running the game smoothly.

By lowering in-game settings such as resolution, anti-aliasing, and texture quality, you’re putting less demand on your graphics card which frees up processing power that can be used to improve frame rates. Also, when you can disable any unnecessary background processes in your operating system, you are essentially allowing your gaming PC to focus resources on the game you’re playing, making it a better experience. And finally, when you adjust power settings to prioritize performance, you give a boost to your PC, but this can also cause the PC to consume more power than it usually does. 

Optimize Game Settings

Most games come loaded with various graphic settings that can be a resource drain on your gaming PC. By tweaking resolution, anti-aliasing, and texture quality, you will reduce the workload put on your graphics card. With lower stress, you free up processing power that can be redirected toward a smoother look and feel.

Below is breakdown on how tweaking resolution, anti-aliasing, and texture quality settings can affect performance:

Resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on your screen. Lowering the resolution allows your graphics card to render fewer pixels overall, significantly reducing its workload. The visual difference might be noticeable, but the jump in frame rates will be more noticeable.

Anti-aliasing smooths out jagged edges on in-game objects, creating sharper images. Lowering the anti-aliasing quality or disabling it entirely will free up processing power without a drastic visual downgrade.

Textures are the detailed images applied to 3D models in the game. Higher quality textures definitely look more realistic but require a lot more video memory (VRAM) that needs to be stored and processed. Lowering the texture quality can make surfaces appear less detailed, but it can significantly improve performance, especially on PCs with limited VRAM.

Finding the right balance between visual fidelity and performance will guarantee a smoother game play.

Hardware Solutions

While software optimization usually improves frame rates, there's a limit. If in-game settings and operating system adjustments haven't fixed your low FPS issues, then consider a hardware upgrade. Consider your gaming PC's components – the CPU and graphics card are the workhorses responsible for rendering outstanding visuals for your game play. 

If these components are several generations old, they might struggle with the demands of modern games. Upgrading these core components, especially if they're outdated, will provide a tangible performance boost. It's definitely an investment, but a strategic upgrade can extend the lifespan of your gaming PC and allow you to enjoy the latest titles at their intended graphical fidelity.

sing SSD Instead of HDD

While low FPS can usually be addressed via software tweaks, a deeper issue might lie with your storage drive. Traditional HDDs (hard disk drives) rely on spinning platters (magnetically stores the data) to access data, which can create a slowdown during gameplay. Upgrading to an SSD (solid state drive) offers a significant performance boost because it uses flash memory that allows for near-instantaneous data access. This leads to faster game loading times and smoother texture loading, as well as potentially slightly improved frame rates, especially in games that rely heavily on streaming assets from the drive. 

While the impact on FPS might not be as dramatic as a CPU or graphics card upgrade, switching to an SSD can significantly improve the overall responsiveness and fluidity of your gaming experience.

Upgrading GPU or CPU

Modern games tend to push the limits of both the CPU (central processing unit) and GPU (graphics processing unit). The CPU controls complex calculations in games, while the GPU renders the visuals. If either of these are outdated (old) or underpowered, they can definitely slow the performance of your gameplay. 

Upgrading your CPU or GPU, especially if they're several generations old, can provide a performance boost compared to software tweaks. A powerful CPU will handle complex in-game tasks more efficiently, while a more powerful GPU will create smoother renders of detailed visuals. 

While the choice between upgrading the CPU or GPU depends on your specific needs, not to mention your budget, a strategic upgrade to either core component can significantly improve your frame rates.  

Increasing RAM

While low FPS can often be solved through software optimization, sometimes the issue lies with your system's memory. Random access memory (RAM) acts as your PC's temporary workspace, storing frequently accessed data and program instructions that are needed in the moment. If your RAM is insufficient to handle the demands of the game you’re playing, it can lead to stuttering frames and slowdowns. 

By upgrading your RAM capacity, you will improve frame rates, particularly in newer games that require a lot of work that takes place behind the scenes. Why? Increased RAM allows the system to store more game assets and program instructions, reducing the need to constantly swap data in and out of slower storage drives. This means smoother gameplay, especially in open-world games or titles with complex textures and environments. 

While a RAM upgrade might not be as impactful as a CPU or GPU upgrade, it is a cost-effective solution to address low FPS caused by insufficient memory limitations.

Advanced Solutions for Persistent Low FPS

Here are some advanced ideas that can tackle more stubborn performance issues when other fixes haven’t worked. Techniques like overclocking (carefully pushing your CPU or GPU beyond factory settings) can provide a performance boost. 

Alternatively, undervolting (reducing power supplied to your components) can slightly improve performance while lowering temperatures and power consumption, but this requires some knowledge as to where it is best to do so. Additionally, tweaking advanced BIOS settings related to memory timings or fan curves can squeeze out extra performance. 

However, you also need to know how to do this in order to avoid system instability. It's extremely important to weigh possible benefits against the risks involved. It is ideal to consult experienced PC builders to assist in these more advanced solutions to make sure you don’t damage your gaming PC.

Overclocking Hardware

Overclocking is when you push your CPU or GPU beyond their factory settings to unlock more processing power. There are rewards for sure. But also potential downside. The reward would be a boost in FPS. 

However, with reward oftentimes comes risk. Overclocking can generate excessive heat which can lead to system instability or in the extreme, hardware damage if s not done correctly. Before making any changes, you need to make sure your cooling system can handle the increased heat. It is important to research your specific CPU or GPU model for safe overclocking limits and monitor temperatures closely during gameplay. 

A stable system with slightly lower FPS is always preferable to a crashed gaming PC.

Tweaking Game Files

Tweaking game files, while a potential solution for low FPS, should be approached with caution. While some games have community-created configuration files that offer adjustments beyond the in-game settings menu, these modifications can be very risky. Editing game files can lead to unintended problems like crashes, glitches, or even bans if they violate the game's terms of service. Additionally, the effectiveness of these tweaks can vary greatly. Some might offer minor performance improvements, while others might not work at all or even worsen performance. 

Unless you're extremely comfortable navigating technical forums and sifting through unverified information, it's generally safer to stick with established troubleshooting methods like software optimization and hardware upgrades.

When to Consider Upgrading Your Gaming PC

While software tweaks and optimization are a good first step, there comes a point where a hardware upgrade might be necessary. Here are some signs that a PC upgrade could be the key to smoother gameplay:

Exhausted Software Optimization: You've adjusted in-game settings, tweaked your operating system, and updated drivers, but the low FPS persists.

Outdated Hardware: Your CPU, GPU, or RAM are several generations old and struggle to keep up with the demands of modern games.

Bottlenecking: One component, like an older CPU paired with a powerful GPU, is holding back the overall performance of your system.

Specific Game Requirements: You want to play a new game that has demanding minimum system requirements your current PC doesn't meet.

Frequent Stuttering and Slowdowns: Gameplay feels choppy and unresponsive, even in less demanding titles.

Long Loading Times: The time it takes for games to load levels or open-world environments becomes increasingly frustrating.

Components to Upgrade for Better FPS

You shouldn't underestimate the power of a targeted upgrade! While a complete overhaul might be tempting, it will be expensive and necessarily unwarranted. Strategically replacing a component that is causing a bottleneck can breathe new life into your gaming PC and by extension your gaming experience. 

A powerful CPU ensures smooth game logic, while a strong GPU tackles demanding visuals. Upgrading the CPU, especially if it's struggling with complex in-game tasks, lays the groundwork for a more responsive experience. For those visual stutters and resolution limitations, a GPU upgrade injects the horsepower needed to render landscapes and character details. Remember, a well-timed upgrade can be the key to unlocking the true potential of your gaming PC.

Additional Tips for Maintaining High FPS

Prioritize Background Processes: Unnecessary background processes can steal needed system resources. Use tools like Process Explorer or the Task Manager to identify and temporarily disable programs that aren't crucial for system operation. This frees up CPU and memory for a smoother gaming experience.

Optimize Power Management: Most operating systems offer balanced or high-performance power plans. While the high-performance plan might increase power consumption slightly, it prioritizes CPU and GPU performance, potentially squeezing out extra frames, especially in demanding situations.

Consider Game Launchers: Many game launchers, like Steam or Epic Games Launcher, come with built-in optimization tools. Experiment with your game launcher of choice to find the settings that best balance visual clarity with performance for your specific PC and game.

Monitor Your System: Utilize tools like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor to keep an eye on CPU and GPU temperatures, clock speeds, and memory usage while gaming. This helps identify potential bottlenecks and allows you to adjust settings accordingly. For example, if your CPU is reaching thermal limits while your GPU usage is low, consider undervolting the CPU (reducing power usage for slight performance gains) to maintain stability and potentially unlock some extra FPS.

Researching your specific hardware and the games you play can help you identify the most impactful optimizations for your unique setup.

Regular System Maintenance

Don't wait for trouble. Schedule regular PC maintenance every few months. Blast dust out of vents with compressed air to keep your system cool. Run anti-malware scans to vanquish performance-draining programs. This quick cleaning and checkup takes minimal effort but ensures your PC stays in top shape for smooth, stutter-free gaming.

Keeping Your System Cool

A gaming PC needs sustained airflow to stay cool and avoid overheating. Budgeting for improved cooling solutions is always a good idea, especially if your PC runs hot or you run a number of programs at the same time you're playing an immersive game with lush textures and stunning visuals. You can add extra case fans as a cost-effective way to improve airflow. 

Also, upgrading your CPU cooler will help reduce the CPU’s temperatures. Keeping the temperature level will allow your gaming PC to run smoothly and allow you to keep your intense level of game play high.

Network Optimization for Online Games

If you are experiencing FPS drops and have tried other fixes, the next step is to look at your network optimization. 

Start by looking into your internet plan. Is it what it needs to be for online gaming? The important information has to do with its download and upload speeds – aim for a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload for a decent experience. You may also want to consider an ethernet cable connection for a more stable link compared to Wi-Fi. 

Then reexamine your PC settings and close unnecessary background applications that might be grabbing a bulk of the bandwidth. Again, you may want to delve into your in-game graphics settings to find your sweet spot between visual fidelity and performance. 

Also, another potential bottleneck could be your router settings. By optimizing them with Quality of Service (QoS) settings, you will prioritize gaming traffic over other work being completed on your home internet.

Future-Proofing Your Gaming PC

To future-proof your gaming PC against FPS drops, you’ll need to think about hardware upgrades and strategic planning. 

First, consider installing components that provide room for future processing demands. A powerful CPU with multiple cores and high clock speeds is a good start. Pairing the CPU with RAM (ideally 16GB or more) to handle increasingly complex game worlds is equally important. Next research graphics cards with good balance of VRAM (video memory) and processing power. 

Then, upgrading to an SSD (solid-state drive) for your operating system and games will dramatically improve loading times and minimize stuttering. Once this is done, caring for your gaming PC is equally as important. 

Regularly monitor new hardware releases and consider periodic upgrades for vital components like the CPU and the GPU. Keep your PC clean and well-ventilated, with good cooling options to prevent overheating, which is a major contributor to FPS dips. 

Finally, adjust graphics settings depending on the needs of the games you play. By building a strong foundation and planning for future demands, FPS drops should not be a problem.

Conclusion

Untangling the causes of low FPS on a gaming PC requires a systematic approach. Examining your gaming PCs hardware limitations, outdated software, and system configurations can pinpoint the bottleneck that is impeding smoother gameplay. Fortunately, solutions often involve tools that are readily available. Updating drivers, optimizing in-game settings, and ensuring efficient resource allocation through background program management can significantly improve frame rates. Keeping on top of these issues can also proactively address future performance dips. And with this knowledge you will maximize the capabilities of a gaming PC.