Nvidia App Linked to FPS Drops in Games

The newly launched Nvidia App is causing fps drops in certain games and computer rigs. Dive deeper to understand more about this framerate issue triggered by Nvidia's latest game optimization software.

Nvidia App Affecting Game Performance

The Nvidia App is impacting the performance of some PCs and games, as confirmed by PC GAMER on December 18. Several players have reported experiencing stuttering issues while using the application. In response to these concerns, a Nvidia staff member suggested a temporary fix by disabling the "Game Filters and Photo Mode" overlay.

PC GAMER conducted tests on Black Myth: Wukong using a high-end setup featuring a Ryzen 7 7800X3D and an RTX 4070 Super. They played the game at 1080p on Very High settings with the overlay disabled, which slightly boosted the average framerate from 59 fps to 63 fps. Testing at 1440p showed no significant change. However, when the overlay was enabled and graphics settings were switched to Medium, they observed a significant 12% drop in frame rate.

Further tests on Cyberpunk 2077 using a Core Ultra 9 285K and an RTX 4080 Super revealed stable framerates, whether the overlay was on or off. These findings suggest that the Nvidia App's impact varies across different games and PC configurations.

PC GAMER's investigation was spurred by player feedback on Twitter (X), where users shared their experiences and the temporary fix suggested by a Nvidia staff member on the company's forum. Despite turning off the Game Filters and Photo Mode overlay, many players still report unstable game performance.

On the same Twitter (X) thread, some users suggested reverting to an older graphic driver to mitigate the performance issue, while others are curious about which games might be affected by the application. As of now, Nvidia has not released an update to address this issue beyond the recommendation to disable the overlay.

Nvidia App’s Official Launch

On February 22, 2024, the Nvidia App was launched in beta, serving as a replacement for GeForce Experience. Both applications are designed for PC users with Nvidia GPUs, offering tools to optimize GPU settings, record gameplay, and more.

Following a period of beta testing, the Nvidia App officially launched in November 2024, fully replacing GeForce Experience. This launch was accompanied by a graphics driver update in anticipation of upcoming games. The new application introduces a streamlined overlay system, eliminating the need for users to sign into their accounts.

While the Nvidia App brings enhanced features to the table, Nvidia may need to address its impact on certain games and PC configurations to ensure a smoother gaming experience for all users.