# Squeeze more from your old GPU without upgrading

> Graphics tweaks, supersampling and maintenance can boost frame rates on older cards.
- Title: Squeeze more from your old GPU without upgrading · Engadget
- Summary: Graphics tweaks, supersampling and maintenance can boost frame rates on older cards. PC gamers unable to afford new graphics cards can improve performance…
- Keywords: gpu performance, graphics cards, pc gaming, nvidia dlss, amd fsr, supersampling, ray tracing, gpu maintenance, technology, Squeeze, more, old
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2281650/how-to-boost-gpu-performance-without-buying-new
- Author: Dave Meikleham
- Published: 2026-10-12T23:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: gpu performance, graphics cards, pc gaming, nvidia dlss, amd fsr, supersampling, ray tracing, gpu maintenance, technology
## New GPUs are out of reach
PC gamers have struggled to buy new graphics cards for years.Just because you cannot afford a shiny NVIDIA RTX fifty series GPU does not mean you cannot squeeze more performance out of your current card.
## Supersampling boosts frame rates
NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR and Intel XeSS use AI to render games at lower resolution then upscale the image.
## Frame generation adds complexity
NVIDIA DLSS four point five Multi Frame Generation can produce two hundred fps topping results in Hogwarts Legacy with the x six modifier enabled.
## Lower graphics settings immediately
If your GPU is dropping frames, lower graphical settings right away. Only the fastest graphics cards can cope with a modern AAA title's Ultra preset, so drop your settings to Balanced or Performance.
## Disable ray tracing on budget cards
Those on budget GPUs should never enable ray tracing. This ultra advanced lighting technique is hugely punishing on performance. Ray tracing can often lower frame rates by some twenty to forty percent.

> can often lower frame rates by some 20 to 40 percent
## Clean your GPU regularly
Dust buildup around GPU fans leads to decreased performance as your card hits its temperature limit more quickly.
## Thermal throttling reduces performance
Thermal throttling is a potentially big issue for both your GPU and CPU.If dust builds up, your card cannot maintain regular airflow.
## Update drivers and close background apps
Keep your GPU driver updated for the best performance and close as many background apps as possible so your system is not devoting significant resources to anything outside your game.
## MSI Afterburner for overclocking
MSI Afterburner is the recommended tool for overclocking your GPU by going beyond the manufacturer's intended settings. You will need to research how to do so safely before attempting any overclocking adjustments.
## Key takeaway

PC gamers unable to afford new graphics cards can improve performance through supersampling, lowering settings, disabling ray tracing, cleaning hardware and updating drivers.