gaming performance Archives

AppWizard

May 4, 2025

Nvidia’s DLSS is a game-changer for PC gaming – here’s how it works

Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) was introduced in 2018 with the GeForce RTX 20-series graphics cards and has evolved into its fourth iteration, becoming a standard expectation for modern PC games. DLSS enhances gameplay by upscaling lower-resolution images, improving frame rates, and enabling advanced graphical effects without sacrificing performance. The latest version, DLSS 4, debuted with the GeForce RTX 50-series in 2025 and features a new transformer model to enhance image quality. DLSS includes Frame Generation, which creates additional frames to improve gameplay fluidity, and Multi-Frame Generation, which can produce up to three additional frames per real frame. DLSS significantly reduces the performance impact of ray tracing, allowing gamers to enjoy high-quality graphics without compromising frame rates. Over 500 games and applications currently support DLSS technology.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

Oblivion Remastered loses the most helpful settings on PC thanks to a botched Game Pass update

A recent update for The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered has caused dissatisfaction among PC Game Pass users, as it removed several key settings, including DLSS support, which enhances gaming performance on older hardware. Although a patch was released to address some issues, players remain frustrated with the lack of advanced graphical features. Additionally, there are limitations with cross-save functionality; while the Xbox Series X|S version supports Xbox Play Anywhere for save transfers, Steam users do not have this option, leading to further frustration in the gaming community.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows 11 Update Issues and What To Do About Them

Windows 11 version 24H2 has introduced significant issues, including blue screens of death (BSOD) and device bricking associated with update KB5043145. Users have reported problems such as black screens, corrupted boot sectors, and non-functional system restore points. Businesses are facing complications like failed domain join operations, group policy errors, and stalled WSUS updates. Specific issues include Remote Desktop disconnections after update KB5050094, the removal of the Windows Copilot app in March 2025, blocked BIOS updates for Lenovo ThinkPad users, and gaming performance problems for titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Microsoft is aware of these issues but is slow to provide solutions. Users are advised to use built-in troubleshooters, roll back problematic updates, pause updates, manually update drivers, and back up their systems before major updates.

Tech Optimizer

April 7, 2025

Scanguard

Scanguard is owned by Total Security LTD and offers a comprehensive security and optimization suite that includes virus protection, system performance improvements, junk file removal, a password vault, and a VPN. Its security features include real-time protection against malware, ransomware, spyware, and adware, facilitated by specialized guards. A free version is available for Windows, but it has limitations regarding update speed. The initial scan on a 512 GB SSD takes under five minutes and covers various checks. The app prompts users to upgrade for certain features, although discounts are available for first-time users. Core features include Malware Guard, Ransomware Guard, Spyware Guard, Aware Guard, and WebShield for real-time protection against malicious sites. Scanguard also offers identity theft protection services and a system optimizer that cleans junk files and manages applications. An Android app is available, but there is no iPhone app, and the Android version must be downloaded from the Scanguard website. Scanguard's pricing includes a free version and a paid plan with a promotional rate for the first year, with payment through PayPal. The paid plan offers real-time protection, cloud-based threat detection, and customer support. Recent evaluations show a detection rate of 96.94% in a VB100 test, with a 0.000% false alarm rate, but it is not currently VB100 certified. The user interface is modern and intuitive, though the installation process may take time due to database updates.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Nvidia driver 572.83 is causing a black screen on Windows 11, Windows 10

Nvidia's driver version 572.83, released on March 18, is causing black screens during installation, after rebooting, and while gaming for users of Windows 11 and Windows 10. The update was intended to fix issues with RTX 5080 and 5090 graphics cards but has instead led to widespread reports of black screens, particularly affecting newer 50-series GPUs like the 5070 Ti, 5080, and 5090, as well as some 40-series and older 30-series cards. Users have reported needing to force reboot their systems due to the black screen issue. Additionally, there are isolated reports of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) linked to the nvlddmkm.sys file, and some users have experienced severe issues like random white lines on the screen and crashes of Windows 11. Speculation regarding the root cause includes potential DisplayPort handshake problems at high refresh rates, although this has not been conclusively proven. Users facing these issues are advised to revert to a previous stable driver version or try workarounds such as disabling G-Sync or lowering refresh rates.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 11 Pro is just $15 for life – and it could level up your gaming setup (Reg. up to $199)

A lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is available for .97. Windows 11 Pro offers features like Auto HDR, DirectStorage technology, and Windows Copilot, which enhance gaming performance and experience. It includes security features such as BitLocker encryption and supports multiple monitors and high-refresh-rate displays. The offer is valid until April 27.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

I played 5 games on an RTX 5070 vs RTX 5070 Ti gaming PC — is it worth paying extra

Both the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti GPUs are being tested across five demanding PC games to evaluate their performance. The RTX 5070 is priced at £529, while the RTX 5070 Ti is priced at £729. In Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5070 achieved 17 FPS and the RTX 5070 Ti achieved 25 FPS at 4K Ultra settings without DLSS. With DLSS 4 enabled, both GPUs exceeded 100 FPS. In Forza Horizon 5, both GPUs showed similar 1% low performance. In Call of Duty Black Ops 6, the RTX 5070 showed limitations compared to the RTX 5070 Ti. Black Myth: Wukong revealed a noticeable performance gap between the two GPUs, while both performed well in Alan Wake II. The RTX 5070 Ti is recommended for multiplayer gaming, while the RTX 5070 may suffice for single-player experiences. Both GPUs offer enhanced performance for users with older hardware.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

You Can Get a Lifetime License of Windows 11 Home for Under $20 Right Now

StackSocial is offering a lifetime access license for Microsoft Windows 11 Home for .97, down from its original price of 9.99. This version is intended for PCs without a Windows 11 license and requires meeting Microsoft's system requirements. Users currently on Windows 10 who cannot upgrade via Windows Update may find this version incompatible. The license cannot be used to downgrade from Pro editions and is a one-time activation key tied to a single device. Windows 11 Home features an improved interface, Snap layouts, virtual desktops, integrated Microsoft Teams, TPM 2.0 support, and DirectX 12 Ultimate for enhanced gaming performance. The license does not include Microsoft Office upgrades or new versions.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

AMD 25.3.2 driver fixes major bug so Windows Update no longer installs older driver on 9070

AMD has released a beta display driver version 25.3.2 for Windows 11 and 10, which addresses a bug that caused older drivers to be installed via Windows Update, affecting various GPU generations. This issue has been resolved for the RX 9000 series graphics cards. The driver adds support for Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows and The Last of Us Part II Remastered, along with several bug fixes, including improvements for Counter-Strike 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Assetto Corsa Competizione. Developer updates include support for RX 9000 series in the AMD Radeon Developer Tool Suite and the availability of AMD FSR 3.1 in over 110 games. Known issues include memory leaks with SteamVR, performance logging notifications, crashes with certain games, and stuttering with some VR headsets. The driver can be downloaded from AMD's official website.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Windows 11 could eventually help you understand how fast your PC is – as well as offer tips for making your PC or laptop faster for free

Microsoft is developing a new FAQ feature for Windows 11 to help users understand their PC's specifications and performance. This feature, currently in testing, can be found under Settings > System > About in specific builds and provides tailored information based on the user's hardware. It offers insights on how integrated graphics versus dedicated GPUs affect performance and how limited RAM impacts application performance. The feature is still hidden and not activated for general testing, and its inclusion in the final version of Windows 11 is not guaranteed. The FAQ may be enhanced with artificial intelligence in the future for a better user experience.