A MaximusFPS guide
How can I reduce gaming input delay?
Reduce input delay by checking the whole local chain: input device, game processing, rendering queue and display. A correctly configured refresh rate, sustainable frame delivery and a supported in-game latency option can help. Ping is a separate network delay; lowering local latency will not move the server closer to you.
What to check first
- Confirm display refresh rate and the monitor’s appropriate gaming mode.
- Check whether the game supports NVIDIA Reflex or another documented latency option.
- Compare an offline/training scene with an online match, using the same inputs.
Likely causes and how to distinguish them
A GPU working at its limit can build rendering latency, while inconsistent CPU frame delivery can make inputs feel uneven. A higher average FPS alone does not reveal the entire input-to-display delay.
Display refresh rate is how often it can update; pixel response is how quickly pixels change. Neither is the same as network round-trip time. Mouse connection, game settings and frame presentation also matter.
Diagnostic steps, in order
- Verify the device is connected reliably and uses its supported settings. Avoid universal polling-rate advice; very high polling can add CPU load on some systems.
- Enable a supported in-game low-latency feature and compare feel and performance in the same scene. NVIDIA describes Reflex as coordinating CPU/GPU work in supported games.
- Test a sustainable cap and the appropriate VRR/V-Sync arrangement. Judge tearing, consistency and delay together rather than following one universal preset.
- If only online actions feel delayed, inspect ping, jitter and packet loss instead of applying local timer or registry tweaks.
Limitations and when help may be appropriate
A frametime graph is not a direct mouse-to-photon measurement. Supported latency measurement hardware or game metrics can add evidence, but not every setup exposes the full chain. Professional help may diagnose inconsistent settings; no service can promise zero input delay or zero anti-cheat risk from arbitrary third-party tools.
Follow-up questions
Should I disable Windows Security?
No. Do not trade protection for an unverified performance claim. Investigate background load and use documented settings instead.
Does Reflex reduce ping?
No. It targets PC rendering latency in supported games, not the time packets take to reach a server.
Official sources and further reading
These documents support the technical explanations; game and driver options can change. Source language may differ from this guide.