What Is FPS in Gaming and How Does It Affect Your Gameplay

FPS, or frames per second, is one of the most important numbers in gaming. It determines how smooth motion looks on screen and how quickly the game responds to your inputs. A higher FPS makes games feel more fluid and reactive — lower FPS makes them feel choppy and slow.

• What FPS means: The number of individual images (frames) your device renders and your screen displays every second during gameplay.
• 30 FPS: The minimum playable threshold for most games — acceptable for slow-paced story games, noticeably sluggish for action or multiplayer.
• 60 FPS: The standard target for most console and PC games; smooth visuals and responsive controls across all genres.
• 120 FPS and above: The competitive standard — significantly reduces input lag and is available on PS5, Xbox Series X, and high-refresh gaming laptops and monitors.
• FPS vs Hz: Your display's refresh rate (measured in Hz) caps how many frames you can actually see. A 60Hz screen cannot show more than 60 FPS, even if your device renders 120. A 144Hz gaming monitor or TV is needed to benefit from 120+ FPS.
• What causes low FPS: An underpowered GPU, high in-game graphics settings, background apps consuming RAM, poor device cooling, or an unoptimised game.
• How to improve FPS on PC: Update GPU drivers, lower in-game settings, enable Windows Game Mode, close background apps, or upgrade to a gaming laptop with a dedicated GPU.
• Mobile FPS: BGMI, Call of Duty Mobile, and Free Fire all allow manual FPS selection in settings — most mid-range Android phones support 60 FPS; flagship phones support 90 or 120 FPS in supported titles.

You can also buy gaming accessories on Easy EMIs at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities, including Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales. 

FPS (Frames Per Second) in gaming measures how many individual images your system displays every second during gameplay. A higher FPS creates smoother motion, faster visual updates, and more responsive controls, making games feel more fluid and enjoyable. For example, 30 FPS is generally considered playable, 60 FPS offers smooth gameplay, and 120 FPS or higher delivers a more responsive experience, especially in fast-paced competitive games. Achieving higher FPS depends on your graphics card, processor, game settings, and monitor refresh rate. Whether you are exploring story-driven titles or the best video games, a good FPS makes all the difference.

If you are looking for gaming accessories, visit any of Bajaj Finance's 1.5 lakh partner stores — like Vijay Sales, Croma, Reliance Digital, and more — across 4,000 cities, including Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, Bhopal, and more in India. Choose your preferred model, then use the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Bajaj Finance Easy EMI Loan to finance it. Convert the cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget and enjoy zero down payment on select models — take it home without any upfront payment. Check your loan eligibility online in minutes so you know exactly what you can get before you step into the store. 

Every frame in a game is a fully rendered image calculated by your device in real time. Three components determine how many frames per second your system can produce:

• The GPU (graphics processing unit): The GPU does most of the work — it calculates lighting, shadows, textures, and geometry for every frame. A more powerful GPU renders more frames per second. On a PS5, the GPU is a custom AMD RDNA 2-based chip. On a gaming laptop, the GPU is typically an NVIDIA RTX 40- or 50-series card. The GPU is the single biggest factor in FPS.
• The CPU (central processing unit): The CPU handles game logic, physics, AI, and input processing. In CPU-heavy games (open-world titles, strategy games with many units), a slow CPU can become a bottleneck even if the GPU is powerful — a situation called a CPU bottleneck.

• The display's refresh rate: This is the ceiling on how many frames you can actually see. A display's refresh rate is measured in Hz — a 60Hz screen refreshes 60 times per second, a 144Hz screen refreshes 144 times per second. If your device renders 120 FPS but your screen is 60Hz, you see only 60 frames per second. Your display determines the upper limit of what is visible.

  
  

For the smoothest gaming experience, both your device's rendered FPS and your display's refresh rate should be matched. If you are upgrading to a gaming laptop or console that supports 120 FPS, pairing it with a 120Hz or 144Hz gaming monitor makes the full benefit visible.

The right FPS target depends on the type of game and how competitive your play style is. The table below maps game categories to recommended FPS targets for Indian gamers on consoles and gaming laptops:

• For competitive online gaming: 60 FPS is the minimum most players find acceptable. At 120 FPS, input lag (the delay between your button press and what appears on screen) drops noticeably — professional esports players consistently target 144 FPS or above for this reason. BGMI on PC/emulator and Valorant both support well above 60 FPS on capable hardware.
• For console gamers: The PS5 and Xbox Series X both support 120 FPS in Performance Mode for compatible games. Selecting Performance Mode over Quality Mode (which typically runs at 30 FPS in 4K) is the single fastest way to improve FPS on a current-gen console. On PS5, this is found under Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output → Performance Mode. 

Read more about getting the most from your setup in the PS5 tips and tricks guide.

Low FPS is generally defined as anything below 30 FPS in gameplay. At this level, motion becomes visibly choppy and inputs feel delayed. Below are the most common causes and how to identify each.

Upgrading to a high-performance device like the Sony PlayStation PS5 Slim Console can help maintain stable and high frame rates, especially for next-gen gaming experiences.

Optimising your PC can significantly improve FPS and deliver smoother gameplay. Follow these practical tips to boost gaming performance without upgrading your hardware immediately:

• Update graphics drivers: Install the latest NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics drivers to improve game compatibility, fix performance issues, and optimise FPS in newly released titles.
• Lower in-game graphics settings: Reduce settings such as shadows, anti-aliasing, reflections, and texture quality to increase frame rates, especially on entry-level or mid-range hardware.
• Close background applications: Shut down unnecessary programs and browser tabs to free up CPU, RAM, and storage resources that can otherwise reduce gaming performance.
• Enable Game Mode: Turn on Windows Game Mode to prioritise system resources for gaming and minimise background activity during gameplay.
• Use performance power settings: Select the High Performance or Best Performance power plan to prevent your processor and graphics hardware from reducing performance to save power.
• Upgrade RAM or storage: Increasing system memory or installing an SSD can reduce loading times, minimise stuttering, and improve overall game responsiveness.
• Keep your PC cool: Clean dust from fans, ensure proper airflow, and monitor temperatures to prevent thermal throttling, which can lower FPS during extended gaming sessions.

Console upgrades like the PlayStation 4 are designed to support higher FPS in compatible games, allowing you to enjoy detailed visuals without stutters or screen tearing. If you are torn between a console and a PC, comparing PS4 vs PS5 can also help decide which delivers the best FPS for your favourite titles. 

Bajaj Finance makes it easier to upgrade your gaming setup by spreading the cost across affordable monthly instalments. Financing is available at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India — including Croma, Reliance Digital, and Vijay Sales.

How to choose? Both options require you to be physically present at a partner store. The Insta EMI Card is ideal for shoppers who want to purchase across multiple categories over time. The Easy EMI Loan suits buyers looking to finance a higher-value purchase in a single transaction.

Also explore the latest offers. You may find a great deal on a model that matches your needs.

The process is simple and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are at the store.

1. Browse on Bajaj Mall: Explore gaming laptops or PlayStation on Bajaj Mall to compare models, check current prices, and shortlist your options.
2. Find a partner store near you: Use the Bajaj Finance store locator to find the nearest Croma, Reliance Digital, or Vijay Sales outlet stocking your shortlisted models.
3. Check the display in store: If buying a gaming monitor or TV alongside your device, ask the store to demo the screen at 120Hz or 144Hz with a compatible source. The difference from 60Hz is visible immediately.
4.  Choose a suitable EMI option: At checkout, ask the store executive about the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan. Confirm available tenure options and whether your chosen model comes with a zero-down-payment offer.
5.  Complete payment and take your setup home: The in-store process is quick. Simply confirm your tenure and monthly EMI amount at checkout. Zero down payment is available on select products.

You can also check your loan eligibility online in advance by entering your mobile number and OTP, helping you plan your purchase better before visiting the store.

Bajaj Finance’s Smart Savings Calculator helps you unlock maximum savings every time you shop at partner stores. It brings together all available brand, dealer, and scheme offers—so you can see your total savings instantly and shop smarter with Easy EMIs.

1. Dealer offers - Grab exclusive in-store deals at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across India. Enjoy local discounts and special prices you will not find online.

2. Brand offers - Access limited-time discounts from top brands across electronics, appliances, and more. Discover brand-specific savings selected just for you.

3. Bajaj offers - Unlock exclusive Bajaj Finance deals on popular products—available only to our customers. More rewards, more value.

4. Scheme offers - Take advantage of time-sensitive offers on select EMI schemes. Get extra benefits after paying just 3 EMIs—visible during EMI selection at checkout.

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