"How To Optimize Gaming PC" Do you want to learn how to optimize gaming PC, do you want to learn post-build PC setup and optimization guide. Are you searching for how to optimize gaming PC, how to optimize pc for gaming, how to optimize computer for gaming, how to optimize games on pc or how to optimise pc. If yes, Infoguide Ng has brought a complete step by step guide of how to optimize PC for gaming. This article serves as an in-depth, step-by-step guide for setting up and optimizing a newly built gaming PC. The instructions begin with installing the Windows operating system using a flash drive and address the crucial step of obtaining a license key for activation. A significant portion of this guide is dedicated to modifying the BIOS settings, covering topics like adjusting cooler pump speeds, configuring PCI-E slot speeds for vertically mounted GPUs, and enabling Re-Size BAR and XMP for memory optimization. Finally, this article outlines post-installation driver installation, essential Windows settings adjustments for performance (such as refresh rate and power plans), and recommendations for third-party monitoring and utility software.
The following is a comprehensive guide detailing the steps and settings required after building a PC. This guide focuses on completing the setup of the Windows operating system, configuring important BIOS settings, installing necessary drivers, and optimizing the PC for maximum performance and frame rates (FPS).
I. Installing the Windows Operating System.
The initial step involves installing the Windows operating system (OS) onto a flash drive for use in the new PC.
- Preparation: You will need an empty flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage space and access to a functioning PC with internet access.
- Downloading the Media Creation Tool: Plug the USB drive into the PC and visit the Windows installation website (either the Windows 10 disk image or the Windows 11 website). On the main page, download the media creation tool.
- Creating the Installation Drive: Open the downloaded tool and follow the instructions, accepting the terms and keeping the defaults. Select the USB drive option, making sure to choose the correct USB drive, and note that all existing data on the drive will be erased. The installation process onto the flash drive will complete the operating system installation files, and its duration depends on your internet speed. Once the flash drive is ready, hit the Finish button and safely remove it.
- Acquiring a Windows Key: To activate Windows, you will need a CD key, which can be purchased from Microsoft or third-party retailers. It is critical that the version of Windows you purchase matches the version you intend to install (e.g., a Windows 11 Pro key is needed for Windows 11 Pro installation). Write down the purchased key as it will be needed later. You have the option to skip activation during the installation process by clicking "I don't have a product key".
- Starting the Installation on the New PC: Plug your keyboard and mouse into the motherboard's USB ports and ensure the monitor's display cable is plugged into the back of the graphics card. Plug the bootable flash drive into the new PC and power it on. The PC should automatically detect the flash drive and navigate to the installation page. If not, try a different USB port or restart the PC and hit the boot menu key (often F8) to manually boot from the flash drive.
- Selecting the OS Version: When prompted, select the correct version of Windows that matches your purchased or planned CD key. Accept the license terms and choose the custom option on the next page.
- Selecting the Storage Drive: This page lists all recognized storage devices. Select the fastest drive available (e.g., a Gen 5 SSD over a Gen 4 SSD) to install the operating system, which will provide faster boot times. Select the unallocated space on that drive and click next. The installation process may take up to 30 minutes and involve multiple restarts.
- Bypassing Network/Microsoft Account: To skip logging into a Microsoft account, reach the network page, and press Shift + F10 to open the command prompt. Type in OOBE\BypassNRO. After the PC restarts and returns to the network section, you will be able to select "I don't have internet," skipping the Microsoft account setup.
II. Essential BIOS Settings.
Before or immediately after installing the operating system, several BIOS settings should be checked and adjusted to optimize performance.
A. All-in-One (AIO) Cooler Pump Speed.
If an AIO cooler is installed and the pump header cable is plugged into a standard fan header (one that doesn't specify "pump"), you must adjust its speed in the BIOS.
- The pump should always run at a constant speed to maintain a steady flow of liquid.
- Access the BIOS (often F7 for advanced menu or the designated button shown on screen) and navigate to the Fan settings.
- Locate the header where the pump cable is connected (e.g., CPU fan header) and change its fan profile to full speed. If the pump is too loud at full speed, you can set it to one speed lower (e.g., turbo mode).
- Press F10 to save changes and restart the PC.
B. PCI Slot Speed for Vertical GPUs.
If your graphics card is mounted vertically using a riser cable and you encounter black screens or game crashes, you should manually set the PCI slot speed. This is especially relevant when pairing a newer-generation GPU with an older-generation riser cable.
- Restart the PC and enter the BIOS, then navigate to the Advanced Settings and locate PCH configuration, and then the PCI Express menu.
- Find the lane where the graphics card is plugged in (typically labeled x16).
- Change the setting to match the generation of your riser cable (e.g., Gen 4 if using a Gen 4 cable).
- Save changes using F10.
C. Enabling Resize Bar and XMP/DOCP.
1. Resize Bar Support: It is highly recommended to enable Resize Bar support if your motherboard supports it, as this can boost frame rates in games with no downsides. This setting is typically found in the advanced menu under "PCI sub system". You may need to enable 4G decoding first.
2. XMP/DOCP (Memory Speed): New memory sticks often run slower than their intended clock speed by default. Enabling XMP (Extreme Memory Profile), or DOCP on some Asus boards, will run the memory at its maximum speed, which improves frame rates.
- Restart the PC and enter the BIOS.
- Navigate to the overclocker tab (sometimes called AI Tweaker).
- Find the Extreme Memory Profile section, hit enter, and set the first profile you see (e.g., xmp1).
- If the system becomes unstable (crashes or black screens) after enabling XMP, re-enter the BIOS, find your memory speed setting, and drop the frequency incrementally (e.g., 100 MHz lower) until stability is achieved. If stability cannot be found, turn XMP off.
D. Optional: Flashing the BIOS.
If your PC is stable and running without issues, flashing the BIOS is generally not recommended.
- To flash the BIOS, download the latest BIOS version (usually a .cap file) from your motherboard's support website onto a formatted flash drive.
- Some motherboards provide a rename tool, which should be run before transferring the BIOS file to the USB drive.
- Enter the BIOS, locate the flash utility (often under the Tool category), select the .cap file from the USB drive, and confirm the flash. Do not shut off the PC during the update process.
III. Driver Installation and System Optimization.
After the Windows setup is complete, installing drivers and changing key system settings are essential steps for stability and performance.
A. Driver Installation.
If the PC cannot connect to the internet, you will need to download the drivers using another computer. Transfer all files to the PC desktop before extracting or installing them.
- AMD CPUs/GPUs: Download the all-in-one AMD driver app, which automatically checks and updates the latest drivers for both components.
- Nvidia GPUs: Download the Nvidia App (formerly GeForce Experience), navigate to the driver section, and check for updates.
- Intel CPUs/Chipset: Download the Intel chipset driver from your motherboard manufacturer's website.
- Other Essential Drivers: You should also download Wi-Fi, LAN, Realtek audio drivers, and Bluetooth drivers (if applicable) from the motherboard manufacturer's support page. Optional software, like Asus Armoury Crate, may also be available for RGB control and overclocking features.
B. Windows Performance Settings.
- Monitor Refresh Rate: By default, the refresh rate is set to 60 Hz. Right-click the desktop, go to Display Settings, click Advanced Display, and use the drop-down menu to set the maximum refresh rate for all connected monitors.
- Graphics Settings: In Windows Graphics settings, ensure both the bottom and top options are enabled, as these settings can significantly boost FPS in some games.
- Power Plan: Search for Power Plan and select the High Performance option. This allows Intel CPUs or AMD non-x3D chips to run at maximum clock speed when needed. If you are running an AMD x3D CPU or an AMD CPU with PBO enabled, you must use the Balanced power plan to properly utilize the 3D V-Cache and avoid performance loss.
- Game Mode: Always leave Game Mode enabled, as it limits background apps and allocates resources to games, leading to higher frames and smoother gameplay.
- Game Bar: If you do not use the Game Bar feature, it is recommended to turn it off, as it consumes background resources.
- Mouse Pointer Precision: For competitive gaming, disable "pointer precision" in the mouse settings. Keeping this enabled changes mouse sensitivity based on movement speed, which interferes with muscle memory and consistent aiming.
- Nvidia Power Management (Nvidia users): Open the Nvidia control panel, go to Manage 3D settings (Global settings), and change the Power Management Mode to maximum performance. This prevents the GPU from throttling clock speeds.
C. Activating Additional Storage Devices.
If installed storage drives do not appear in "My Computer," they must be activated manually.
- Search for "disk" and click on the "format hard disk option".
- Locate the devices labeled unallocated (marked with a black border).
- Click the unallocated device, select "new simple volume," and follow the prompts, generally keeping the default settings unless you wish to rename the device or assign a specific drive letter.
D. Startup Optimization.
To reduce boot times and free up resources, manage startup applications.
- Right-click the taskbar, go into Task Manager, and navigate to Startup apps.
- Disable non-essential programs, especially game launchers, that load every time the PC boots.
IV. Recommended Free Applications.
The sources recommend several free applications for monitoring, uninstalling, and aesthetics:
- HW Info: Monitors system temperatures, clock speeds, and hardware information, which helps detect thermal throttling.
- MSI After Burner: Used to overlay hardware information (CPU/GPU speeds, temperatures, FPS) while running games.
- Revo Uninstaller: A tool that ensures applications are completely uninstalled, removing leftover files, folders, and Windows registry entries that standard uninstallations miss.
- DDU Installer: Serves the same function as Revo Uninstaller but is specifically for completely removing graphics card drivers, giving the system a clean slate for new driver installation.
- Translucent TB: A tool from the Microsoft store that makes the taskbar transparent for aesthetic purposes.
- Lively Wallpaper: A free alternative to Wallpaper Engine that allows users to customize wallpapers across multiple displays and upload their own content, including videos from their PC or YouTube links.
