Before initiating the BOOST FPS optimization service, we carry out a set of important checks on your PC — all included in the price. Still, understanding these processes can help you manage your system more effectively.

CPU & GPU TEMPERATURES

Processors perform best within specific thermal ranges. When temperatures go beyond 85–90°C, the CPU may trigger thermal protection mechanisms (known as Thermal Throttling), which slow down performance to prevent overheating. To keep track of temperatures, we recommend using monitoring tools like HWInfo (click to download). When launching the program, choose “Sensor only” and observe the temperatures while the system is idle (with no heavy apps or games running).

Keep HWInfo running in the background, then launch a stress test tool like OCCT. You can also monitor temperatures during gameplay (avoid checking in menus, as they don’t reflect real load). Start the test and note the maximum temperature reached.

If the CPU hits over 90°C (without overclocking), here’s what you should check:

• Make sure the cooler and fans are properly installed and that the case has good airflow (see our airflow guide).

• Inspect for dust buildup inside the case.

• Replace the thermal paste if it hasn’t been changed in a while.

• Consider upgrading the cooler if it’s old or low-end.

If you’re using a 12th, 13th, or 14th-gen Intel i7 or i9, it’s normal for temperatures to rise over 90°C during heavy loads. In such cases, reducing the CPU Power Limit in the BIOS can help (make sure your BIOS is updated to the latest version).

Also check your GPU temperatures using HWInfo. If they’re high, try increasing the fan speed using MSI Afterburner, or inspect the case for dust accumulation that might restrict airflow.

PCI-E 16X GRAPHICS CARD INTERFACE

Your GPU’s performance also depends on how the PCI-Express interface is recognized by the motherboard. Use GPU-Z to check the “Bus Interface” section. The number before the “@” shows the expected mode, while the number after shows the current mode. These should match for ideal performance.

If your graphics card is supposed to run in x16 mode but appears as x8, this might be due to several factors:

1. Outdated BIOS or incorrect PCI-E configuration (though most default BIOS settings work fine when hardware is installed correctly).

2. NVMe or SATA drives sharing bandwidth with the GPU.

3. The GPU is installed in the wrong PCI-E slot — always use the first slot on the motherboard.

4. If the GPU is mounted vertically, check that the riser cable is compatible and matches the generation of both the GPU and motherboard.

The value after “x16” (such as “4.0”) indicates the data transfer speed. Sometimes the card will display “1.0” while idle, switching to “4.0” or “3.0” under load. You can test this by clicking the “?” icon in GPU-Z and selecting “Start Render” — if the speed increases, everything is functioning normally.

Although modern GPUs are designed for x16 4.0, older motherboards may only support PCI-E 3.0, which can slightly limit performance.

PROPER POWER CONNECTION TO GPU

This is especially crucial for NVIDIA 3000 series and AMD 6000/7000 series cards. A single split PCI-E cable might not deliver enough power. Instead, it’s best to use separate PCI-E cables for each power connector on the GPU to ensure stable performance.

For NVIDIA 4000 series cards, make sure to correctly connect the 12VHPWR power cable, following the specifications of your GPU and PSU.

VERIFYING CORRECT RAM SLOTS

If your system has two RAM sticks, they should be installed in slots 2 and 4 (counting from left to right) to activate Dual Channel mode. You can check this using Task Manager in Windows or by physically inspecting the motherboard. For setups with more RAM sticks or unique configurations, refer to your motherboard’s manual for optimal placement.