Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Does Lowering Resolution Increase FPS on PS5?

Lowering the PS5’s output resolution is not a reliable FPS boost. For smoother motion, use a game’s Performance Mode when available.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Usually, no. Lowering the PS5’s console-level output resolution changes the video signal sent to your TV or monitor; Sony does not describe it as a setting that makes a game render more frames. If you want smoother motion, choose the game’s Performance Mode when available. The result depends on how that specific game implements its modes.

What lowering PS5 resolution actually changes

The setting at Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Resolution controls the resolution of the signal sent to the display. With Resolution set to Automatic, the PS5 detects the connected display’s capabilities and selects its highest supported resolution, according to Sony’s resolution guide.

That is different from a game’s rendering settings. Sony’s documentation does not establish that lowering the console’s output resolution increases FPS in a particular game, so do not count on it as a frame-rate fix. Any effect would be game-specific and would need to be confirmed by that game’s developer or reliable testing for the relevant version.

Choose Performance Mode in the game

When smoother motion is your priority, open the game’s graphics or display options and select Performance Mode if the game offers it. Sony describes Performance Mode as prioritizing smoother motion and Resolution Mode as prioritizing higher graphic quality. These presets only apply to PS5 games that support them; Sony does not promise a universal FPS target or increase. See Sony’s guide to PS5 game presets.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)
  • Model Number CFI-2000
  • Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
  • Vertical Stand sold seperately

Check the game’s own mode descriptions for details such as its frame-rate cap, resolution tradeoff, or other options. The available modes and their behavior are determined by the game, not by a universal PS5 setting.

When 120 Hz and VRR matter

120 Hz output

A 120 Hz output setting does not make an unsupported game run at 120 FPS. The game and the connected TV or monitor must both support the desired mode. PS5 supports 4K at 120 Hz when the entire signal path is compatible. For troubleshooting, Sony recommends the included HDMI cable or an appropriately rated Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Replacing a cable can help resolve a signal-compatibility problem; it does not improve rendering performance when the current connection already works. See Sony’s resolution and output guidance.

Rank #2
Sony PlayStation 5 PS5 Disc Version Gaming Console, 4K Blu-ray Player, 16GB GDDR6 Memory, Ultra-High Speed 825GB SSD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 120Hz 8K Output
  • CPU: x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 Cores / 16 Threads at 3.5GHz.GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine.
  • 16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity
  • Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
  • HDR technology, 8K output, 4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
  • What's Included: Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, HDMI cable, AC power cord. Nogtox PVT HDMI_cable

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

VRR can synchronize a compatible display’s refresh rate with the PS5’s graphical output. It is a display synchronization feature, not a guaranteed FPS increase, and Sony notes that results vary by TV and game. Compatibility details are in Sony’s PS5 features guide.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What 1440p output means

1440p is another output-resolution choice, not a promise of higher frame rates. It requires a compatible TV or monitor. Sony also notes that a game rendered at a higher native resolution may be downsampled to 1440p output. That changes how the picture is delivered, not necessarily how many frames the game renders. See Sony’s explanation of 1440p output.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)
Model Number CFI-2000; Vertical Stand sold seperately
$598.99
Bestseller No. 2
Sony PlayStation 5 PS5 Disc Version Gaming Console, 4K Blu-ray Player, 16GB GDDR6 Memory, Ultra-High Speed 825GB SSD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 120Hz 8K Output
Sony PlayStation 5 PS5 Disc Version Gaming Console, 4K Blu-ray Player, 16GB GDDR6 Memory, Ultra-High Speed 825GB SSD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 120Hz 8K Output
16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity; Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
$748.00
Bestseller No. 3
Playstation 5 Digital Edition PS5 Gaming (Disc Free) Console (Renewed)
Playstation 5 Digital Edition PS5 Gaming (Disc Free) Console (Renewed)
🚀 CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2; 🚀 Storage: Custom 825GB SSD; 🚀 RAM: 16GB GDDR6; 🚀 GPU: 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU
$569.99
Bestseller No. 4
Sony Playstation 5 Disc Version PS5 Console - 4K-TV Gaming, 120Hz 8K Output, 16GB GDDR6, 825GB SSD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 (Renewed) White
Sony Playstation 5 Disc Version PS5 Console - 4K-TV Gaming, 120Hz 8K Output, 16GB GDDR6, 825GB SSD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 (Renewed) White
PS5 consoles support an 8K output, so you can play games on your 4320p resolution display.
$599.00
Bestseller No. 5
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition – 825GB
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition – 825GB
825GB of storage, keep your favorite games raeady and waiting for you to jump in and play
Best Value
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition – 825GB
  • Slim Design, players get powerful gaming technology packed inside a sleek and compact console design.
  • 825GB of storage, keep your favorite games raeady and waiting for you to jump in and play
  • Ultra-High Speed SSD, maximize yoru play sessions with near instant load times for installed PS5 games
  • Integrated I/O, the custom integration of the PS5 console's systems lets creators pull datat from the SSD so quickly that they can design games in ways never before possible
  • Ray Tracing, immerse yourself in owrlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games
Rank #4
Sony Playstation 5 Disc Version PS5 Console - 4K-TV Gaming, 120Hz 8K Output, 16GB GDDR6, 825GB SSD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 (Renewed) White
  • Enjoy smooth and fluid high frame rate gameplay at up to 120 fps for compatible games, with support for 120Hz output on 4K displays.
  • PS5 consoles support an 8K output, so you can play games on your 4320p resolution display.
  • Maximize your play sessions with near-instant load times for installed PS5 games.
  • 825GB SSD allows ultra-fast load times, while 3-D audio output produces crisp acoustics.
  • Explore uncharted virtual territories and slay dragons with this sleek Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console.
Rank #3
Playstation 5 Digital Edition PS5 Gaming (Disc Free) Console (Renewed)
  • 🚀 CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2
  • 🚀 Storage: Custom 825GB SSD
  • 🚀 RAM: 16GB GDDR6
  • 🚀 GPU: 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU

Recommended settings for smoother play

  1. Set the game first: In its graphics or display menu, choose Performance Mode if offered and read the game’s description of its visual and frame-rate tradeoffs.
  2. Keep console output on Automatic for normal use: Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Resolution. Change it only if you are troubleshooting display compatibility or intentionally selecting a supported output resolution.
  3. For a 120 Hz mode, verify the whole setup: Confirm the game supports the mode and the display, HDMI port, and cable path support the desired signal.
  4. Treat VRR as synchronization: Enable it only with compatible equipment, and do not assume it raises the game’s frame rate.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Turn On Vibrant Visuals in MinecraftMinecraftBlog3min
  2. Best Multiplayer Games for Low-End PCsBlog4min
  3. Minecraft: How To Use And Install OptiFineBlog5min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.