Recent reports from GeForce RTX gamers highlight a significant performance drop in various PC games after installing the new NVIDIA App, version 1.0. This app, replacing GeForce Experience, offers numerous features including driver updates and game optimization, but its launch has been marred by performance issues. Users are reporting performance dips of up to 15%, according to Tom’s Hardware, impacting gameplay considerably. This is a serious concern, especially as the holiday gaming season approaches and many gamers will be utilizing their new RTX 40 series cards. However, the issue is not widespread across all titles and systems. Hardware Unboxed found a more moderate 3% performance decrease in their testing. This difference underscores the nuanced nature of the problem and the variability in its impact based on the games played and system configurations. The good news is that NVIDIA has acknowledged the problem and provided a straightforward fix. The performance hit stems from the app’s overlay and the ‘Game Filters and Photo Mode’ settings within the NVIDIA App. Disabling this feature restores performance to normal levels. To resolve the issue, navigate to the NVIDIA App Settings, go to Features, then Overlay, and disable the ‘Game Filters and Photo Mode’ option. Relaunching the game after this adjustment should immediately improve frame rates. The problem appears to be most pronounced in games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and those utilizing Unreal Engine 5, impacting users with RTX 40 series graphics cards disproportionately. This highlights a crucial point about the importance of testing and optimization before releasing major software updates that impact the gaming experience. NVIDIA’s responsiveness to the issue, offering a quick fix while working on an official patch, demonstrates a commitment to addressing user concerns swiftly. For gamers experiencing performance issues, disabling the Game Filters and Photo Mode option provides immediate relief. This situation underscores the importance of staying informed about software updates and being prepared to troubleshoot potential problems, especially with new applications that integrate directly into game functionality. Gamers are advised to monitor NVIDIA’s official channels for updates and fixes. As we enter peak gaming season, this situation serves as a reminder to check settings and ensure smooth gameplay. The temporary fix, although effective, highlights the need for robust testing before major application releases, emphasizing the potential impact of software on hardware performance. While the holiday season brings excitement for new games, gamers need to remain aware of potential issues and utilize simple solutions like disabling features within the NVIDIA App to ensure the best possible gaming experience. This timely issue acts as a valuable lesson for both software developers and gamers, reinforcing the ever-present need for thorough testing and user responsiveness in the ever-evolving landscape of PC gaming.
NVIDIA App Causes Significant Performance Drop in GeForce RTX Games: Here’s the Fix
