To keep path tracing playable, tune one setting at a time: start with the game’s path-tracing preset, use a supported upscaler, then compare image quality, frame pacing and control response in the same scene. There is no universal best preset. The cost depends on the game, scene, resolution, GPU and implementation; NVIDIA describes Cyberpunk 2077’s RT Overdrive mode as extremely GPU-intensive.
Why path tracing needs a different tuning approach
Path tracing can demand far more GPU work than conventional rendering, and the impact varies by title and scene. A preset may also change how much path tracing is actually enabled, rather than simply adjusting conventional graphics details. For example, NVIDIA’s Alan Wake 2 settings guide describes Low as having no path tracing, Medium as partial path tracing and High as full path tracing, alongside other changes to ray-traced settings. Read the game’s own preset descriptions before treating Low, Medium and High as directly comparable quality steps. NVIDIA’s Alan Wake 2 guide.
Build a repeatable baseline before changing settings
Record the game version, GPU, driver, display resolution, target frame rate and current graphics settings. Pick a repeatable scene or built-in benchmark and use it after every adjustment. Keep the scene, output resolution, hardware and driver constant; otherwise, a change in performance may come from the test conditions rather than the setting.
Assess more than the average FPS. Note low frame rates and frame pacing, and inspect reflections, shadows, lighting and fine detail while the camera or characters are moving. A setting that raises the displayed frame rate but introduces distracting artifacts or sluggish controls may not be a worthwhile trade.
#1 Best Overall
- Powered by Radeon RX 9070 XT
- WINDFORCE Cooling System
- Hawk Fan
- Server-grade Thermal Conductive Gel
- RGB Lighting
Tune settings in this order
- Choose the path-tracing level. Start with the level that provides the visual quality you want, using the game’s descriptions to understand which effects or path-tracing features change. If performance is already far below your target, test a lower level before adjusting unrelated options.
- Enable a supported upscaler and compare its modes. Test Quality, Balanced and Performance at your actual output resolution. Upscaling reduces internal rendering resolution, which can help before you broadly lower other graphics settings. Check fine detail, motion and ghosting in your repeatable scene.
- Compare Ray Reconstruction, if the game supports it. Test it both on and off in the same scene. NVIDIA describes Ray Reconstruction as replacing multiple hand-tuned denoisers in supported implementations; the image and performance effect depend on how each game integrates the feature. It is not a guaranteed improvement in every title. See NVIDIA’s DLSS 3.5 overview.
- Test Frame Generation after the underlying experience is playable. Where available, compare it with the feature off and check control responsiveness and frame pacing, not just the displayed FPS. Generated frames can increase displayed frame rate, but they do not remove the work required to render frames or guarantee a better-feeling experience.
- Reduce path-tracing level or resolution if needed. If the experience still misses your target, try a lower path-tracing level or reduce output or render resolution, then retest. Only consider a hardware upgrade after comparing current requirements and independent performance tests for your games and target resolution.
Use game-specific upscaling guidance as a starting point
Upscaler mode recommendations are not universal. In its October 2023 Alan Wake 2 guidance, NVIDIA recommended DLSS Quality at 1080p, Quality or Balanced at 1440p, and Performance at 4K. These are recommendations for that game, not a rule for other titles or a guarantee that a particular mode will look best on your system. Compare modes at your own output resolution and inspect moving detail before settling on one.
DLSS, FSR and their individual features depend on the game’s implementation and compatibility. Check the current in-game graphics menu and the relevant official compatibility information rather than assuming that a feature works with every GPU or title. AMD’s FSR technologies page describes feature support and integration requirements; availability can change.
Rank #2
- NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors: The all-new Ampere SM brings 2X the FP32 throughput and improved power efficiency.
- 2nd Generation RT Cores: Experience 2X the throughput of 1st gen RT Cores, plus concurrent RT and shading for a whole new level of ray-tracing performance.
- 3rd Generation Tensor Cores: Get up to 2X the throughput with structural sparsity and advanced AI algorithms such as DLSS. These cores deliver a massive boost in game performance and all-new AI capabilities.
- Axial-tech fan design features a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure.
- OC Mode : 1500 MHz (Boost Clock)/Default Mode : 1470 MHz (Boost Clock)
Keep vendor performance figures in context
Published multipliers can illustrate a particular feature stack, but they are not predictions for your PC. NVIDIA reported a 4.5× average frame-rate multiplier at 4K for Alan Wake 2 in 2023 under its stated GeForce RTX 40 Series, full-ray-tracing and DLSS configuration; the performance data was captured on a pre-release build. NVIDIA also reported 4.1× for an RTX 4090 at 4K with max settings and full ray tracing using Frame Generation, Ray Reconstruction and Super Resolution. These are vendor-reported results for those configurations, not independent benchmarks or general estimates. Details appear in NVIDIA’s Alan Wake 2 article.
For Cyberpunk 2077 RT Overdrive, NVIDIA’s April 2023 technology-preview material reported 4.6× at 4K and 103 FPS on an RTX 4090 with DLSS 3 activated. Those figures describe NVIDIA’s stated preview configuration, not expected performance on other systems. See NVIDIA’s RT Overdrive announcement. CD PROJEKT RED’s PC system requirements page is the place to check current requirements; consult the live page and current game version before relying on specific requirements.
Rank #3
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability. Compatibility: 348mm (13.7") length, 3.6 slots, 4.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.6-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
When settings are not enough
If you have tested the available upscaling and frame-generation options, reduced path tracing to an acceptable level and still cannot reach a playable result, the practical choices are to lower resolution or image quality further, play without path tracing, or evaluate a hardware change. For a purchase decision, compare current independent tests for the games and resolution you care about, along with price, power use and memory capacity. The vendor figures above do not establish a current neutral GPU ranking.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
