How to Fix Input Lag: System Performance Optimization

Introduction

• This guide is part of the "How to Fix Input Lag" series by Dave from thedavestuff.
• Objective: Improve system responsiveness and performance, especially for gaming.

Key Steps and Tools

System Backup

• Importance: Backup your system to enable a restore point prior to making changes.
• How-to:
  1. Access System Protection from the Control Panel.
  2. Create a restore point by enabling system protection for your main drive and set it to 5%.
  3. Name and create the restore point.

Tools to Measure & Optimize Responsiveness

1. Latency Monitor:

   • Download from Resplendence website.
   • Run for 30-60 seconds to gauge system latency (ideal: 100-200 microseconds).

2. Quick CPU:

   • Download and set system power plans to high performance.
   • Ensure CPU indices (core parking, turbo boost, etc.) are set to 100%.

Windows Configuration Changes

• Graphics Settings: Enable hardware GPU acceleration and variable refresh rate if available.
• Notifications & Actions: Disable all options to enhance performance.
• Storage: Turn off automatic file deletion to control file management manually.
• Tablet Mode & Multitasking: Adjust settings for performance suitability.
• Startup Apps: Disable unnecessary startup applications.
• Privacy Settings: Disable background apps to free up CPU resources.

Advanced Utilities and Commands

• PowerShell Adjustments: Improve timings by running provided commands (backup and undo options included in the guide).
• Motherboard BIOS: Disable High Precision Event Timer (HPET) if necessary.

Disk Management Commands

1. Disable Delete Notify:

   • Use fsutl commands to check and set Trim for SSD/NVMe drives.

2. MFT Zone Adjustment:

   • Improve file management efficiency by setting MFT zone value to 2.

3. Disable Last Access Parameter:

   • Use fsutl to stop tracking file access times to reduce disk wear and improve speed.

4. Increase Memory Usage:

   • For users with over 16GB of RAM, maximize memory efficiency with fsutl command.

Group Policy & Large Pages Utilization

• Group Policy Editor:

  • Enable via gpedit.msc for memory management.

• Large Pages Utility:

  • Use to improve application performance selectively.

Conclusion

• These steps allow customization for better system performance.
• Employ trial and error to find optimal settings without compromising system stability.
• Backup and caution are advised before making changes.

Community Engagement

• Share experiences and ask questions for community support.
• Subscribe for more content in this series.

Note: The guide offered practical steps but emphasized risk and the need for system familiarity when making advanced changes.