Before you dive into optimizing a game, we recommend configuring certain Windows and Display settings for the best performance. This should be standard for every game. First, make sure all unnecessary applications are closed. Use “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” to open up Task Manager and turn off any applications you’re not using.
Enable Resizable BAR
Resizable BAR was enabled on most x86 motherboards and GPUs following the adoption of the PCIe Gen 4 standard. Traditionally, the CPU and GPU have communicated through a narrow BAR (a 256 MB window), constantly moving around to allow the CPU to access different parts of the graphics memory. Resizable BAR allows the CPU full access to the GPU’s memory bus rather than a small portion.
Intel’s 10th Gen and AMD’s Ryzen 3000 CPUs and onward also support it. On the GPU side, NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 30 and AMD’s Radeon RX 6000 GPU and newer feature Resizable BAR support. The ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI motherboard guides are linked for further instructions.
Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling
To turn on “Hardware Accelerated Scheduling”, open System Settings (Right-click on the Windows logo and click settings) -> Display -> Graphics -> Default graphics settings and enable both options.
Xbox Game Mode and Power Profile
- Go to Windows settings->Gaming-> Game Mode. Ensure Game Mode is enabled.
- The Windows power plan is best set to “High Performance.”
- Go to the NVIDIA Control Panel->Manage 3D Settings. Set the “Power Management Mode” to “Prefer Maximum Performance.”
Overclock your Graphics Card
Overclocking GPUs is a fairly safe and easy process. If done right, it won’t void your warranty and can boost your gaming performance by at least 5-10%. Unlike CPUs, you don’t have to mess with the BIOS or worry about BSODs. All you need is MSI Afterburner or EVGA Precision X (they work with GeForce and Radeon cards regardless of the AIB):
- MSI Afterburner.
- GPU-Z
- Games you play often, preferably a recent release that will stress the GPU.
- Here’s a guide to get you started.
Enable XMP/EXPO Memory Profile
XMP profiles (EXPO for AMD Ryzen platforms) are a set of predetermined memory clocks and timings known to run stably on a given memory die. They’re 1-click memory overclocks without testing every frequency and timing.
Most motherboard BIOSes include this setting on the BIOS homepage as one of the following: Extreme Memory Profile, AI Overclock Tuner, Load XMP Profile, EXPO, A-XMP, or DRAM Profile. Further instructions are linked.
Disable Memory Integrity
- Click Start, type ‘Core Isolation,’ and select Core Isolation from the list of results.
- This will open the Windows security app.
- On the Core isolation page, turn off Memory Integrity. You will need to restart your PC.
Disable Virtual Machine Platform (VMP)
- Click Start, type ‘Windows features.’
- Select “Turn Windows features on or off” from the list of results.
- In the Windows Features window, unselect Virtual Machine Platform.
- Click OK. You will need to restart your device.
