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How To Make Fortnite Less Cpu Intensive? (Fact Checked)

    ✅ Fact Checked
    Updated on January 30, 2023
    John Chad, Bachelor Computer Science Degree & Computer Engineering.
    Written by
    John Chad, Bachelor Degree in Computer Science & Computer Engineering.
    Russel Collins
    Fact Checked by
    Russel Collins
    John is a certified IT & Computer Engineer with a Bachelors Degree. He has worked for a International Insurance Company in the IT department before deciding to become a full time blogger to help his readers. Holds a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science from Stanford University.

    Fun Fact
    The first CPU, or central processing unit, was created by Intel and was the size of a large room. It was released in 1971 and was called the Intel 4004.
    Fortnite is a popular game that requires high computing power to run smoothly. However, not everyone has a high-end computer that can handle the game’s demands, leading to lags, freezes, and crashes. To play the game optimally, it’s essential to reduce the load on the CPU, which is the central processing unit of a computer that handles all the calculations and logic. In this article, we will discuss various techniques and tips on how to make Fortnite less CPU intensive and improve your gaming experience. So, let’s dive in!

    1 Reduce Graphics Settings

    If you’re looking to reduce the CPU usage while playing games, such as Fortnite, one of the most effective ways is to adjust the graphics settings. Here are a few simple adjustments you can make to your graphics settings to reduce the CPU load:

    Lower the resolution – The higher the resolution, the more demanding it is on your CPU. By lowering the resolution, you can significantly reduce the CPU usage. This can be done in the game’s graphics options.

    Turn off shadows and reflections – Shadows and reflections can be quite demanding on your CPU. By turning them off, you can reduce the CPU usage without sacrificing too much in terms of visuals.

    Reduce the number of particles and effects – Particles and effects, such as smoke, fire, and explosions, can be very demanding on your CPU. By reducing the number of particles and effects, you can reduce the CPU usage while still maintaining a visually appealing experience.

    These are just a few simple adjustments you can make to your graphics settings to reduce the CPU usage while playing games like Fortnite. By making these adjustments, you can ensure a smoother gaming experience with less lag and improved performance.

    2 Update Graphics Card Drivers

    Keeping your graphics card drivers up to date is crucial for the smooth operation of your computer and the optimal performance of your graphics card. Updating drivers can provide bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Here are two important reasons why you should keep your graphics card drivers up to date and how to do it:

    Importance of Keeping Drivers Up to Date

    Having the latest drivers for your graphics card ensures that your hardware is running at its best. Outdated drivers can cause a variety of problems, including:

    • Performance Issues: If your drivers are outdated, your graphics card may not perform as well as it could. This can result in slowdowns, stuttering, and other performance issues.
    • Compatibility Problems: New games and software are released all the time, and they often require the latest drivers to run properly. If your drivers are outdated, you may experience compatibility problems that prevent you from running new games or software.

    Steps to Update Drivers

    Updating your graphics card drivers is a simple process that can be done in a few steps:

    • Check Your Graphics Card Model: The first step is to determine what kind of graphics card you have. This information can usually be found in your computer’s documentation or by using a system information tool like Speccy or CPU-Z.
    • Visit the Graphics Card Manufacturer’s Website: Once you know what kind of graphics card you have, you can visit the website of the manufacturer to find the latest drivers. NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel are the most common graphics card manufacturers, and you can find their drivers on their respective websites.
    • Download and Install the Latest Drivers: Download the latest drivers for your graphics card and follow the instructions to install them. Some manufacturers may also offer automatic driver update tools that can download and install the latest drivers for you.

    By following these steps, you can ensure that your graphics card drivers are always up to date and that you are getting the best performance from your graphics card. So don’t neglect this important aspect of computer maintenance and take a few minutes to update your drivers today!

    3 Optimize Windows Settings

    Optimize Windows Settings for a better performance of your computer system is a crucial step in enhancing the overall experience. Here are some of the most effective ways to optimize your Windows settings:

    1. Disable unnecessary background processes
    Your computer runs many background processes that can slow down your system. To optimize your Windows settings, you should disable any unnecessary background processes. This can be done by opening the Task Manager, selecting the “Startup” tab and disabling any processes that you don’t need running in the background. By doing this, you will free up valuable system resources that can be used by other important processes.

    2. Adjust Power Plan
    Your computer’s power plan can also affect its performance. By default, Windows 10 uses the “Balanced” power plan, which strikes a balance between performance and energy efficiency. However, if you want to optimize your Windows settings for performance, you should switch to the “High performance” power plan. This power plan prioritizes performance over energy efficiency, so your computer will run at its full potential.

    3. Disable Windows visual effects
    Windows visual effects can consume a lot of system resources, especially on older computers. To optimize your Windows settings, you should disable any unnecessary visual effects. This can be done by opening the System Properties, selecting the “Advanced” tab, clicking on the “Settings” button under the “Performance” section, and selecting the “Adjust for best performance” option. This will disable all visual effects and give you a more streamlined and responsive system.

    By following these steps, you can optimize your Windows settings for a better performance. By doing this, you will enjoy a faster, smoother and more responsive computer system.

    4 Use a Dedicated Graphics Card

    Benefits of using a dedicated graphics card

    Using a dedicated graphics card comes with several benefits, including improved performance and better graphics quality. A dedicated graphics card has its own memory and processing power, which means it can handle graphics-intensive tasks more efficiently than integrated graphics. This results in smoother gameplay, faster frame rates, and more detailed graphics.

    How to check if your PC has a dedicated graphics card

    To check if your PC has a dedicated graphics card, follow these steps:

    1. Right-click on the Windows desktop and select “Display settings.”
    2. Scroll down and click on “Advanced display settings.”
    3. Scroll down and click on “Display adapter properties.”
    4. Look for the name of the graphics card under “Adapter Type.” If it says “dedicated,” then you have a dedicated graphics card.

    If you don’t have a dedicated graphics card, you can still enjoy improved graphics performance by using an external GPU (eGPU) enclosure. An eGPU connects to your computer via a Thunderbolt 3 port and provides additional graphics processing power.

    In short, using a dedicated graphics card can greatly enhance your gaming and multimedia experience. Whether you have a built-in dedicated graphics card or use an external GPU, the benefits are undeniable.

    5 Upgrade Hardware

    Upgrading hardware can significantly boost the performance of your computer. If you’re experiencing slowdowns or lags, it may be time to consider upgrading your CPU or RAM. Here’s how to determine if your hardware needs an upgrade:

    Check System Requirements: Before upgrading, it’s important to check if your computer meets the minimum system requirements of the software you’re using. If your computer can’t handle the requirements, upgrading your hardware may be necessary.

    Monitor Performance: Regularly monitoring your computer’s performance can help you identify any issues. If you notice that your computer is running slow, or if applications are taking longer to load, it may be a sign that you need more memory or a faster CPU.

    Use System Utilities: System utilities like Windows Task Manager or Activity Monitor on a Mac can provide information about your computer’s performance, including the amount of memory and CPU being used. If you see that your computer is consistently using a high percentage of memory or CPU, it may be time to upgrade.

    Consider Upgrading: If you’ve determined that your computer could benefit from an upgrade, it’s time to consider which components to upgrade. Upgrading your RAM can improve your computer’s ability to multitask, while upgrading your CPU can improve overall performance and speed.

    So essentially, upgrading your hardware can greatly enhance the performance of your computer. By regularly monitoring performance and using system utilities, you can determine if your computer needs an upgrade and make informed decisions about which components to upgrade.

    6 FAQ

    How do I fix high CPU usage in Fortnite?

    Yes, you can fix high CPU usage in Fortnite. Here are some steps to try:

    1. Update your graphics card driver: Outdated drivers can cause performance issues, so make sure your graphics card driver is up to date.

    2. Adjust in-game graphics settings: Lowering in-game graphics settings can reduce CPU usage. Try lowering the resolution, turning off V-Sync, and reducing the quality of shadows, textures, and post-processing.

    3. Close background programs: Running too many programs in the background can increase CPU usage. Close any unnecessary programs and processes to free up resources for Fortnite.

    4. Upgrade hardware: If your hardware is outdated, it can cause performance issues. Consider upgrading your CPU or graphics card if you continue to experience high CPU usage.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be a bug with the game itself. Try reaching out to the Fortnite support team for further assistance.

    Is Fortnite CPU intensive?

    Yes, Fortnite can be CPU intensive. As a high-demand game, Fortnite requires a significant amount of processing power from your computer’s CPU to run smoothly. This is especially true for players who run the game at high graphics settings, as it requires more resources to render the game’s detailed environments and special effects.

    A high-end CPU is recommended to run the game optimally, but lower-end CPUs can still run the game with reduced graphics settings. However, it’s important to note that the exact level of CPU intensity will vary based on the specific hardware and system configuration you are using.

    How much CPU should Fortnite be using?

    The amount of CPU that Fortnite should be using depends on several factors, including:

    1. Graphics settings: Higher graphics settings will require more processing power, resulting in higher CPU usage.

    2. Hardware specifications: The power of your CPU will directly impact the amount of resources Fortnite requires. A high-end CPU will be able to handle more demanding graphics settings, while a lower-end CPU may struggle to keep up.

    3. Other background processes: Running other programs in the background can also impact the amount of CPU resources available for Fortnite.

    As a general rule, it’s reasonable to expect Fortnite to use anywhere from 30% to 70% of your CPU, depending on the specific configuration of your system and the graphics settings you are using.

    Note: It’s important to keep in mind that these are just rough guidelines, and actual usage may vary based on individual systems and configurations.

    Is 100% CPU usage harmful?

    Yes, 100% CPU usage can be harmful to your computer’s performance and stability. When a computer’s CPU is running at 100%, it means that all available processing power is being used, and the system may become unresponsive or slow down. Additionally, running at 100% CPU usage for extended periods of time can generate heat, which can cause damage to internal components and reduce the lifespan of your computer.

    Note: High CPU usage is not always a bad thing, as it can be a sign that your computer is working hard to handle a demanding task. However, if high CPU usage is causing performance issues or stability problems, it’s important to take steps to reduce the load on your system.

    7 Conclusion

    In short, optimizing your system settings and making adjustments to how Fortnite runs on your computer can help make the game less CPU intensive and improve performance. By disabling unnecessary background processes, adjusting your power plan, and reducing visual effects, you can free up valuable resources that your computer can use to run Fortnite smoothly.

    It’s important to keep in mind that these steps may not work for everyone and the extent to which they improve performance may vary. However, implementing these changes is a simple and straightforward process that can have a significant impact on the performance of Fortnite on your computer. So, if you’re looking to get the most out of your gaming experience, give these tips a try and see the difference for yourself!