How to Reduce Input Lag on PC
Lennon Byatt
Nothing is more frustrating than pressing a button and seeing your character react a split second later. Whether you're playing Call of Duty, Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, or Fortnite, reducing input lag can make your gaming experience feel smoother and more responsive.
The good news is that you don't always need expensive hardware to reduce input delay. By optimising your PC and gaming setup, you can significantly improve responsiveness.
Here's everything you need to know.
Recommended 1440p Gaming PC Specifications
For the best balance of performance and value, we recommend:
| Component | Recommendation |
|
CPU
|
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
|
|
GPU
|
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
|
|
RAM
|
32GB DDR5 6000MHz
|
|
Storage
|
2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
|
|
Motherboard
|
B650
|
|
PSU
|
750W 80 PLUS Gold
|
This specification is capable of running modern AAA games at high frame rates while providing plenty of headroom for future releases.
Browse AWD-IT's latest AMD Ryzen Processors:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/cpu-processors/amd-cpu.html
Gaming Performance
Here's what you can expect from a gaming PC in this price range:
| Game | 1440p Ultra | 4K High |
|
GTA 6 (Predicted)
|
90–120 FPS
|
60–90 FPS
|
|
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
|
170+ FPS
|
120+ FPS
|
|
Fortnite
|
220+ FPS
|
140+ FPS
|
|
EA Sports FC 26
|
220+ FPS
|
140+ FPS
|
|
Cyberpunk 2077
|
110+ FPS
|
75+ FPS
|
Performance will vary depending on graphics settings, drivers and future game updates.
What Is Input Lag?
Input lag is the delay between pressing a key or clicking your mouse and seeing the action happen on screen.
Unlike low FPS or network latency, input lag is usually caused by your hardware, display settings or Windows configuration.
1. Use a High Refresh Rate Monitor
A 165Hz or 240Hz monitor updates the image far more frequently than a traditional 60Hz display.
Benefits include:
- Smoother gameplay
- Lower perceived latency
- Better motion clarity
Browse AWD-IT's Gaming Monitors:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-monitors.html
2. Enable Your Monitor's Maximum Refresh Rate
Many gamers buy a 165Hz monitor but accidentally leave Windows set to 60Hz.
To check:
- Open Windows Settings
- Display
- Advanced Display
- Select the highest refresh rate available
Many gamers buy a 165Hz monitor but accidentally leave Windows set to 60Hz
3. Turn On Game Mode
Windows Game Mode prioritises gaming by reducing unnecessary background activity.
Simply search Game Mode in Windows Settings and make sure it's enabled.
Keeping your GPU drivers up to date can improve performance
4. Update Your Graphics Drivers
Keeping your GPU drivers up to date can improve performance and reduce latency.
Browse the latest Graphics Cards if you're considering an upgrade:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/graphics-cards.html
5. Use DisplayPort Instead of HDMI (Where Possible)
DisplayPort often provides better support for high refresh rates and adaptive sync technologies on PC.
Always check your monitor's specifications for the best connection.
6. Enable NVIDIA Reflex or AMD Anti-Lag
Modern graphics cards include latency reduction technologies.
NVIDIA users should enable Reflex in supported games.
AMD users can enable Anti-Lag through the Radeon Software.
7. Close Background Applications
Apps such as browsers, RGB software and unnecessary launchers consume valuable system resources.
Before gaming:
- Close unused apps
- Disable unnecessary startup programs
- Pause downloads
8. Upgrade Your Gaming Mouse
Older office mice often have slower polling rates and sensors.
A modern gaming mouse offers:
- Higher polling rates
- Better tracking
- Lower click latency
Browse AWD-IT's latest Gaming Accessories:
Older office mice often have slower polling rates and sensors
9. Install Games on an NVMe SSD
Although an SSD won't directly reduce input lag, it improves overall responsiveness by reducing loading times and improving asset streaming.
Browse AWD-IT's Solid State Drives:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/solid-state-drives-ssd.html
Read our guide:
Best SSD for Gaming in 2026
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-news/best-ssd-for-gaming-2026.html
Best Sim Racing Setup for Beginners: Start With the Essentials
You don’t need a full cockpit immediately. A well‑chosen beginner setup helps you develop skills faster and keeps costs under control.
1. Steering Wheel and Pedals (Top Priority)
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Beginner tip: Focus on force feedback quality rather than raw power.
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Creators in attendance
Stacked lineup
Experience zones
Arcades · Sim rigs · PCs
Tech on display
Latest gen builds
Verdict
Showroom certified
Pick Your Tier
We've named each tier after a tournament stage, because let's be honest, that's exactly the kind of thing we'd do. Find your budget and dive in.
Group Stage
Round of 32
Quarter Final
World Cup Final
10. Reduce Graphics Settings
Lowering settings such as:
- Shadows
- Ray Tracing
- Ambient Occlusion
can significantly increase FPS, reducing overall system latency.
11. Upgrade Your CPU or GPU
If your hardware is several generations old, upgrading can dramatically improve frame rates and responsiveness.
Not sure where to start?
Read:
Best Gaming CPU Under £300
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-news/best-gaming-cpu-under-300-uk.html
or
Best Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-news/best-graphics-card-for-1440p-gaming-2026.html
If your hardware is several generations old, upgrading can dramatically improve frame rates
Expected Gaming Performance
|
Game
|
1440p High
|
1440p Ultra
|
|
GTA 6 (Predicted)
|
120 FPS
|
90 FPS
|
|
Cyberpunk 2077
|
120 FPS
|
95 FPS
|
|
Black Ops 7
|
180+ FPS
|
150+ FPS
|
|
Fortnite
|
240+ FPS
|
200+ FPS
|
Performance will vary depending on drivers, game updates and graphics settings.
12. Optimise Your Internet Connection
Although internet latency is different from input lag, a stable wired Ethernet connection provides a much better online gaming experience than unreliable Wi-Fi.
The 7800X3D pairs exceptionally well with today's most powerful graphics cards
Best Graphics Cards to Pair with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The 7800X3D pairs exceptionally well with today's most powerful graphics cards, including:
- AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
If you're still deciding which GPU to buy, check out:
Best Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-news/best-graphics-card-for-1440p-gaming-2026.html
You can also browse AWD-IT's latest Graphics Cards:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does more FPS reduce input lag?
Yes. Higher frame rates generally reduce system latency and make games feel more responsive.
Does a gaming monitor reduce input lag?
Absolutely. Modern gaming monitors are specifically designed with low response times and minimal input delay.
Is input lag the same as ping?
No. Input lag is caused by your hardware and display, while ping measures the time it takes for data to travel to a game server.
Final Verdict
Reducing input lag doesn't always require buying a new gaming PC.
Simple changes such as enabling your monitor's full refresh rate, updating drivers, enabling NVIDIA Reflex or AMD Anti-Lag, and reducing unnecessary background applications can all improve responsiveness.
If you're ready to take your setup even further, upgrading to a modern gaming monitor, graphics card or gaming PC can make a dramatic difference to both performance and overall gameplay.
Browse AWD-IT's range of Gaming PCs, Graphics Cards, Gaming Monitors, Gaming Accessories and Storage to build a faster, more responsive gaming setup.
Related Guides
- Best Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming
- Best Gaming CPU Under £300
- Best SSD for Gaming in 2026
- Best Gaming PC Under £1500 UK
- GTA 6 PC System Requirements (Predicted)
