The graphics processing unit (GPU) is every gamer’s best friend. It is the component responsible for rendering everything you see on your gaming monitor, from the OS interface to everything you see in your video games. It is why it is vital to make sure that your GPU is always on its top performance so you can get the best gaming experience possible. Here are eight tips to boost your graphics card in your gaming PC:
8 Tips on How to Boost Your Graphics Card
- Update graphics card drivers.
- Update Microsoft DirectX.
- Increase the GPU Power Limit.
- Custom set your PC Fan Curve.
- Clean your CPU.
- Improve your PC airflow.
- Adjust your PC’s Power Setting.
1 – Update graphics card drivers.
The easiest fix to improve your graphics card’s performance is by installing the latest drivers. If you have bought a pre-built gaming PC and don’t have an idea of your installed GPU, then follow these steps:
- Step 1 – Type “Device Manager” on the Search Box next to the Start Button.
- Step 2 – Select the Device Manager from the pop-up menu.
- Step 3 – Click on Display Adapters to expand so you can check your PC’s GPU.
For PCs with an Intel CPU, your GPU will be listed as Intel. While for PCs with AMD CPU, your GPU will be listed as AMD Radeon. But if you have a stand-alone GPU, you will see an additional listing for an Nvidia GeForce or AMD Radeon chip.
To install new drivers, check the appropriate link for your GPU:
Make sure that before installing the new drivers, you uninstall the previous ones. You can use a tool called Display Driver Uninstaller for this.
2 – Update Microsoft DirectX.
Microsoft DirectX is the most common graphics API (Application Program Interface) installed on Windows gaming PCs. But there are other APIs, including Vulkan and OpenGL. To get the best of your GPU’s performance, you need to ensure that you have the latest DirectX version.
To install the latest DirectX on your gaming PC:
- Step 1 – Type dxdiag in the search box next to the Start Button and press Enter. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool will appear on your screen with the System tab loaded.
- Step 2 – Locate the version number of your API under System Information. Microsoft updates DirectX API through its Windows Update feature. But if you are not currently running DirectX12, then you need to manually update the API.
- Step 2 – Locate the version number of your API under System Information. Microsoft updates DirectX API through its Windows Update feature. But if you are not currently running DirectX12, then you need to update the API manually.
To manually update your Microsoft DirectX, follow these steps:
- Step 1 – Click the Start button on the taskbar, click the Gear Icon to go to Settings.
- Step 2 – Go to Update & Security.
- Step 3 – Click the “Check for Updates” button.
3 – Increase the GPU Power Limit.
To boost the performance of your GPU, you can raise the power limit of your graphics card. Nvidia and AMD GPUs have a base clock speed, which you can boost by overclocking. When all the conditions for your GPU are right, including its temperature and power draw, your GPU will automatically increase its clock speed. Plus, raising your power limit will allow your GPU to hit its boost clock speed more frequently and consistently.
You can use a program to adjust the power limit for your GPU. However, please note that when overclocking, your GPU will raise its temperature. Thus, you should make sure that your CPU has a solid cooling system.
4 – Custom set your PC Fan Curve.
Temperature can limit your GPU’s performance, so you might want to limit the fan curve. For example, the RTX 3080 GPU has a maximum operating temperature of 93 degrees Celsius max operating temperature. This means that you don’t want to reach this limit as it will downclock your GPU and worsen its performance.
To keep your GPU temperature low, you can set a custom fan curve. It is recommended to reach 100% fan speed before your GPU’s temperature limit. For RTX 3080, you might want to set the fan curve around 70 to 75 degrees Celsius. Remember to check your GPU’s temperature in-game while balancing it against fan noise.
5 – Clean your CPU.
Make sure if the graphics card gets too hot, it will slow down itself to avoid damaging any of its delicate components. And if your CPU fans and filters are covered with dust, there won’t be sufficient airflow to carry the heat away from your components, including GPU. This will lead to excessive heat buildup and might cause your CPU to shut down automatically.
This is why it is important to keep your CPU clean. And when cleaning your CPU, avoid using a vacuum cleaner. To clean your CPU, use a can of compressed air to blow the dust collecting on the CPU components. Keeping your gaming PC clean is vital to its overall performance.
6 – Improve your PC airflow.
While cleaning your gaming PC may improve the airflow, you might need to check and improve your airflow system. For gaming PCs, choose a chassis that has spaces so you can add fans on the front, top, and bottom. Additional fans can increase your PC’s noise level, but it will keep the overall heat level down.
If you have the budget, you can install an aftermarket cooler on your gaming PC. You can get a heftier air cooler for your gaming PC or an advanced liquid cooling solution. But make sure to use a cooling system that will work well with your system and GPU.
7 – Adjust your PC’s Power Setting.
Adjusting the Power Setting of your gaming PC can help improve your GPU performance. Follow these steps to change the power setting of your PC:
- Step 1 – Click the Start button and the Gear Icon on the left edge of the Start Menu to access Settings.
- Step 2 – Select System in the Settings app.
- Step 3 – Go to the Display panel, and select Power & Sleep, located on the left.
- Step 4 – Scroll down and select the Additional Power Settings. Select the Power Options on the menu.
- Step 5 – Select the High-Performance option. If you click the “Change Plan Settings,” a pop-up will appear listing all the settings under the High-Performance option. Make sure not to tweak any settings unless you’re familiar with Windows 10.