Gaming laptops provide gamers with the ability to play the most demanding games from anywhere. However, many gamers experience low FPS while using a gaming laptop, and they are often left wondering why. Low FPS can have serious implications for the gaming experience, and reducing it may require a number of solutions, depending on the laptop and game.
The most likely cause of low FPS in gaming laptops is insufficient hardware. If a gaming laptop is not powerful enough, it will struggle to run even the most basic games at an acceptable frame rate. Poor processor and graphics card performance, inadequate RAM, and underpowered cooling systems are all factors that can lead to low FPS.
However, insufficient hardware is not the only cause of low FPS on gaming laptops. Too much multitasking or too many background processes can also lead to poor performance. Reducing the number of programs running in the background can help with this, as can disabling unnecessary system services. Additionally, disabling certain graphical settings or reducing the game resolution can also improve performance.
Finally, many modern games require software updates and drivers to be installed and kept up to date. Outdated or missing drivers can significantly reduce performance, so checking for and installing the necessary updates is essential. This may require consulting the manual for the laptop or visiting the laptop manufacturer’s website to find the necessary files.
Improving PC Performance
Making sure that a PC is running as optimally as possible is the key to getting the best performance out of it. This includes checking the temperature of components like the GPU, making sure that the laptop is not using more power than it needs, and ensuring that the ventilation is adequate. Increasing the RAM and upgrading the graphics card may also help to improve performance, but this is not always possible.
Cleaning out the laptop is also important. With laptops, dust can accumulate quickly and cause various parts of the laptop to overheat or not function correctly. Vacuuming or blowing out the laptop’s internal components with compressed air is a good way to remove dust and improve performance.
Using specialised software such as PC optimisers or “tweaking” tools can also help to fine-tune the laptop so that it is running as efficiently as possible. Finally, using the laptop in a clean, cool environment can also help to improve performance.
Managing Power Settings
The power settings on a gaming laptop can have a significant impact on both its performance and longevity. Many laptops come with “Power Saver” and “High Performance” modes that can be used to increase performance or reduce power consumption. High Performance mode is usually used to increase the frame rate in games, while Power Saver mode is usually used to reduce power consumption and extend battery life.
In addition to these settings, many gaming laptops also come with dedicated gaming profiles that customise the laptop’s performance for specific games or purposes. Some of these profiles may be preinstalled, or they may be downloadable from the laptop or game manufacturer’s website.
Managing the power settings on a laptop is not always a straightforward process, and it can take some trial and error to find the best settings. It can also be a good idea to consult the manual or the manufacturer’s website for advice on how to configure the laptop’s power settings.
Upgrading Components
If a laptop still has low FPS despite all of the above measures, the last resort may be to upgrade the hardware. Depending on the laptop, this may involve replacing the graphics card, upgrading the RAM, or replacing the cooling system. It is also possible to overclock certain components of the laptop to try and get more performance out of them.
However, before attempting any hardware upgrades, it is important to make sure that the laptop is compatible with the new hardware and that the necessary drivers are available. Failure to do so can result in significant performance problems, or worse, in cases where the laptop is incompatible with the hardware.
Laptop hardware is usually not upgradeable by the user, so it is usually not possible to upgrade a laptop beyond what the manufacturer specifies. Upgrading a laptop is usually best left to professionals, who may also be able to advise on the best way to get the best performance out of a laptop.
Getting Help
For those who are unfamiliar with laptop hardware and technology, getting help can often be necessary. Most laptop manufacturers offer customer service lines or websites where queries about laptops can be addressed. Additionally, various websites and forums are available which provide useful advice on laptop hardware and software.
It is important to remember, however, that not all advice found online is accurate or up-to-date, and many advice-givers will not be experts in laptop technology. As such, it is important to be aware of the possible consequences of taking the advice of a less-experienced individual.
For serious laptop matters, it is best to seek advice from a professional. Most laptop manufacturers offer repair and upgrade services, and many computer stores may be able to provide advice on laptop hardware. Consulting a professional can also help to ensure that any hardware upgrades are done safely and correctly.
Using External Solutions
Low FPS on a gaming laptop is often caused by a lack of hardware power. For some gamers, the most cost-effective solution may be to purchase an external graphics card. These cards can be connected to a laptop via a variety of USB or Thunderbolt ports, and can significantly improve performance by providing additional graphics power.
Similarly, external cooling systems can be used to increase the cooling power of a laptop, allowing it to run at optimum temperatures and improving performance. Solid state drives, or SSDs, can also be used to provide additional storage for games and applications, allowing them to run much faster.
Using external hardware can be a good way to improve the performance of a laptop without having to upgrade the internal components. However, it is important to make sure that the laptop is compatible with the hardware, and that the necessary drivers are available.
Gaming laptops are becoming more powerful and feature-packed, but they are still limited by their hardware. Low FPS can be a serious issue, but by understanding the causes and using the right solutions, it is often possible to reduce it. With the right combination of software and hardware upgrades, a gaming laptop can be as powerful as any PC.
