NBA 2K21 Performance Test: Uncovering System Bottlenecks and Optimizing Gameplay

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide to monitoring system performance while gaming, using Props to track FPS and Task Manager to monitor CPU and GPU usage. It showcases how to install and configure Props for FPS tracking, and how to analyze resource utilization via Task Manager during gameplay. Using NBA 2K21 as a test case, the video demonstrates FPS fluctuations and CPU/GPU performance. The guide also offers optimization tips, such as adjusting graphics settings, closing background apps, updating drivers, and enabling game mode, to improve system performance for a smoother gaming experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Install Props by visiting props.com, downloading the installer, and following the setup process to monitor FPS while gaming.
• 😀 Customize the FPS overlay in Props to display in the desired corner of the screen and adjust benchmarking hotkeys for easy tracking.
• 😀 Use Task Manager to monitor system performance, including CPU, memory, and GPU usage during gameplay.
• 😀 The Processes tab in Task Manager shows active apps and background processes, displaying their impact on CPU, memory, and GPU resources.
• 😀 The Performance tab in Task Manager provides detailed real-time stats for CPU, memory, disk, and GPU usage to help diagnose performance issues.
• 😀 NBA 2K21 is used as a performance test in the video, with FPS ranging from 25-60 depending on in-game activities and system load.
• 😀 FPS is an important indicator of smooth gameplay; lower FPS may cause lag or stuttering, especially during intense moments in the game.
• 😀 Notable FPS fluctuations were observed during different parts of NBA 2K21, with drops down to 20 FPS during intense gameplay moments.
• 😀 CPU and GPU usage spikes were visible in Task Manager during the game, highlighting system strain during demanding gameplay sections.
• 😀 To improve gaming performance, adjust graphic settings (resolution, shadows, textures), close unnecessary background applications, and keep drivers updated.
• 😀 Utilize Windows Game Mode and adjust power settings to high performance for optimized system resources during gaming sessions.

Q & A

What is the purpose of using Props in this video?

Props is used to track FPS (Frames Per Second) during gameplay, helping users monitor how smoothly their game is running. It provides an overlay showing FPS, which helps identify performance issues like lag or stuttering.

How can you change the FPS display settings in Props?

In Props, you can access the FPS Tab to customize settings such as the benchmarking hotkey, overlay hotkey, and the corner of the screen where the FPS is displayed.

What does the Task Manager help monitor during gameplay?

Task Manager helps monitor the CPU, GPU, and memory usage during gameplay. It shows the active apps, background processes, and provides real-time stats on how much system resources are being utilized.

What is the difference between the Process Tab and Performance Tab in Task Manager?

The Process Tab shows all active apps and background processes, along with their CPU, memory, and GPU usage. The Performance Tab offers a more detailed view of CPU, memory, disk, and GPU stats in real-time.

Why is NBA 2K21 chosen for the performance test?

NBA 2K21 is a demanding game with detailed graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and high resource usage, making it an ideal choice for testing system performance under intense gaming conditions.

What performance issues were observed during the NBA 2K21 gameplay test?

The FPS fluctuated between 25-30 FPS during team selection, improved to 30-49 FPS with jersey selection, and stabilized at around 60 FPS during matchups. However, FPS dropped to 20-30 FPS during actual gameplay, leading to potential lag or stuttering.

What system resource issues were identified during the test using Task Manager?

The CPU utilization increased significantly during intense moments, indicating the processor was struggling to handle the game's demands. Similarly, GPU usage also spiked, particularly during 3D rendering tasks.

What are some common causes of low FPS during gaming?

Common causes of low FPS include high graphic settings that strain the CPU and GPU, and background processes that consume system resources, causing the game to lag or stutter.

What can be done to optimize FPS in games like NBA 2K21?

To optimize FPS, users can lower graphic settings such as resolution, shadow quality, and texture detail. Closing unnecessary background applications and updating drivers can also help improve performance.

How does Windows' Game Mode help with gaming performance?

Game Mode in Windows optimizes system resources specifically for gaming, prioritizing CPU and GPU usage for the game, which helps improve overall performance during gameplay.

What is the importance of monitoring real-time performance metrics during gaming?

Monitoring real-time performance metrics helps gamers identify performance bottlenecks such as CPU or GPU overutilization, allowing them to adjust settings for smoother gameplay.