how to cap fps fallout 4

3 min read 15-01-2025

Fallout 4, with its vast open world and detailed environments, can be demanding on even the most powerful PCs. Uncapped frame rates can lead to stuttering, screen tearing, and other performance issues. This guide will show you how to cap your FPS in Fallout 4 for a smoother, more stable gaming experience, regardless of your hardware. We'll cover various methods, from in-game settings to third-party tools.

Why Cap Your FPS in Fallout 4?

Before diving into the methods, let's understand why you'd want to cap your frames per second (FPS). Uncapped FPS can cause several problems:

Stuttering and Lag: Your system might struggle to maintain a consistently high frame rate, resulting in noticeable stuttering. Capping FPS prevents this by limiting the workload on your hardware.
Screen Tearing: This visual artifact occurs when your monitor refreshes at a different rate than your GPU renders frames. Capping your FPS to your monitor's refresh rate eliminates this.
Increased Input Lag: While less common, extremely high frame rates can sometimes introduce input lag, making your controls feel unresponsive.

Methods to Cap FPS in Fallout 4

Here are several ways to limit your frame rate in Fallout 4:

1. Using the In-Game Settings (Limited Effectiveness)

Fallout 4's built-in settings offer limited control over FPS. You can adjust the graphics settings to reduce the load on your system, but there isn't a direct FPS cap option. Lowering settings like shadows, textures, and anti-aliasing will indirectly lower your FPS. This method is useful for minor adjustments, but for precise control, you'll need other solutions.

2. Using NVIDIA Control Panel (NVIDIA GPUs Only)

If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, the NVIDIA Control Panel provides a robust way to cap your FPS.

Open the NVIDIA Control Panel: Right-click on your desktop and select "NVIDIA Control Panel."
Manage 3D Settings: Navigate to "Manage 3D settings."
Program Settings: Select "Fallout4.exe" from the "Select a program to customize" dropdown menu. If it's not listed, add it manually.
Max Frame Rate: Find the "Max frame rate" setting and set it to your desired value (usually your monitor's refresh rate – 60Hz, 75Hz, 144Hz, etc.).
Apply: Click "Apply" to save the changes.

This method is generally reliable and offers precise control.

3. Using AMD Radeon Settings (AMD GPUs Only)

Similar to the NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD users can utilize the Radeon Settings:

Open Radeon Settings: Right-click on your desktop and select "AMD Radeon Settings."
Games: Navigate to the "Games" tab.
Find Fallout 4: Locate Fallout 4 in the list of games.
Global Settings (or Game-Specific): Choose either global settings (for all games) or game-specific settings for Fallout 4.
Wait for VSync: Enable Vsync (Vertical Synchronization) as an alternative to a hard FPS cap. VSync synchronizes the frame rate with your monitor's refresh rate, effectively capping it. However, Vsync introduces input lag, which some find unacceptable. If you don't like Vsync, look for a "Frame Rate Target Control" or similar setting and adjust it accordingly.
Apply: Click "Apply" to save your changes.

4. Using Third-Party Tools (e.g., RivaTuner Statistics Server)

For advanced users, third-party tools like RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) offer even finer control over frame rates and other performance metrics. RTSS is a powerful tool, but it requires more technical knowledge to configure correctly. Be cautious when using third-party tools, and download them only from reputable sources.

Important Note: If using a third-party tool like RTSS, ensure that it's compatible with your system and the latest version of Fallout 4. Incorrect settings can lead to instability or crashes.

Determining Your Optimal FPS Cap

The best FPS cap for you depends on your hardware and monitor. Generally, capping your FPS to your monitor's refresh rate (e.g., 60Hz, 144Hz) is a good starting point. This eliminates screen tearing and provides a smooth, consistent experience. Experiment with different cap values to find the sweet spot that balances performance and visual quality.

Conclusion

Capping your FPS in Fallout 4 is a simple yet effective way to improve performance and stability. Whether you use the in-game settings, your graphics card's control panel, or a third-party tool, you'll likely experience a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. Remember to choose the method that best suits your technical skills and hardware. Happy gaming!