Gaming has become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in India. With more affordable PCs, laptops, and consoles available, Indian gamers are exploring everything from competitive multiplayer games to immersive single-player experiences. However, not everyone can afford to upgrade their hardware frequently. The good news is that there are several ways to boost your gaming performance without spending a fortune on new equipment.
1. Optimise Your Game Settings
One of the simplest ways to improve gaming performance is by adjusting in-game settings. Most games offer options to reduce graphics quality, turn off unnecessary visual effects, and lower screen resolution. In games like Call of Duty Mobile or Valorant, reducing settings such as shadows, anti-aliasing, and texture quality can significantly improve frame rates. For Indian gamers playing on PCs or laptops that are not high-end, finding the balance between visuals and performance is key.
2. Update Drivers and Software
Outdated graphics drivers or system software can limit gaming performance. Regularly updating your GPU and CPU drivers ensures that your hardware is running efficiently and is compatible with the latest game updates. Windows updates and game patches also play an important role in enhancing performance. For gamers in India, this is an easy and cost-free way to get smoother gameplay.
3. Close Background Applications
Many gamers overlook the impact of background applications on gaming performance. Running multiple apps such as browsers, messaging platforms, or media players can consume valuable system resources. Before starting a game, close unnecessary programs to free up RAM and processing power. This simple step can lead to noticeable improvements in frame rates, especially on laptops or mid-range PCs commonly used in India.
4. Clean and Maintain Your System
Dust and overheating can affect your hardware performance. Regularly cleaning your PC, laptop fans, and ventilation areas can prevent overheating and reduce thermal throttling. Thermal throttling occurs when your CPU or GPU slows down to avoid overheating, resulting in lower frame rates. Using a cooling pad for laptops or ensuring proper airflow for desktops is essential. Indian gamers can also consider affordable options like laptop cooling pads or additional case fans to keep their system cool.
5. Use Game Mode and Performance Boost Features
Modern operating systems often come with built-in game modes that prioritise system resources for gaming. For example, Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a Game Mode that reduces background activity and improves frame rates. Additionally, some laptops and motherboards offer performance boost or overclocking features that can enhance CPU or GPU performance. These features are especially useful for Indian gamers who want better performance without buying new hardware.
6. Optimise Storage and Disk Performance
Slow storage can impact game loading times and in some cases, frame rates. Defragmenting traditional hard drives or moving games to a solid-state drive can provide faster loading and smoother gameplay. For gamers in India who may be using older laptops with hard disk drives, upgrading to an SSD is an affordable way to enhance overall gaming performance without a full hardware overhaul.
7. Reduce Visual Clutter and Improve FPS
Sometimes, improving performance is about reducing visual clutter within the game. Disabling unnecessary visual effects like motion blur, lens flare, and bloom can increase frames per second (FPS) and make gameplay smoother. Many Indian gamers playing competitive games like Apex Legends or PUBG Mobile on PCs can benefit from these adjustments to achieve faster reaction times and a more enjoyable experience.
8. Optimise Internet Connection for Online Gaming
For online gaming, a stable and fast internet connection is crucial. High latency and packet loss can create lag, which affects performance even on powerful hardware. Using a wired Ethernet connection, optimising Wi-Fi settings, or choosing servers closer to your location in India can improve responsiveness. Gamers using mobile hotspots should ensure they have sufficient data speed and low ping for competitive play.
You do not always need the latest hardware to enjoy a smooth gaming experience. By optimising game settings, updating drivers, closing unnecessary applications, maintaining your system, and improving your internet connection, Indian gamers can see significant performance improvements without spending extra money. These strategies allow you to make the most of your current setup and enjoy gaming at its best. With a few adjustments, you can enhance your gameplay and stay competitive even on older PCs and consoles.
