Performance in gaming is a topic that ignites passionate debates, much like the ongoing discussions surrounding visual fidelity. While some gamers are content with a steady 30 frames per second (FPS), others seek the exhilarating experience of 120 FPS or more at maximum settings. The reality, as is often the case, lies somewhere in between, yet the nuances of performance are anything but straightforward.
As someone deeply invested in PC performance—yes, perhaps in a somewhat nerdy, min-maxing fashion—I find this subject endlessly fascinating. If you’ve encountered my previous discussions on AI frame generation here at Destructoid, this may resonate with you. The intricacies of game performance are vast, and as the gaming industry evolves, our understanding of this critical aspect of game development continues to deepen.
However, it’s important to note that newer games do not always guarantee superior performance. In fact, the opposite can be true, as evidenced by less-than-stellar releases like Monster Hunter Wilds. New titles often introduce advanced rendering techniques, which can be resource-intensive. The science of game optimization and performance measurement is complex, and grasping what contributes to a game’s performance is essential for any PC gamer.
When does a game perform well?
One point I cannot emphasize enough is that frame rate alone is an inadequate measure of a game’s performance. Relying solely on average frame rate for performance evaluation is outdated and fails to capture the full picture. To truly assess performance, one must consider both frame rate and frame time data, ideally presented through a graphical user interface. Tools like MSI Afterburner excel in this regard.
The guiding principle is simple: regardless of your frame rate, aim for a flat frame-time graph. Spikes in this graph indicate stutters and performance issues. Unless a game is fundamentally flawed or utilizing Unreal Engine 5, you can often mitigate these spikes by adjusting graphics settings and modifying your FPS target. Achieving objectively good performance is not as daunting as it may seem. Here’s my first hot take: removing the cap from your frame rate and pushing it to the max isn’t necessarily beneficial for the average gamer. While personal preferences vary, a stable and flat frame-time graph is crucial. This stability is disrupted when one scene renders at 200 FPS while another drops to 80 FPS.
Good performance should be defined as a scenario where a game consistently meets its target frame rate with appropriate frame times. You may have noticed that not all games cap out at 60 FPS. Achieving a silky smooth 60 FPS requires precisely 16.67 milliseconds between each rendered frame. Human eyes crave consistency, and this is what distinguishes truly performant games.
How much FPS is enough FPS?
In the realm of gaming, more FPS is generally better. Yet, the more nuanced consideration is that consistency is paramount. Thus, my second hot take: your FPS cap should be set just below your lowest average frame rate in a game.
Optimizing graphics settings on a PC is all about achieving balance. For instance, if you have a 120 Hz display and aim to fully utilize it while playing a particular game, your first objective should be to reach the 120 FPS target. However, if you find yourself hovering around 80 or 90 FPS most of the time, I recommend capping your frame rate at 60 FPS instead. This allows you to enhance your settings slightly, resulting in a more enjoyable experience at a stable 60 FPS than a fluctuating frame rate closer to 120 FPS.
Specifically, I mention 60 FPS in this context because we’re working with a 120 Hz display. Performance targets should align with your monitor’s refresh rate, allowing for even division of rendered frames to ensure stable frame times. Displaying 60 FPS on a locked 144 Hz monitor can lead to undesirable effects, as each frame is rendered multiple times, creating a cyclical stutter that detracts from the experience.
Ultimately, unless you’re a competitive gamer, excessive FPS is not your goal. Instead, identify a performance target that looks visually appealing and is achievable with your hardware, then cap your frame rate accordingly.
While I’ve only scratched the surface of video game performance in this discussion, there’s so much more to explore. Technologies like G-Sync, which enables variable frame rates without screen tearing, and tools like RivaTuner, which allow for precise frame rate adjustments on a per-game basis, are just the beginning.
In the past, performance assessment was limited to rudimentary tools like Fraps, which often provided inaccurate readings. Today, we have access to sophisticated frame-time graphs that reveal why gameplay may feel sluggish, making it easier to identify the causes of latency spikes. With a plethora of applications available to fine-tune our gaming experience, it begs the question: why aren’t more gamers leveraging these tools to achieve optimal performance rather than simply chasing the highest frame rate? I encourage you to consider my advice; the results may pleasantly surprise you.
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