How to Boost FPS in Any Game (Even Without a Graphics Card)
Discover effective ways to boost FPS and fix stuttering for games on integrated or old GPUs. Play games smoother with our 2025 guide.
If you’re gaming on a PC without a dedicated graphics card, or using an older GPU, you’ve probably faced the frustration of low frames per second (FPS), choppy gameplay, or stuttering. The good news: you don’t have to invest hundreds of dollars into new hardware just to improve your experience. This article walks you through practical, actionable tips to boost FPS in any game and play games smoother—even if your rig is running on integrated graphics or an outdated GPU.
We’ll cover everything from adjusting game settings to updating drivers and optimizing your system, all explained clearly for 2025’s popular games and technology contexts. Whether you want a graphics boost for competitive gaming or smoother casual play, this guide has you covered.
Why Boost FPS Matters in 2025 and Who This Guide Is For
FPS directly impacts how fluid and responsive a game feels. Ideal FPS depends on the game and display—anything above 60 FPS is generally very smooth on most monitors, but even increasing from 20 FPS to 40 FPS can significantly improve playability. For those using integrated GPUs built into CPUs—like Intel Iris Xe or AMD Ryzen’s Vega graphics—or older standalone GPUs, squeezing better FPS can be challenging but far from impossible.
In 2025, more games have scaled better to low-spec hardware, but many AAA titles still demand processing power that integrated graphics can struggle with. Plus, newer Windows and game software updates sometimes add features that tax older graphics components.
This tutorial is specifically for:
- Users gaming on laptops or desktops without a dedicated GPU.
- Owners of older GPUs that struggle with modern game demands.
- Casual gamers who want to improve performance without hardware upgrades.
- Anyone experiencing stuttering or lag even in lightweight games.
By following these tips, you can fix stuttering, enjoy a graphics boost, and transform your gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Step 1: Update Your GPU Drivers and System Software
One of the easiest ways to boost FPS and fix stuttering issues is ensuring your GPU drivers and system software are up to date.
Why it Matters
Manufacturers like Intel, AMD, and Microsoft constantly release driver updates that optimise performance for new games or fix bugs that cause stuttering and FPS drops. Running outdated drivers can lead to compatibility issues and poor performance.
How to Do It
- For Intel Integrated Graphics: Head to Intel’s official site or use their Intel Driver & Support Assistant tool, which will identify your GPU and recommend the latest drivers.
- For AMD Vega or APU Graphics: Visit AMD’s driver page or use the AMD Auto-Detect tool.
- Windows Updates: Always check for Windows 11 or 10 updates through Settings > Update & Security. These often include system optimisation improvements.
Restart your PC after updating to ensure all changes take effect.
Step 2: Lower In-Game Graphics Settings for a Graphics Boost
Adjusting graphics settings is the most immediate way to boost FPS, especially on integrated or old GPUs.
Key Settings to Adjust
- Resolution: Drop from 1080p to 720p or even lower to reduce GPU workload.
- Texture Quality: Set textures to low or medium—high textures demand a lot of VRAM.
- Shadow Quality: Shadows are costly; turn off or reduce them.
- Anti-aliasing: Disable or lower anti-aliasing to improve frame rates.
- Draw Distance: Shortening draw distance means fewer objects need rendering.
Benefit Example
In a game like Fortnite, setting graphics from “Epic” to “Low” can nearly double FPS on integrated GPUs, allowing you to play games smoother while maintaining decent visuals.
Step 3: Enable Game Mode and Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling in Windows
Windows 11 offers built-in features to help boost FPS and reduce stuttering without hardware upgrades.
Game Mode
- Enables prioritising resources to running games.
- Minimises background app interference.
Activate it via Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. Toggle it on before launching your game.
Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling
- Allows your GPU to manage VRAM more efficiently.
- Can reduce input lag and improve responsiveness.
Enable this under Graphics Settings in Windows by searching “Graphics Settings” and turning on hardware scheduling if your system supports it.
Step 4: Use Game Boosting Software Smartly
There are several third-party tools designed to boost FPS by optimising system resources.
Popular Options in 2025
- Razer Cortex: Temporarily closes unnecessary processes and tweaks Windows settings when gaming.
- MSI Afterburner: Although known for overclocking GPUs, it also monitors FPS and can tune fan speeds to keep your GPU cool.
- Wise Game Booster: Simplifies closing background apps and tweaking system services.
Note: Use these tools carefully; over-aggressive shutting down of processes can interfere with other apps.
Step 5: Adjust Power Settings for Maximum Performance
Many PCs default to power-saving profiles that limit CPU and GPU speeds.
How to Maximise Performance
- Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
- Select “High Performance” or create a custom plan prioritising max CPU performance.
- Ensure your laptop is plugged in, as most reduce power on battery reducing FPS.
Step 6: Overclock Your Integrated GPU or CPU (Advanced)
Overclocking means running your chip at speeds slightly above the default. Many CPUs with integrated GPUs allow mild overclocking, which can give a significant boost without extra hardware.
Caution!
- Overclocking raises heat and may reduce system stability.
- Not suitable for all users due to potential risk.
- Do it only if you’re comfortable using software and monitoring temps.
How to Overclock
- Use Ryzen Master software for AMD APUs.
- For Intel, tools like Intel Extreme Tuning Utility can help.
- Increase clock speeds incrementally and test with games or benchmarks to ensure stability.
Step 7: Free Up Disk Space and Defragment (for HDD users)
Slow disk speed can indirectly impact gaming performance by causing lag or stutters.
What to Do
- Delete unused files and uninstall unused programs.
- Use Windows’ Disk Cleanup tool and Storage Sense.
- If you use a traditional hard drive (HDD), run defragmentation regularly.
- If your budget allows, consider upgrading to an SSD for faster game loading and system responsiveness.
Step 8: Close Background Apps and Disable Startup Programs
Background apps consume CPU and RAM that your games could be using.
How to Clean Up Your Background
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
- Identify unnecessary apps (browsers, cloud sync apps, music players).
- Right-click and “End Task” for nonessential programs.
- To prevent apps starting automatically, go to the Startup tab in Task Manager and disable them.
Expert Insight: What You Often Overlook
Many gamers focus solely on the GPU without considering other factors:
- RAM speed and capacity matter: 8GB minimum recommended in 2025, ideally 16GB for modern games.
- Thermal throttling: Dust build-up or poor cooling causes CPUs/GPUs to lower speed to avoid overheating.
- Game scene complexity: Even a powerful GPU can struggle if a game’s scene has extreme detail or too many simultaneous effects enabled.
Be realistic. Integrated or older GPUs won’t match new dedicated cards, but these tweaks can raise FPS enough to noticeably improve playability.
Alternatives and Comparisons: Is Upgrading Worth It?
If you find these optimisations insufficient, consider budget GPU upgrades:
- NVIDIA GTX 1650: Around $150, good for 1080p gaming, a significant upgrade from integrated graphics.
- AMD Radeon RX 6400: About $160, performs well with low power consumption.
For laptops, upgrading GPUs is usually not feasible; instead, consider laptops with hybrid graphics or external GPU docks (starting around $300).
Quick Summary
- Best low-effort fix: Update drivers and use Game Mode.
- Best for graphics boost without cost: Lower in-game settings and enable hardware scheduling.
- Best advanced option: Mild overclock for integrated GPUs.
- Best system clean-up: Disable background apps and free disk space.
FAQ
Can I boost FPS without spending money?
Yes! Updating drivers, adjusting settings, closing background apps, and enabling Windows game features cost nothing and can improve FPS.
Will lowering resolution hurt my gaming experience?
Slightly, yes. Visuals become less sharp, but you’ll get a smoother gameplay which is often a better trade-off.
Can software tools replace hardware upgrades?
They help optimise performance but can’t fully replace the benefits of a stronger GPU.
Is overclocking safe for integrated GPUs?
If done carefully and monitored, yes, but it increases heat and power usage.
How do I fix stuttering caused by integrated graphics?
Fixes include updating drivers, lowering game settings, enabling Game Mode, and closing unnecessary background programs.
Pricing and Availability
Most optimisation steps are free to apply. For driver updates and Windows settings, no cost is involved. Overclocking software provided by hardware makers is free. Third-party game boosters are often freeware or have trial versions.
If upgrading hardware feels necessary, budget GPUs like the GTX 1650 ($150–$180) or Radeon RX 6400 ($160) are widely available from online stores like Amazon or Newegg.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Boosting FPS on integrated or old GPUs is a balancing act between performance and visual quality. By systematically updating drivers, tweaking game and system settings, and managing resources, you can gain a much-needed graphics boost and play games smoother—all without buying a dedicated GPU.
Start small with software tweaks and settings changes; overclock or hardware upgrades come after if you want extra power. Gaming in 2025 is more accessible than ever, even on modest setups, and with these tips, you’ll enjoy your favourite titles with better FPS and less stuttering.
For more gaming optimisation tips, explore related guides on updating hardware drivers, managing background apps, and choosing the best gaming peripherals for your setup. Happy gaming!
Related Reads
- How to Optimise Your Windows PC for Gaming
- Best Budget Gaming Peripherals in 2025
- Is Overclocking Worth It? A Beginner’s Guide
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