Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThere is no universal best preset for every Soulslike on PC: the right balance depends on the game, your hardware, resolution, and frame-rate target. To find settings that feel smooth, set your target first, adjust the game’s own options one at a time, and compare performance in the same demanding gameplay. For Elden Ring, Bandai Namco specifically warns that ray tracing can affect frame rate and resolution.
How to tune settings for smoother gameplay
- Choose your resolution and frame-rate goal. Decide what resolution you want to play at and the frame rate you are aiming to sustain. A settings choice cannot be judged without those targets.
- Use the selected game’s own graphics menu. Start from its current options rather than assuming a preset from another Soulslike will transfer. Available features and their performance costs vary by game.
- Test one demanding option at a time. If performance is poor and the game offers a demanding feature such as ray tracing, try disabling it first. Otherwise, lower individual graphics options incrementally and observe the result. The available sources do not establish a universal order for reducing shadows, effects, reflections, or other settings.
- Compare the same demanding scene or encounter. Keep the area and gameplay conditions consistent between changes so you can tell whether a setting improves performance. Judge consistency, not just how the game feels in an undemanding area.
- Separate low frame rate from intermittent stutter. A graphics change may help sustained performance, but it is not an established universal fix for stutter across games and PCs. Do not assume that one setting addresses both problems.
Elden Ring: check ray tracing if performance is poor
Bandai Namco’s Elden Ring version 1.09 patch notes say that frame rate and resolution may be affected while ray tracing is on. The publisher’s documented path to turn it off is System → Graphics → Set Ray Tracing Quality → OFF: Elden Ring patch notes, version 1.09.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bandai Namco also issued a PC notice on April 18, 2023 advising players to switch ray-tracing quality off if it had been enabled unintentionally and was causing trouble: Elden Ring PC notice. This is specific to Elden Ring; it does not establish that ray tracing is available or has the same performance effect in every Soulslike.
Check requirements for your specific game
Published minimum graphics hardware requirements can help you check whether a PC meets a game’s listed baseline, but they do not promise a particular frame rate, resolution, or graphics preset. Steam lists these minimum GPUs for two examples:
#1 Best Overall
- Powered by Radeon RX 9070 XT
- WINDFORCE Cooling System
- Hawk Fan
- Server-grade Thermal Conductive Gel
- RGB Lighting
| Game | Listed minimum graphics hardware | What the figure establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 4 GB | Steam’s listed minimum graphics requirement; not a measured frame rate or smooth-performance guarantee. Steam system requirements |
| Lies of P | AMD Radeon RX 560 4 GB or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 4 GB | Steam’s listed minimum graphics requirement; not a measured frame rate or smooth-performance guarantee. Steam system requirements |
These are game-specific requirement listings, not an apples-to-apples performance comparison between the games. Check the requirements for the title you actually plan to play: a genre-wide hardware threshold is not established by these examples. The official Lies of P support page identifies it as a Soulslike.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When graphics changes do not solve the problem
If lowering options does not resolve intermittent stutter, the available official guidance here does not verify a general fix that applies across different Soulslikes and PC configurations. Avoid treating community workarounds as proven remedies. Diagnose the specific game and PC rather than assuming every hitch is caused by graphics quality.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability. Compatibility: 348mm (13.7") length, 3.6 slots, 4.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.6-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
Rank #2
- NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors: The all-new Ampere SM brings 2X the FP32 throughput and improved power efficiency.
- 2nd Generation RT Cores: Experience 2X the throughput of 1st gen RT Cores, plus concurrent RT and shading for a whole new level of ray-tracing performance.
- 3rd Generation Tensor Cores: Get up to 2X the throughput with structural sparsity and advanced AI algorithms such as DLSS. These cores deliver a massive boost in game performance and all-new AI capabilities.
- Axial-tech fan design features a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure.
- OC Mode : 1500 MHz (Boost Clock)/Default Mode : 1470 MHz (Boost Clock)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
