Laptop Gaming Tweaks: More FPS Without Overheating

Power first

1. 01

   Play plugged in

   On battery the laptop slows the CPU and GPU to save power, and FPS drops a lot no matter what else you tune.

2. 02

   Power mode: Best performance

   Raises the CPU's minimum speed while you play.

   Settings › System › Power › Power mode › Best performance

3. 03

   Performance mode in the maker's app

   Armoury Crate on ASUS, Lenovo Vantage or Legion Space, OMEN Gaming Hub on HP, MSI Center. “Turbo” or “Performance” raises power limits and fan speeds.

Make sure the game runs on the dedicated GPU

Most gaming laptops have two graphics chips: a power-saving integrated one and a powerful dedicated one. Sometimes a game runs on the integrated chip by mistake, and FPS comes out very low.

1. 04

   Pick the GPU per game

   Add the game's file and choose “High performance”.

   Settings › System › Display › Graphics

2. 05

   Dedicated-GPU-only mode (MUX)

   Some laptops have a switch that wires the screen straight to the dedicated GPU, for more performance and less latency. Look for GPU Mode or dGPU in the maker's app.

3. 06

   External monitors

   If you use an external monitor, plug it into the port wired to the dedicated GPU (often HDMI, or USB-C with a DisplayPort mark).

Heat: the real limit on laptop performance

When the CPU or GPU passes a certain temperature, it slows itself down to stay safe, and FPS drops suddenly mid-game. That's why heat is part of any laptop tweak:

• Lift the laptop off the surface so it can breathe, or use a cooling pad.
• Don't play on a bed or pillow; they block the vents.
• Dust in the fans raises temperatures over time; an internal clean and fresh thermal paste every year or two brings performance back.
• Cap FPS at your refresh rate so the laptop doesn't run flat out for nothing.

Windows and the display

1. 07

   Highest refresh rate

   Many gaming laptops ship set to 60 Hz even though the screen supports 144 or more.

   Settings › System › Display › Advanced display

2. 08

   Game Mode

   Gives the game priority over background tasks.

   Settings › Gaming › Game Mode

3. 09

   Startup apps

   New laptops come with lots of apps running in the background. Stop the ones you don't need.

   Task Manager › Startup apps

4. 10

   Update drivers

   The graphics driver from NVIDIA or AMD, and the laptop maker's own drivers.

Your laptop with X TWEAKS

X TWEAKS PRO tunes Windows and your laptop for gaming in one click, measures your FPS stability while you play, keeps an eye on temperatures, and undoes any change in one click. If the problem is heat or dust, X CARE cleans your PC and renews its cooling.