How to improve your PC’s gaming performance

Whether you're navigating the vast landscapes of the latest role-playing game or battling it out in a high-octane shooter, your gaming PC needs to be working at its best. 

At uBreakiFix® by Asurion, we’ve got the know-how to help turn an ordinary gaming session into an extraordinary adventure. From helping you pick out the best gaming monitors and TVs to how to connect your PS5 DualSense controller to your computer—we’ve got all your tech care needs covered. Here’s our guide to getting the most out of your gaming PC.

Why should you optimize your PC for gaming?

Here are a few important reasons you’ll want to get more out of your PC gaming computer. 

• Smoother gameplay: No more lagging, stuttering, or crashing—just seamless gaming.
• Improved graphics quality: Stunning visuals, rich textures, and lifelike details help immerse you in your game's world.
• Longevity of hardware: Reducing the strain on your hardware extends the life of your valuable gaming rig.
• Competitive edge: Every advantage matters. A better PC provides faster response times, reducing input lag and keeping you at the top of your game.

How to optimize your PC for gaming

Getting the most out of your PC for gaming can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With these steps, you can enhance your gaming experience and make sure your system is able to handle the demands of modern games.

Use game mode

Windows™ 11 allows you to use Game Mode to get the most out of your system's resources for gaming. Head to the Settings app and select Gaming > Game Mode to turn that feature on.

Upgrade your graphics card

An upgraded graphics card future-proofs your gaming rig, making sure it can handle upcoming game releases and all their features. Whether you're into multi-monitor gaming or VR, a powerful graphics card can significantly improve your gaming visuals and framerates, creating a more immersive experience. Plus, upgrading to a high-performance graphics card can increase your system's resale value, making it a smart investment.

Don’t ditch it, fix it

No matter the issue, our experts can repair your devices fast. Make an appointment or visit your local uBreakiFix by Asurion today.

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Remove unnecessary programs

Background programs can consume valuable system resources. Keep your PC clean by removing any programs you no longer use. Head to the Control Panel and select Uninstall a Program. 

You may also want to use PC cleaning tools to remove temporary files—or leave it to a pro to perform a complete computer tune-up.

Boost your Wi-Fi speed

If you're gaming over Wi-Fi, make sure your connection is as strong and stable as possible. Consider upgrading your router or moving it closer to your gaming area. Check out our guide to learn more ways to boost your Wi-Fi speed. 

Use an ethernet cable

Your internet could be the source of gaming lag. For a more reliable and faster internet connection, try using an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi when gaming.

Adjust your monitor’s refresh rate

The refresh rate of your monitor can significantly impact your gaming PC. Higher refresh rates, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, offer a smoother, more responsive experience. Ensure your monitor's refresh rate matches your gaming requirements, as it can eliminate unnecessary strain on your graphics card. 

Update your computer’s drivers

Regularly updating your PC’s drivers, especially for your graphics card, can fix bugs that might affect gaming. Not sure how?  An expert can help update those drivers for you. 

Lower the resolution

Lowering the resolution on your monitor reduces the number of pixels your graphics card needs to render, which can lead to a smoother gaming experience and less lag. 

To adjust your monitor's resolution, right-click on your desktop, select Display Settings, and choose a lower resolution that still provides an enjoyable experience. 

Adjust your game’s video settings manually

Lowering settings like shadows and textures can improve how your PC works while maintaining good visual quality. Open your game and head to its settings to select what works best for you and your gaming PC.