In the world of PC gaming, smooth performance and high FPS (Frames Per Second) are everything. While most gamers focus on GPU drivers and in-game graphics settings, few realize that the BIOS — the Basic Input/Output System — also plays a crucial role in overall system performance. Properly configuring your BIOS can significantly improve game stability, responsiveness, and even increase FPS.
In this guide from Psbios Zone, we’ll explore the most effective BIOS settings to increase FPS in games, explain how they work, and provide safe tips to get the best gaming performance from your hardware.
Understanding the BIOS and Its Role in Gaming
The BIOS (or UEFI on modern systems) is a firmware interface that initializes your computer’s hardware before the operating system starts. It controls fundamental aspects of your system such as the CPU, RAM, and storage devices.
While the BIOS itself doesn’t directly render graphics or process game code, its settings can heavily influence how efficiently your components communicate and perform — which directly affects your FPS in games.
Top BIOS Settings to Increase FPS in Games
Below are the most impactful BIOS settings you can safely adjust to enhance gaming performance.
1. Enable XMP (Extreme Memory Profile)
- Location: Advanced Memory Settings → XMP Profile
- Recommended Setting: XMP Profile 1 (or Auto)
✅ Why it helps:
By default, your RAM may run at a lower frequency than advertised. Enabling XMP allows your system to use the full rated speed and timings of your memory modules. Faster RAM reduces latency and improves FPS, especially in CPU-intensive games like Counter-Strike 2 or PUBG.
2. Enable Precision Boost / Turbo Boost
- Location: CPU Settings or AMD CBS (for Ryzen)
- Recommended Setting: Enabled
✅ Why it helps:
This allows your CPU to dynamically increase its clock speed based on workload and thermal capacity. When gaming, your processor can boost to higher frequencies, improving frame rates and reducing stuttering.
3. Enable Resizable BAR / Smart Access Memory
- Location: PCI Subsystem Settings
- Recommended Setting: Enabled (if supported by GPU and motherboard)
✅ Why it helps:
Resizable BAR allows your CPU to access all of your GPU’s memory at once instead of in small chunks. This leads to smoother texture loading and potential FPS gains of 5–15% in modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5.
4. Adjust Power Settings to “Performance Mode”
- Location: Power Management or AMD CBS → Global C-States
- Recommended Setting: Disable Global C-States / Set to “Performance”
✅ Why it helps:
Disabling deep sleep states (C-States) and enabling performance mode ensures your CPU stays ready for immediate workload changes. This reduces input lag and stabilizes frame timing in fast-paced games.
5. Enable Above 4G Decoding
- Location: PCI Subsystem Settings
- Recommended Setting: Enabled
✅ Why it helps:
This setting is essential for modern GPUs and systems using Resizable BAR. It allows the system to allocate more than 4GB of address space to the GPU, optimizing performance and stability in high-memory games.
6. Optimize Fan Curves and Cooling
- Location: Hardware Monitor / Fan Settings
- Recommended Setting: Set a custom curve for CPU and GPU fans
✅ Why it helps:
Keeping your system cool ensures the CPU and GPU maintain boost frequencies longer without thermal throttling. Even a few degrees cooler can mean a more consistent FPS over long gaming sessions.
7. Enable DOCP (for AMD Systems)
- Location: AI Tweaker / Overclocking Section
- Recommended Setting: DOCP Profile 1
✅ Why it helps:
DOCP is AMD’s equivalent of Intel’s XMP. It optimizes your RAM settings for better bandwidth and lower latency, translating to smoother gameplay and higher FPS.
Optional Advanced Tweaks (For Experienced Users)
⚠️ Warning: These settings should only be changed if you’re comfortable with BIOS adjustments and understand overclocking risks.
1. CPU Overclocking
Manually raising your CPU multiplier or voltage can yield noticeable FPS improvements in CPU-bound games. Always monitor temperatures and stability.
2. Memory Overclocking
Pushing your RAM beyond XMP/DOCP speeds can improve frame times. However, test stability with tools like MemTest86 or OCCT before gaming.
3. GPU PCIe Mode
Ensure PCIe mode is set to GEN 4 (if supported by both motherboard and GPU) for optimal data throughput.
BIOS Updates: The Hidden Performance Boost
Many users overlook BIOS updates, but they often contain important performance and compatibility enhancements. Updating your BIOS can:
- Improve CPU microcode efficiency
- Enhance RAM stability
- Unlock support for new GPUs and features like Resizable BAR
Always download BIOS updates directly from your motherboard manufacturer’s official website to avoid risks.
Important Safety Tips
- Write down or back up your current BIOS settings before making changes.
- Avoid excessive overclocking unless you have proper cooling.
- If your PC becomes unstable, reset BIOS to default using the Clear CMOS button or jumper.
Conclusion
Tuning your BIOS can make a surprising difference in gaming performance. By enabling key features like XMP, Resizable BAR, and Performance Mode, you can unlock hidden power in your CPU, RAM, and GPU — boosting your FPS and delivering a smoother, more immersive gaming experience.
Remember, the BIOS is the foundation of your PC’s performance. With the right configuration and care, you can turn your system into a gaming powerhouse.