1. Prioritise a Balanced Build
The GPU is the workhorse of your gaming PC. If you’re looking for maximum impact, it’s the component where you should focus your budget. However, it doesn’t operate in isolation. Your other components – mainly the CPU and RAM – can directly affect GPU performance and create bottlenecks if they are not up to scratch.
Think of it like this: if the GPU is a race car, the CPU and RAM are the pit crew. The GPU does the majority of the heavy lifting (and takes all the glory), but it needs support from the RAM and CPU to operate effectively at speed.
RAM Optimisation Tips
Modern GPUs are faster and demand rapid access to data like never before. New technologies such as ray tracing, AI upscaling (DLSS/FSR), ultra-high frame rates, and 8K textures place increased strain on your RAM. It’s more important than ever to have an optimised setup. Here are some pointers…
16GB RAM Minimum:
With modern games and graphics cards, you should aim for at least 16GB of RAM. While 8GB may provide adequate performance for less demanding games, 16GB is ideal. If you plan to play the latest titles on ultra settings or edit in 4K, 32GB is recommended.
Go For Dual-Channel:
Dual-channel RAM, e.g. two 8GB sticks (16GB), uses two separate channels to transfer data, effectively doubling the amount of data that can be transferred between the CPU and RAM per second. This higher bandwidth allows your GPU to access data (like textures, models and other graphical assets) faster, leading to smoother, more immersive gaming experiences with reduced micro stutters, lag and loading times.
Memory Speed and Latency:
RAM speed is measured in MHz; the higher the speed, the faster your RAM will transfer data to your CPU, GPU and system memory.
CPU Optimisation Tips
Your CPU is responsible for managing the data that your GPU renders. If your CPU cannot keep up with the demands of your GPU, it will cause bottlenecks. In a gaming scenario, this can result in low frame rates, stuttering, reduced responsiveness, and limitations on your PC’s ability to run games at higher graphics settings. In extreme cases, bottlenecks may lead to overheating, instability, and potential damage to your components.
CPU x GPU Compatibility
Depending on your GPU, you will need an appropriate CPU that can keep up with its demands. Here’s a quick guide…
Avoid Pairing New GPUs with Old CPUs
No matter how good your GPU is, it will only perform as well as your CPU allows. Building a great gaming PC is about more than just buying the most expensive component – prioritising balance is essential. You’re better off investing your budget in a well-matched GPU and CPU pairing than spending it all on a shiny new GPU.
2. Keep it Cool (and Clean)
As all PC-building enthusiasts know, heat is the enemy of performance! There are several ways you can optimise your build to keep your most important components cool and clean.
Optimise Case Air Flow:
Modern GPUs can be very large (up to 330mm in length). If your case is too small, airflow will be restricted. Make sure your case is the appropriate size to house your components. In addition, if you’ve opted for an especially powerful GPU, it’s worth seriously considering your cooling system. Front intake fans will draw cool air into your rig, while top and rear fans will help to exhaust hot air. As a bonus, aim to create positive pressure by having more intake fans than exhaust fans – this will help to reduce dust build-up.
Regular Dusting:
Speaking of dust, it’s another enemy of performance for gaming rigs. When it collects on your components, dust acts as an insulator, leading to increased heat. As a general rule of thumb, aim to clean your PC every 3 to 6 months. If you live in a particularly dusty environment (or simply enjoy the process), aim to clean it every 2 to 3 months.
Use an anti-static brush to dislodge any stubborn dust, then follow up with compressed air. If it’s been a while since your last clean (we’ve all been there), consider powering down your PC and removing the GPU to properly access the shroud and heatsink fins.
Upgrade Cooling Where Necessary:
Stock coolers may not be sufficient if you have a high-end or overclocked GPU. AIO liquid coolers can significantly reduce temperatures, which is ideal for 4K gaming and demanding content creation tasks.
3. Consider Overclocking
Overclocking remains an accessible way to boost your GPU’s performance for free. A successful overclock can yield performance gains of 5–15%. However, before diving in, it’s important to note that overclocking may void your warranty, depending on the manufacturer. It will also lead to increased power consumption – a crucial factor to consider if you’re using an older system or a PSU rated under 1000W. Additionally, overclocking may reduce the lifespan of your hardware if voltages and temperatures aren’t managed properly. You have been warned!
Using tools like MSI Afterburner or AMD Adrenalin, you can gradually raise your core and memory clock speeds, test stability using 3DMark or OCCT, and monitor temperatures to avoid overheating. Adjusting the fan curve and carefully increasing the power limit can help maintain performance gains. Just remember: overclocking generates extra heat, increases power draw, and may void warranties – so take it slow, keep things stable, and aim to keep your GPU under 85°C for the best results.
4. Smart In-Game Tweaks
Optimising your system environment is a simple yet effective way to boost GPU performance. If your system is bogged down by background processes, it can slow your GPU. When gaming, try to close unnecessary applications such as browsers, launchers, or RGB software. Windows 11 also includes ‘Game Mode’, which prioritises gaming by pausing background updates and tasks while you play.
It’s also important to remember that achieving optimal performance isn’t always about maxing everything out. It may sound counterintuitive, but lowering certain in-game settings can often result in noticeable performance gains with minimal impact on visual quality. Here are some settings you should consider lowering…
Ray tracing quality: This feature can cause a significant drop in FPS, yet the visual difference is often negligible in fast-paced games.
Shadow resolution: Lowering shadow quality has minimal visual impact but can greatly improve performance.
Ambient occlusion / volumetric effects: Turning these settings from Ultra to High or Medium can deliver big performance gains with little noticeable difference in image quality.
Finally, consider adjusting your power settings. Windows often defaults to a ‘Balanced’ power plan, which can limit performance. To unlock your GPU’s full potential, go to Control Panel > Power Options and select High Performance or Ultimate Performance (if available). This tweak ensures your GPU can boost to its maximum clock speeds when needed.
5. Update Your Drivers
This tip is number five for a reason – it might sound glaringly obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Many gamers and content creators skip this step (no judgment – we’ve all been there). Keeping your GPU drivers up to date is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve performance, stability, and compatibility. Outdated drivers can lead to crashes, graphical glitches, and poor frame rates.
For best results, update your GPU drivers using official tools like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin Edition, which offer one-click updates, tuning features, and performance overlays. Advanced users can use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode to perform a clean install, particularly useful when switching GPU brands or troubleshooting persistent issues. Remember, Windows Update doesn’t always provide the latest drivers, so it’s best to download them directly from NVIDIA or AMD for optimal performance and compatibility.
Bonus Tips:
Here at Ebuyer, we firmly believe that PC building is – and always should be – fun. Constantly chasing upgrades can become excessive and take away from the enjoyment of gaming. Whenever you upgrade, prioritise balance – your system will thank you for it.
As always, if you’re ever unsure about an upgrade (or simply want to show off your build’s progress), feel free to drop us a DM on our social channels or email our UK-based customer service team at [email protected].
Go forth and upgrade with confidence!
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