Is limiting FPS good? it can be very beneficial, especially for laptops or any other sort of mobile computers. Let me explain why.
1. Battery Life: One of the major advantages of capping your framerate is that it helps conserve your laptop’s battery life. When you limit the FPS, your laptop’s graphics card doesn’t have to work as hard to render each frame, resulting in lower power consumption. This is especially important for laptops because they generally have smaller batteries compared to desktop computers. So, by capping the framerate, you can extend your battery life and enjoy longer unplugged usage.
2. Heat Management: Another advantage of limiting FPS is that it helps in managing heat generated by your laptop. When your graphics card is constantly rendering frames at a high rate, it produces more heat. This can lead to your laptop’s cooling system working harder to dissipate that heat, resulting in higher fan speeds and more noise. By capping the framerate, you can reduce the workload on your graphics card and consequently lower the heat output. This can help keep your laptop cooler, which not only improves comfort but also potentially prolongs the lifespan of your laptop’s components.
3. Avoiding Screen Tearing: Capping your framerate is not the same as using v-sync, but it can still help in avoiding screen tearing. Screen tearing occurs when your graphics card renders frames at a rate higher than your monitor’s refresh rate, causing a misalignment of frames on-screen. By limiting the FPS to match your monitor’s refresh rate, you can mitigate the chances of screen tearing, resulting in a smoother visual experience.
4. Consistent Performance: Capping your framerate can also help in achieving more consistent performance. When your FPS is uncapped, it can fluctuate wildly depending on the demands of the game or application you are running. This can lead to inconsistent gameplay experiences and potential stutters. By limiting the FPS, you can ensure a more stable and consistent performance, providing a smoother and more enjoyable gaming or computing experience.
5. Noise Reduction: As mentioned earlier, when your laptop’s graphics card is working harder, it generates more heat, which can lead to increased fan speeds and consequently more noise. By capping your framerate, you can reduce the workload on your graphics card, resulting in lower heat output and quieter operation. This can be particularly helpful if you are using your laptop in a quiet environment or if you find fan noise distracting.
To summarize, limiting your FPS can be highly beneficial for laptops and mobile computers. It helps conserve battery life, manage heat, avoid screen tearing, achieve consistent performance, and reduce noise levels. Whether you are gaming or performing intensive tasks, capping your framerate can provide a better overall experience and contribute to the longevity of your laptop.