How to Limit FPS on a Gaming PC

Why cap the frame rate?

Limiting the frame rate on a gaming PC is a simple way to keep the image steady. A monitor displays a fixed number of frames per second based on its refresh rate. When the GPU produces more frames than the display can show, the extra frames are wasted and can cause visual artifacts such as screen tearing. Setting a cap just below the monitor refresh rate keeps the output in line with what the display can handle.

Another reason is consistency. When the frame rate bounces between high and low values, the pacing of the frames changes, which can make motion look uneven. A cap stops the GPU from spiking on simple scenes and evens out the pacing over time. This is especially useful on a desktop used for competitive play, where a steady frame output supports reaction times.

Capping also reduces the work the graphics card does. When the GPU is not forced to run at its maximum output, it can spend more time on other tasks, such as keeping the CPU and memory in sync. The system becomes more predictable overall. For more on refresh rate and why it matters, see what is a good refresh rate for gaming.

In-game frame rate limit

Many games include a frame rate limit in their video settings. The option is often called a "frame rate cap", "max FPS", or "frame rate limit". You set it to a value near the refresh rate of your monitor. Some games let you set the limit as a percentage of the refresh rate, while others accept an absolute number.

In-game caps are the first choice because the game engine knows its own frame pacing. The limit is applied before the frame is presented, so it does not require extra software. If the game does not offer a limit, you can move to the driver panel.

Check the game's graphics settings menu for any of these labels. When you find it, set the value to match the refresh rate your monitor supports. For a monitor with a higher refresh rate, the cap goes a few frames below that number to avoid the display waiting for a frame that never comes.

Graphics driver level limit

Graphics driver panels provide a frame rate limit that works across every game. The NVIDIA Control Panel and the NVIDIA App include an option to cap the frame rate for each application or globally. On a PC with an NVIDIA GPU, you can set the limit from the driver software without touching the game.

A driver level cap places a limit on the GPU output. It is useful for games that do not expose a limit in their settings. The driver also handles the limit for all titles, so you can set one value for the entire system and adjust individual games later.

Most other graphics driver packages from major GPU vendors include a similar setting. When the driver does not offer one, the next option is a third party utility. For guidance on configuring the NVIDIA driver, see how to configure nvidia control panel for gaming.

Third party frame limiters

Third party frame limiters are small tools that run alongside the game and tell the GPU to pause after each frame. They work at the driver level and can apply a limit to any title. Some are bundled with graphics card overclocking utilities, but you do not need to change any clocks to use the limiter.

Third party limiters are useful when neither the game nor the driver panel provides a flexible cap. They also let you set a different limit for each game without changing the global driver setting. The tools are lightweight and do not require a restart to take effect.

When choosing a limiter, look for one that works with the current version of the graphics driver. The utility should also support the monitor refresh rate you want to match. A third party limiter can be paired with a variable refresh rate display to keep the output within the sync range.

Which limit should you pick?

The right limit depends on the monitor and the game. For a plain display without variable refresh, set the cap to the monitor refresh rate or one or two frames below it. For a display with G-SYNC or a similar variable refresh technology, the cap goes below the maximum refresh to give the sync system room to work.

On a competitive setup, many players run the game at a lower resolution to push the frame rate high. The cap then sits at the refresh rate to keep the output steady. For single player titles with large worlds, you might set the limit to the refresh rate of the monitor to avoid the GPU building a queue of frames.

A simple rule is to pick the highest limit that matches your display, then lower it if you see artifacts or when you want the GPU to work at a less demanding pace. The goal is a steady output that the display can show without extra frames piling up. For help choosing a monitor with the right refresh rate, see the monitor buying guides.

What to pick for your play

Questions

What does a frame rate cap do?

A frame rate cap sets a maximum number of frames per second the GPU will output. This keeps the frame pacing consistent and prevents the display from receiving more frames than it can refresh at a rate, which can cause screen tearing or wasted work.

Can a frame rate cap reduce screen tearing?

Yes, when the cap is set at or below the monitor refresh rate, the GPU stops sending frames faster than the display can show. This reduces the chance of tearing, especially on displays without a variable refresh technology.

Is it better to cap in-game or in the driver?

The in-game cap is usually the first choice because the game engine can pace frames more precisely. If a game lacks the option, the graphics driver panel provides a system-wide cap. Third party limiters are a last resort for flexibility.

Do I need a third party tool to cap FPS?

Only if neither the game nor the driver panel offers a suitable limit. A third party tool can set a per game cap and works with any title, but check that it supports the current graphics driver and your monitor refresh rate.

What should I set the cap to?

For a fixed refresh rate display, set the cap to the monitor refresh rate or one or two frames below. For a variable refresh display, set it a few frames below the maximum refresh so the sync system has room to operate.

Does capping FPS affect input lag?

Capping the frame rate can influence input lag depending on the method. A driver level cap that matches the refresh rate generally keeps the frame queue short, while an in-game cap often behaves the same. The effect is usually small compared to the consistency benefit.

Can I use a frame rate limiter on a prebuilt gaming PC?

Yes, the same methods apply on any desktop. The in-game or driver level cap works on the GPU installed in the prebuilt. Third party limiters also run fine as long as they support the hardware and driver version. For help picking a PC with the right GPU, see the prebuilt buying guides.