Ever fired up a game, only to be met with jitters and lag? It can be super frustrating! This is where a magic little tool called an FPS meter comes in. An FPS meter, or Frames per Second meter, tells you exactly how many frames your computer is able to display on your screen in one second. The smoother the gameplay, the higher the fps test . So, how do you get one of these bad boys and see what your PC is really made of? Let’s dive in!
Why Use an FPS Meter?
There are a couple of reasons why having an FPS meter is a good idea. First, it helps you diagnose performance issues. If your game is stuttering or lagging, the FPS meter can tell you if it’s because your computer just can’t handle the graphics settings you’ve chosen. Knowing this lets you adjust the settings to find a sweet spot between eye candy and smooth gameplay.
Secondly, an FPS meter can be a great bragging tool (or a humbling one!). If you’ve just upgraded your graphics card and want to see how much of a performance boost you’ve gotten, an FPS meter will show you the difference.
Types of FPS Meters
There are two main types of FPS meters: in-game overlays and external programs.
In-game overlays: Many games, especially on PC, have built-in FPS meters. You’ll usually find an option to enable it in the game’s settings menu. This is the simplest way to see your FPS, but not all games have this option.
External programs: These are standalone programs that run in the background while you’re playing a game. They offer more features than in-game overlays, like the ability to track other performance metrics like CPU and GPU usage. Some popular external FPS meter programs include MSI Afterburner with RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS), FRAPS, and even Steam has a built-in FPS counter.
Benefits of Using an FPS Meter
Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits of using an FPS meter:
Diagnose performance issues: Identify if low FPS is due to game settings or hardware limitations.
Optimize game settings: Fine-tune settings to find the balance between visuals and performance.
Benchmark your PC: Track performance improvements after hardware upgrades with FPS tests.
Monitor system stability: Keep an eye on FPS during extended gaming sessions.
Steps to Getting an FPS Meter
Check Your Game’s Settings
The easiest way to get an FPS meter is to see if your game has one built-in. Many popular games these days offer this feature. Just head over to your game’s settings menu and look for an option related to displaying FPS. If your game doesn’t have a built-in meter, don’t worry, there are other options!
Using an External Program
Here’s how to use an external program like MSI Afterburner with RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) to get an FPS meter:
Download and install MSI Afterburner [MSI Website].
During installation, make sure to check the box to install RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS).
Open Afterburner and click the settings cog in the top right corner.
Go to the “Monitoring” tab.
Under “Active Hardware Monitoring”, check the box next to “FPS”.
Click on the “On-Screen Display” tab.
Click the “+” button to add a new OSD element.
Select “FPS” from the list and choose where you want it to appear on the screen.
Click “OK” to save your settings.
Now, whenever you launch a game, the FPS meter from RTSS will be displayed in the position you chose.
Using Steam’s FPS Counter
Steam also has a built-in FPS counter you can enable. Here’s how:
Open the Steam client.
Go to “Steam” in the top left corner and select “Settings”.
Click on “In-Game” in the left menu.
Check the box next to “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game”.
Under “In-game FPS counter”, choose where you want the counter to appear on the screen.
Click “OK” to save your settings.
Now, whenever you launch a game through Steam, the FPS counter will be displayed in the position you chose.
Conclusion
An FPS meter is a handy tool for any PC gamer. It helps you diagnose performance issues, optimize game settings and even brag (or fret) about your PC’s capabilities. Whether you use the built-in meter in your favorite game or opt for an external program like MSI Afterburner with RTSS, having an FPS meter will give you valuable insights into your gaming experience.
Now you’re ready to run some FPS tests and see how smooth your games can run! Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
Compare FPS in different areas of a game: Some areas of a game may be more demanding than others, so your FPS may vary depending on the location.
Compare FPS to recommended specs: Many games will list recommended system specifications, which often include an ideal FPS range.
Don’t obsess over the number: While a higher FPS is generally better, aim for a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience. Sometimes lowering graphical settings slightly can make a big difference in FPS without sacrificing too much visual quality.
FAQs
Will using an FPS meter slow down my games?
For the most part, using an FPS meter will have a negligible impact on performance. However, if your PC is already struggling, it’s possible that even a lightweight program like an FPS meter could cause a slight dip in FPS.
What’s a good FPS for gaming?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Generally, anything above 60 FPS is considered very smooth gameplay. However, some fast-paced games like competitive shooters may benefit from even higher FPS (think 144 FPS or more) for a truly responsive experience.
