If you’ve got a PlayStation 5, you already know it’s a gaming beast. But did you know you can make it even better with just a few tweaks? That’s right—your PS5 has a few hidden settings that can instantly give it a performance boost, making your games run smoother and look better. In this guide, I’ll walk you through three essential settings that you should change right now to take your PS5 experience to the next level.
Why Adjusting PS5 Settings Can Make a Big Difference
The PS5 is packed with powerful hardware, from its custom AMD Ryzen Zen 2 CPU to its RDNA 2 GPU. But like any advanced piece of tech, its performance can vary depending on how it’s set up. By default, your PS5 might prioritize graphics quality over performance, which can cause frame rate drops or input lag in some games. But don’t worry—you can change that.
By making a few small adjustments, you can ensure that your PS5 runs at its best, giving you faster response times, smoother visuals, and an overall better gaming experience. Let’s dive into the three key settings that you should change.
1. Switch to Performance Mode for Smoother Gameplay
One of the easiest ways to instantly boost your PS5’s performance is by enabling Performance Mode. This setting tells your PS5 to prioritize higher frame rates over graphical detail. This is perfect for games where smooth gameplay is more important than ultra-sharp visuals.
How to Enable Performance Mode:
- Turn on your PS5 and go to Settings from the main menu.
- Select Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
- Go to Game Presets.
- Set the option to Performance Mode.
Learn more- Official PlayStation Support
Why This Setting Makes a Difference:
- Smoother Gameplay: Games that support higher frame rates will run more smoothly.
- Lower Input Lag: You’ll notice faster response times, especially in fast-paced games.
- Perfect for Competitive Games: If you play shooters, racing games, or any title where reaction time matters, this is a must.
What’s the Catch?
Performance Mode might reduce the resolution in some games. For example, instead of running at 4K with ray tracing, a game might drop to 1440p or 1080p but run at a much higher frame rate. But for most gamers, the trade-off is worth it.
2. Enable 120Hz Output for Ultra-Smooth Motion
If your TV or monitor supports 120Hz, you can enable this setting on your PS5 for even smoother gameplay. This is especially useful for fast-paced games where every frame counts. With 120Hz, your PS5 can display up to 120 frames per second, making the motion look incredibly smooth.
How to Turn on 120Hz Output:
- Go to Settings on your PS5.
- Navigate to Screen and Video.
- Select Video Output.
- Set Enable 120Hz Output to Automatic.
Why 120Hz Is a Game-Changer:
- Ultra-Smooth Gameplay: You’ll notice the difference in fast-paced games like shooters and racing titles.
- Reduced Motion Blur: Fast-moving objects look much clearer.
- Competitive Edge: In multiplayer games, you’ll react faster because you’re seeing more frames per second.
Not All Games Support 120Hz
It’s important to note that not every PS5 game supports 120Hz, but many popular titles do, including:
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Fortnite
- Destiny 2
- Borderlands 3
- Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
If your TV doesn’t support 120Hz, this setting won’t make any difference, so make sure your display can handle it.
3. Activate Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for Seamless Visuals
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is another powerful setting that can make your PS5 experience smoother. VRR dynamically adjusts your TV’s refresh rate to match the frame rate of your game, which helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering.
How to Enable VRR:
- Go to Settings on your PS5.
- Choose Screen and Video.
- Navigate to Video Output.
- Set VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) to Automatic.
Why VRR Is So Important:
- No More Screen Tearing: Images will appear smoother, especially in fast-paced games.
- Stable Frame Rates: If a game’s frame rate drops, VRR helps keep the visuals smooth.
- Perfect for Action and Adventure Games: Games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales or Horizon Forbidden West look incredible with VRR.
Make Sure Your TV Supports VRR
Not all TVs have VRR support. You’ll need a display with HDMI 2.1 to take full advantage of this feature. Many newer gaming TVs from brands like LG, Samsung, and Sony support VRR.
Bonus Tips: Simple Tweaks for Even Better Performance
In addition to these three settings, there are a few other ways you can make sure your PS5 is always running at its best:
1. Keep Your PS5 Updated
Sony regularly releases firmware updates that can improve performance and stability. Make sure you’re always running the latest system software.
2. Use an HDMI 2.1 Cable
If you want to get the most out of 120Hz and VRR, make sure you’re using an HDMI 2.1 cable. This is necessary for 4K at 120Hz with HDR.
3. Clean Your PS5 Regularly
Dust can cause your PS5 to overheat, which can impact performance. Use a can of compressed air to clean the vents and keep the cooling system working properly.
4. Manage Your Storage Space
If your PS5’s SSD is nearly full, it can slow down performance. Regularly delete games you’re not playing or move them to an external drive.
5. Close Background Apps
If you have apps like YouTube, Spotify, or a web browser running in the background, close them. This frees up system resources for gaming.
Final Thoughts: Unlock the Full Potential of Your PS5
Your PlayStation 5 is a powerful console, but with these three simple settings, you can make it even better. By switching to Performance Mode, enabling 120Hz output, and activating VRR, you’ll enjoy smoother gameplay, faster response times, and an overall better gaming experience.
These settings are especially useful for competitive players who need every frame they can get. But even casual players will notice a big improvement, whether you’re exploring an open-world RPG, racing at lightning speeds, or battling it out in a multiplayer arena.
So what are you waiting for? Take a few minutes to tweak these settings, and transform your PS5 experience today. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it makes.
Don’t forget to check our article about How to Change Your Billing Address on Amazon: A Step-by-Step Guide for more tech news.
