Introduction
FPS drops or fluctuations during gameplay on Shadow PC can occur for various reasons, affecting performance and smoothness.
Several factors can contribute to FPS instability, including:
- Internet connection issues – High latency, packet loss, or jitter can disrupt frame delivery.
- Graphics settings – Higher settings demand more GPU power, causing performance fluctuations.
- Background processes and overlays – Running multiple applications can consume resources.
- Shadow PC settings conflicts – Some optimizations, such as V-Sync or GeForce Experience settings, may interfere with Shadow's built-in technologies.
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Update NVIDIA Graphics Drivers
Ensure your NVIDIA drivers are up to date, as outdated or incompatible versions can cause performance issues. You can update them directly through the NVIDIA website.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
A stable and high-speed internet connection is crucial for smooth performance. Switch your connection from Wi-Fi to Ethernet, if applicable. You can also close other bandwidth-heavy applications running in the background.
See Shadow's best practices for improving latency for more tips.
3. Adjust Graphics Settings
Games dynamically adjust FPS based on scene complexity. If you experience FPS drops:
- Lower graphics settings, such as texture quality, shadows, and post-processing effects.
- Disable dynamic resolution scaling, antialiasing, and anisotropic filtering for more consistent performance.
4. Disable V-Sync and Triple Buffering
Shadow PC already incorporates anti-tearing measures. Disabling V-Sync and triple buffering in-game can reduce input lag and improve responsiveness.
5. Close Background Processes
Running multiple applications in the background can consume CPU and GPU resources. Close unnecessary programs, including browsers, media players, or other demanding software.
6. Deactivate Overlays from Other Applications
Overlays from programs like Discord, Steam, NVIDIA, or recording applications can interfere with game performance. Disable overlays in each program’s settings to free up resources.
7. Configure Your Resolution and Frame Rate
For a smoother experience, ensure Shadow PC’s resolution and frame rate settings align with your display:
- Enable “Always match Shadow resolution with local display” in the Quick Menu → Video & Display settings.
- Set a frame rate limit in the Launcher → Video & Display settings if experiencing instability.