9 Best BIOS Settings for Gaming

When it comes to gaming, every bit of performance you can squeeze from your system matters. While most gamers are familiar with the software side of optimizing their PCs – updating drivers, tweaking in-game settings, and keeping background processes to a minimum – there is an equally important, yet often overlooked realm of optimization that resides in your system’s BIOS. 

In this article, I’m going to dive deep into the world of BIOS settings and provide you with an easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide to optimizing these settings for gaming. Whether you’re looking to squeeze out a few extra frames per second, decrease load times, or enhance system stability, fine-tuning your BIOS settings can offer substantial improvements. 

I’ll cover everything from the basic adjustments to the more advanced tweaks, helping you transform your gaming rig into a performance powerhouse. 

How to Enter BIOS Settings?

Entering the BIOS settings requires rebooting your computer and pressing a specific key or keys during the startup process. The exact key depends on your computer’s manufacturer or motherboard. 

Here are the typical keys:

Here’s a general process of how you can enter the BIOS settings:

1. Restart Your Computer: You can do this by clicking on the Start menu, selecting the power icon, and choosing “Restart.”
2. Press the BIOS Key: As soon as the computer restarts and you see the manufacturer’s logo, press the key designated for your computer to enter the BIOS. You may need to press it several times. If you’re unsure of the correct key, consult your computer’s manual or look up the model online.
3. Navigate the BIOS: If you’ve pressed the right key, you’ll be taken to the BIOS settings menu. This interface is entirely text-based, and you’ll use the keyboard to navigate. Arrow keys usually move you through menus, the Enter key selects options, and the ESC key takes you back a level.

How to Update Your BIOS?

Updating the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) of your computer’s motherboard is an important maintenance task that can provide various benefits, such as improved system stability, compatibility with new hardware, and enhanced performance.

Here is a simplified guide on how to update your BIOS:

1. Identify Your BIOS Version: You can check your BIOS version by entering the BIOS setup during boot or via system information in your operating system. In Windows, you can type “System Information” into the Start menu search, select the app, and look for “BIOS Version/Date” in the list.
2. Find The Latest BIOS Update: Go to your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website and look for support or downloads for your specific model. Compare the latest available BIOS version to the one you noted earlier.
3. Download the BIOS Update: If there’s a newer version, download it. Most manufacturers offer an executable file that guides you through the update process. Make sure to read any documentation included with the update or provided on the website, as the process can vary between different models and manufacturers.
4. Backup Your Existing BIOS: It’s often recommended to backup your existing BIOS, if your system or BIOS update utility allows it. This provides a fallback if something goes wrong during the update process.
5. Update the BIOS: Run the BIOS update utility, and follow the on-screen instructions. The process usually involves rebooting the computer and may take several minutes to complete.
6. Do Not Interrupt the Process: It’s crucial not to interrupt the BIOS update process. Don’t turn off your computer or restart it manually during the update. Interruptions can corrupt the BIOS and leave your computer in an unusable state.
7. Verify the Update: After the update and a successful reboot, you can check the BIOS version as you did in step 1 to confirm that the update was successful.

What Are The Best BIOS Settings For Gaming?

Here are 9 BIOS setting tweaks for the best gaming performance.

1. Enable Memory Profiles (XMP/DOCP) to match RAM’s advertised speed.
2. Adjust Fan Speeds to balance cooling and noise.
3. Consider Spread Spectrum based on interference vs. performance.
4. Enable TPM and Secure Boot for better security.
5. Disable CSM to fully utilize UEFI and Secure Boot.
6. Monitor Temperature and CPU Usage; improve cooling if needed.
7. Set CAS Latency (tCL) as recommended by RAM manufacturer.
8. Adjust C-States for quicker CPU response in gaming.
9. Overclock CPU carefully; stress test and monitor temperatures.

Let’s dive into each of them in detail:

1. Enable Memory Profiles (XMP/DOCP) to Match RAM’s Advertised Speed

Memory manufacturers often rate their products to run at speeds higher than the standard specifications set by the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC). However, when you first install a new set of RAM sticks in your computer, they will likely default to the standard speed, which is often significantly lower than the advertised maximum speed. To reach the higher speeds, you need to enable a memory profile in your BIOS settings.

Two common memory profiles are XMP (Extreme Memory Profile), which is supported by Intel, and DOCP (Direct OverClock Profile), which is used by AMD. When enabled, these profiles allow your system to utilize the full speed of your RAM, as advertised by the manufacturer.

Enabling memory profiles can improve gaming performance by allowing faster data transfer rates between the CPU and the memory. This can be particularly beneficial in CPU-bound games or tasks where large amounts of data are processed quickly.

Here are the general steps to enable XMP or DOCP profiles:

1. Find the Memory Settings: Once in your BIOS, navigate to your memory or overclocking settings. The exact location and name will vary by motherboard, but it’s typically listed under “Overclocking,” “Memory Settings,” “AI Tweaker,” or something similar.
2. Enable the Profile: Look for an option named “XMP Profile,” “Memory Profile,” or “DOCP Profile.” Select it and choose the profile that matches your RAM’s advertised speed. If there’s more than one profile, the higher number will generally be the faster setting.
3. Save and Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will reboot, and your new memory speed should be active..

2. Adjust Fan Speeds to Balance Cooling and Noise

Adjusting the speed of your computer’s internal fans is another way to manage system performance and stability, particularly for gaming. Higher fan speeds allow for better cooling, which can be crucial if you’re pushing your hardware with intensive tasks like gaming or overclocking. Cooler components generally perform better, can reach higher speeds, and are less likely to suffer from thermal throttling, which can degrade performance.

However, keep in mind that increasing fan speed will also make your system louder, and it can potentially wear down the fans faster over time. It’s all about finding the right balance between cooling performance, noise, and system longevity.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to adjust the fan speed from the BIOS:

1. Navigate to the Hardware Monitoring or Fan Control Section: Once in your BIOS, look for a section related to PC health, hardware monitoring, or fan control. The exact name and location will depend on your motherboard.
2. Adjust Fan Speeds: In the fan control section, you should see settings for various fans in your system, such as CPU fan, chassis fan, etc. They may be set to “Auto” by default, which automatically controls fan speed based on temperature. To manually adjust the speed, select the fan you want to adjust, change the setting to “Manual” or similar, and adjust the fan speed curve or set a constant RPM.
3. Save and Exit: Once you’ve made your adjustments, remember to save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will reboot, and the new fan settings will take effect.

3. Consider Spread Spectrum Based on Interference vs. Performance

Spread Spectrum is a feature found in many computer BIOS settings that is designed to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). This is a type of noise that can cause instability and other issues in electronic devices.

When a computer’s components (like the CPU and RAM) operate, they generate electrical signals at various frequencies. These frequencies can create electromagnetic waves, which can interfere with the computer’s other components or other nearby electronics. This is known as electromagnetic interference.

The Spread Spectrum feature aims to mitigate this problem by slightly varying the frequencies of the signals generated by the components, effectively “spreading” them out across a range of frequencies. This reduces the intensity of the electromagnetic waves at any one frequency, minimizing the potential for interference.

However, Spread Spectrum can also lead to a slight decrease in system performance, as the variations in frequency can introduce minor inconsistencies in data transmission speeds. For this reason, some users, especially gamers or overclockers looking for every bit of performance, choose to disable this feature.

Here is a general guide on how to adjust the Spread Spectrum setting:

1. Locate Spread Spectrum Settings: Once in your BIOS, look for the Spread Spectrum setting. The exact location of this setting varies depending on your motherboard. It is often found under the advanced, chipset, or CPU settings.
2. Adjust Spread Spectrum: Once you’ve located the Spread Spectrum setting, you can enable or disable it as desired. If you’re experiencing issues with EMI, you might want to enable it. If you’re looking to maximize system performance, you might want to disable it.
3. Save and Exit: After adjusting the setting, be sure to save your changes before exiting the BIOS. Your computer will then reboot with the new setting applied.

4. Enable TPM and Secure Boot for Better Security

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Secure Boot are features that can enhance your system’s security.

• Trusted Platform Module (TPM): This is a microchip designed to provide basic security-related functions, primarily involving encryption keys. When enabled, the TPM becomes part of the motherboard and can execute cryptographic operations. TPM is especially useful for disk encryption, password protection, and system integrity checks.
• Secure Boot: This is a security standard developed by members of the PC industry to help ensure that a device boots using only software that is trusted by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). When the PC starts, the firmware checks the signature of each piece of boot software, including firmware drivers (Option ROMs) and the operating system. If the signatures are valid, the PC boots, and the firmware gives control to the operating system.

Here are the general steps to enable these settings, although the exact method can vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer:

Enable TPM:

1. Look for a setting called “TPM,” “Trusted Platform Module,” “TPM Support,” “Security Device Support,” or similar. This setting is often found under the “Security” tab or a similar category.
2. Enable the setting. If there are version options available, select TPM 2.0 if it is an option. Some older systems may only support TPM 1.2.
3. Save the change.

Enable Secure Boot:

1. Find a setting called “Secure Boot,” which is often under the “Boot” tab or a “Security” category.
2. Enable the setting. There might be an additional setting to select the “Secure Boot Mode,” where you should select “Standard” or “Full” (or the equivalent setting that fully enables Secure Boot), not “Custom.”
3. Save the change.

5. Disable CSM to Fully Utilize UEFI and Secure Boot

The Compatibility Support Module (CSM) is a component of the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) firmware that provides legacy BIOS compatibility. It allows your motherboard to boot and use older operating systems and some older hardware. However, having CSM enabled can prevent certain features, like Secure Boot, from functioning, as they require the full UEFI mode.

Disabling CSM can also potentially improve boot times, and it may be required to fully utilize the features of modern graphics cards and other hardware. It also supports larger hard drives (over 2TB) and ensures that all your hardware and your operating system are using the same type of firmware, either UEFI or BIOS.

Here are general steps on how to disable CSM, although the exact process can vary depending on your motherboard:

1. Locate CSM Settings: Once in your BIOS, look for a setting called “CSM,” “Boot mode,” “UEFI and Legacy,” or similar. This setting is often found under the “Boot” tab or a similar category.
2. Disable CSM: Change the setting to “Disabled,” “UEFI only,” or similar. This will disable CSM and make your system run in full UEFI mode.
3. Save and Exit: After making the change, be sure to save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will reboot with the new settings applied.

6. Monitor Temperature and CPU Usage; Improve Cooling if Needed

Keeping an eye on your system’s temperature and CPU usage is crucial for both system health and performance. High temperatures can cause thermal throttling, where your CPU slows down to prevent damage from overheating, and can decrease the lifespan of your components. High CPU usage can indicate that your processor is being overly taxed, which can cause performance issues, especially in demanding tasks like gaming.

How To check CPU Usage On Windows:

1. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager”.
2. Click on the “Performance” tab. Here, you’ll see a real-time graph of your CPU usage, as well as other information like your CPU’s clock speed and the number of cores it has.
3. If your CPU usage is consistently high even when not running intensive tasks, you may have background programs that are using too much CPU power. You can check this in the “Processes” tab of the Task Manager and sort by CPU usage to see which programs are using the most power.

How To check CPU Usage On MacOS:

1. Open Activity Monitor by going to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor, or by using Spotlight Search (Command + Space).
2. Click on the “CPU” tab. Here, you’ll see a real-time graph of your CPU usage, along with a list of all running processes and how much CPU power they’re using.

You can often find temperature readings in your system BIOS/UEFI interface.

How To check CPU Usage In BIOS/UEFI:

1. Restart your computer and enter your BIOS/UEFI settings as described in previous responses.
2. Look for a section related to PC health, system status, hardware monitoring, or something similar.
3. Here, you should see readings for various system temperatures, including your CPU and possibly others like your GPU or motherboard.

If your system’s temperatures or CPU usage are consistently high, there are several steps you can take:

• Improve Cooling: Make sure your system is well-ventilated and dust-free. Adding more or better fans can also help, and for particularly high temperatures, you might consider a more powerful CPU cooler or a liquid cooling system.
• Check Software: Make sure you don’t have malware or bloatware using up system resources. Close unnecessary programs running in the background.
• Thermal Paste: If your CPU temperatures are high, it might be worth checking if your CPU cooler is properly mounted, or if the thermal paste needs to be reapplied.
• Hardware Upgrade: If your hardware is consistently running at its limits, it might be time for an upgrade.

7. Set CAS Latency (tCL) as Recommended by RAM Manufacturer

CAS latency, or Column Address Strobe latency, is a crucial metric in RAM performance. It’s essentially the delay time, in clock cycles, between when the memory controller (a part of the CPU in modern computers) tells the RAM to access a particular memory column on the RAM module, and when the data from that column is available on the module’s output pins.

Lower CAS latency leads to faster access times and better overall performance. However, lower latency settings can also potentially reduce system stability, especially if your RAM isn’t rated for it. It’s generally best to stick with the latency recommended by the RAM’s manufacturer, although you can try lowering it if you’re comfortable with overclocking and the associated risks.

Here is a general guide on how to adjust CAS latency:

1. Locate Memory Settings: Once in your BIOS, you’ll need to find your memory settings. This is often under a section called “Advanced Memory Settings,” “DRAM Configuration,” “AI Tweaker,” or something similar.
2. Change CAS Latency: In the memory settings, look for a setting called “CAS Latency,” “tCL,” or similar. Adjust this to the desired value. Remember, lower values mean faster access times, but can decrease system stability if your RAM isn’t rated for it.
3. Save and Exit: After making your adjustments, save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will reboot, and the new settings will take effect.

If your system becomes unstable after adjusting the CAS latency (e.g., it crashes, reboots unexpectedly, or doesn’t boot at all), you’ll need to go back into the BIOS and either reset your changes or try a less aggressive adjustment.

8. Adjust C-States for Quicker CPU Response in Gaming

C-States, or CPU sleep states, are levels of power-saving states that your processor can enter when it’s not in use. When your CPU enters a deeper C-State, it uses less power and produces less heat, which can be beneficial for laptops running on battery power. However, it also takes longer for the CPU to wake up from deeper C-States, which can introduce a delay and potentially affect system performance.

For gaming, where every bit of performance matters and power consumption is usually not a concern, it’s common to disable some or all of the C-States to prevent these delays. This will allow your CPU to respond more quickly to demands from your system, potentially resulting in smoother performance.

Here’s a general guide on how to adjust your CPU’s C-States in your BIOS:

1. Locate C-State Settings: Once in your BIOS, you’ll need to find the C-State settings. They’re often found under a menu named “Advanced,” “CPU Configuration,” “Power Management,” or something similar. The exact names will vary depending on your BIOS.
2. Adjust C-State Settings: Depending on your BIOS, you might see several C-State options like C1, C3, C6, C7, etc. If you see a general “C-State” or “C-State Mode” option, you can disable it to disable all C-States. If you see individual options for each C-State, you can disable them as desired. C1 is the lightest sleep state, and the numbers get higher as the sleep states get deeper. If you’re not sure which to disable, it might be best to either disable all of them or only the higher-numbered ones.
3. Save and Exit: After adjusting the settings, remember to save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will then reboot with the new settings.

9. Overclock CPU Carefully; Stress Test and Monitor Temperatures.

Overclocking your CPU can improve your computer’s performance by increasing the clock rate, or speed, at which your CPU operates. This can provide smoother gameplay, better framerates, and improved performance in CPU-heavy tasks. However, it also comes with risks and downsides such as increased power consumption, potential system instability, more heat output, and the possibility of damaging your CPU if not done properly. Overclocking can also void your warranty, so it’s crucial to consider these factors before proceeding.

Before Overclocking:

• Check Your Equipment: Not all CPUs and motherboards support overclocking. You’ll need an unlocked CPU (such as Intel processors that end in ‘K’ or ‘KF’ or AMD Ryzen models that end in ‘X’) and a motherboard that supports overclocking.
• Cooling System: Overclocking will generate more heat, so you’ll need a quality cooling system. This might mean having a good air cooler, a liquid cooler, or even a more specialized system for extreme overclocking.
• Power Supply: Make sure your power supply (PSU) can handle the increased power draw that comes with overclocking.
• Software: There are various software tools that you can use to stress test your CPU to ensure stability after you’ve overclocked it. Prime95, IntelBurnTest, and AIDA64 are some examples.

Overclocking Guide:

1. Find CPU Settings: In your BIOS, look for settings related to your CPU. This will often be under a “CPU Configuration,” “Advanced,” or “Overclocking” tab. The exact location and name of the settings will depend on your motherboard.
2. Adjust Multiplier: Look for a setting related to your CPU multiplier, sometimes called “CPU Ratio” or similar. This determines the clock speed of your CPU. For example, a multiplier of 40 with a base clock of 100 MHz gives a clock speed of 4.0 GHz. Increase this value to overclock your CPU.
3. Adjust CPU Voltage: You may need to supply your CPU with more voltage to maintain stability at higher clock speeds. This setting is often called “CPU VCore” or similar. Increase it gradually, as too much voltage can damage your CPU or decrease its lifespan. Note that higher voltage will result in more heat, so monitor your CPU temperature carefully.
4. Save and Exit: After making your adjustments, save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will reboot with the new settings.
5. Test Stability: Use a stress testing program to test your CPU’s stability at its new clock speed. Monitor your CPU temperature to make sure it’s not getting too hot. If your computer crashes or you’re seeing higher temperatures than your cooling solution can handle, you’ll need to go back into the BIOS and reduce your clock speed or voltage.
6. Repeat: The process of overclocking involves a lot of trial and error. You’ll likely have to repeat the above steps several times to find the best balance of clock speed, voltage, and stability.

Why Should You Update Your BIOS?

Updating the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) of your computer may not be something you think about often, but it holds significant importance for the smooth functioning and security of your system.

Here are a few reasons why it is crucial:

• New Hardware Support: If you’re upgrading to newer hardware, especially processors, you may need a BIOS update for your motherboard to recognize and utilize the new components effectively.
• Security Updates: BIOS updates can address and patch security vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity is an ongoing battle, and occasionally vulnerabilities are discovered in BIOS software that could be exploited.
• Fix Bugs: Manufacturers may release BIOS updates to fix bugs that were not caught during the product’s initial release. These fixes can resolve issues affecting your computer’s stability or performance.
• Feature Updates: Sometimes, a BIOS update can provide additional functionality or compatibility. These enhancements can range from support for new types of memory to compatibility with different operating systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the best BIOS settings for gaming:

Leveling Up: BIOS Optimization for Seamless Gameplay

Understanding and correctly optimizing BIOS settings can greatly enhance the gaming experience, providing smoother gameplay and better framerates. However, it’s important to always proceed with caution and make sure that your system is adequately cooled and powered. Changes in the BIOS should be made incrementally, with comprehensive system stress testing after each modification to ensure stability and safety.

While the process may seem daunting initially, mastering BIOS settings can provide a level of system customization that software tweaks can’t match, making it an invaluable tool in your PC gaming arsenal.