iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For the strongest results from a new RTX laptop, connect the supplied AC adapter, select the laptop maker’s performance profile, choose an appropriate Windows power mode, verify that the game is assigned to the RTX GPU, install current official drivers, and tune graphics settings one change at a time. Keep every cooling intake and exhaust clear. The exact gains depend on the laptop’s GPU generation, power limits, display routing, processor, memory, game and cooling design.
1. Start with the right power setup
Use the supplied AC adapter
Connect the adapter that came with the laptop before launching a demanding game. MSI states that its notebooks achieve their best performance on AC power. A gaming laptop may reduce processor or GPU power when running from the battery, even when the battery is nearly full.
Do not substitute a generic charger because its plug fits. The voltage, current, connector, charging protocol and wattage must match the exact model. If the original adapter is lost or damaged, use the laptop manufacturer’s compatibility information to identify the correct replacement.
Recommended Free Tools
Select the manufacturer’s performance profile
Many gaming laptops expose performance, balanced and quiet profiles in a manufacturer utility. Choose the performance-oriented profile while gaming if your model provides one. ASUS, for example, documents a performance mode in MyASUS for supported devices; it is designed to maximize performance and thermal behavior during demanding workloads.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Adjustable & Ergonomic】：This laptop stand can be adjusted to a comfortable height and angle according to your actual needs, letting you fix posture and reduce your neck fatigue, back pain and eye strain. Very comfortable for working in home, office and outdoor.
- 【Sturdy & Protective】 ：Made of sturdy metal, it can support up to 17.6 lbs (8kg) weight on top; With 2 rubber mats on the hook and anti-skid silicone pads on top & bottom, it can secure your laptop in place and maximum protect your device from scratches and sliding. Moreover, smooth edges will never hurt your hands.
- 【Heat Dissipation】 ：The top of the laptop stand is designed with multiple ventilation holes. The open design offers greater ventilation and more airflow to cool your laptop during operation other than it just lays flat on the table.
- 【Portable & Foldable】：The foldable design allows you to easily slip it in your backpack. Ideal for people who travel for business a lot.
- 【Broad Compatibility】：Our desktop book stand is compatible with all laptops from 10-15.6 inches, such as MacBook Air/ Pro, Google Pixelbook, Dell XPS, HP, ASUS, Lenovo ThinkPad, Acer, Chromebook and Microsoft Surface, etc.Be your ideal companion in Home, Office & Outdoor.
A more aggressive profile can raise fan noise, power consumption and operating temperatures. That is normal rather than evidence that the setting failed. If the laptop becomes uncomfortably loud or hot, try a balanced profile and compare the frame-rate and noise trade-off in the same game scene.
Set Windows power mode
On current Windows versions, open Settings > System > Power & battery and inspect the available power-mode choices. Microsoft lists battery-oriented, balanced and performance options, but emphasizes that the hardware and computer manufacturer determine which choices appear. Microsoft’s wording is direct: “It depends on your PC’s hardware and your PC manufacturer.”
Use the performance choice for plugged-in gaming when it is available. Balanced is a sensible fallback if the performance option is missing or if fan noise matters more than maximum frame rate. Battery-oriented operation is intended for mobility, not for extracting the highest sustained gaming performance.
2. Make sure the game uses the RTX GPU
Check Windows graphics assignment
A laptop can contain integrated graphics in the processor and a dedicated RTX GPU. If a game is assigned to the integrated adapter, performance can be far below what the RTX hardware can deliver.
- Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Find the game in the installed-app list. If it is absent, use the option to browse for the game’s executable.
- Open the game’s graphics options and choose the high-performance GPU option when Windows presents it.
- Save the change, close the game completely and launch it again.
The wording and available controls can vary by Windows release and laptop design. If Windows does not expose a per-game choice, use the laptop maker’s graphics controls or NVIDIA’s control software instead.
Use NVIDIA’s per-program controls when needed
In NVIDIA Control Panel, the program-specific 3D settings can identify a game and assign a preferred graphics processor on supported notebooks. Look for the game’s executable rather than a launcher shortcut when several entries are listed. Apply the change, then restart the game.
Rank #2
- Wide Compatibility: The laptop stand for desk is compatible with all laptops from 10" up to 17.3", including popular models like MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Surface Laptop, Dell XPS, Google Pixelbook, HP, ASUS, Acer, Chromebook, Alienware, etc.
- Adjustable & Portable Design: The laptop riser can be easily adjusted to comfortable height and angle based on your actual need. Besides, you also can fold the laptop stand up to carry around for travel and business trips or store it in your laptop bag.
- Upgrade Large Base: Made of high-quality aluminum alloy, the larger heavier base greatly improves the stability of the notebook stand. The laptop stand will never shaking, sliding and falling when you type on your laptop with this notebook holder.
- Ergonomic Design: The MacBook air pro stand holder works as a raiser to elevate the laptop screen to your eye level. The office computer stand let you fix posture and relieves neck, shoulder and spinal pain, it's very comfortable for working at home, office and outdoor, make typing more easier.
- Heat Dissipation: The multiple ventilation holes offers better ventilation and more airflow to cool your laptop and prevent from overheating and crashes. Anti-skid silicone and smooth edge can protects your laptop from sliding and scratches.
Do not assume that selecting the RTX GPU means the internal panel is physically driven by it. Hybrid-graphics laptops can render on the RTX processor and send the final image through integrated graphics. That arrangement can work correctly, although it may have different performance and latency characteristics from a direct display connection.
Understand Advanced Optimus
Advanced Optimus is a supported-hardware feature, not a universal switch. NVIDIA describes it as automatically selecting whether the GeForce GPU or integrated graphics drives the internal display and switching according to the application. If your laptop includes the feature, its utility or BIOS may offer an automatic, integrated-only or discrete-GPU mode.
NVIDIA reported frame-rate increases ranging from 11% to 27% and beyond, plus latency reductions of up to 22% in popular esports titles, in an article dated February 11, 2022. Those are NVIDIA’s own vendor benchmarks, not a guaranteed improvement for every laptop or game. Your result depends on the panel, GPU, game, driver and power configuration.
3. Update software before changing graphics quality
Install official graphics drivers
Install the current graphics driver from NVIDIA or the laptop manufacturer’s official support page. A new laptop may ship with an older driver than the one recommended for a recently released game. After installation, reboot before judging performance.
Use the driver package intended for your GPU and operating system. Avoid third-party driver-download sites and “driver booster” utilities that may install the wrong package or add unnecessary software.
Check BIOS and manufacturer updates
When performance is unexpectedly low, follow the laptop maker’s support guidance for BIOS, firmware and chipset updates. Dell’s troubleshooting guidance includes checking driver and BIOS updates, enabling the dedicated GPU, selecting a performance mode, closing background applications and adjusting in-game graphics.
Rank #3
- 【Adjustable & Ergonomic】：This laptop stand can be adjusted to a comfortable height and angle according to your actual needs, letting you fix posture and reduce your neck fatigue, back pain and eye strain. Very comfortable for working in home, office and outdoor.
- 【Sturdy & Protective】 ：Made of sturdy metal, it can support up to 17.6 lbs (8kg) weight on top; With 2 rubber mats on the hook and anti-skid silicone pads on top & bottom, it can secure your laptop in place and maximum protect your device from scratches and sliding. Moreover, smooth edges will never hurt your hands.
- 【Heat Dissipation】 ：The top of the laptop stand is designed with multiple ventilation holes. The open design offers greater ventilation and more airflow to cool your laptop during operation other than it just lays flat on the table.
- 【Portable & Foldable】：The foldable design allows you to easily slip it in your backpack. Ideal for people who travel for business a lot.
- 【Broad Compatibility】：Our printer stand is compatible with all laptops from 10-15.6 inches, such as MacBook Air/ Pro, Google Pixelbook, Dell XPS, HP, ASUS, Lenovo ThinkPad, Acer, Chromebook and Microsoft Surface, etc.Be your ideal companion in Home, Office & Outdoor.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions before a BIOS update. Keep the AC adapter connected, do not interrupt the process and use the exact file for the laptop model.
Close unnecessary background work
Before testing a game, close applications that consume processor time, memory, storage bandwidth or GPU resources. Browser windows with video, recording tools, virtual machines, installers and cloud synchronization can all affect consistency. Do not disable security software indiscriminately; instead, identify the process responsible for unusual load.
4. Tune the game in a controlled order
Change one major setting at a time and test the same level, replay, benchmark or repeatable scene. Record frame rate, stutter, image quality, fan noise and temperature behavior. This approach shows which setting actually helped instead of mixing several changes together.
Choose resolution first
Resolution has a direct effect on the number of pixels the GPU must render. Start with the display’s native resolution for the sharpest image. If frame rate is below your target, test a lower resolution or an in-game resolution scale before changing every quality option at once.
A lower resolution can improve frame rate but may look soft on a high-resolution panel. If the game provides a render-scale control, compare it with the display’s native output and choose the clearest result that maintains acceptable performance.
Adjust overall quality and ray tracing
Use the game’s quality preset as a starting point, then inspect the individual options. Ray-traced reflections, shadows and global illumination can be particularly demanding. Test ray tracing separately so you know whether its visual benefit is worth the frame-rate and power cost on your laptop.
Rank #4
- ✅【Adjustable & Ergonomic】：This laptop stand can be adjusted to a comfortable height and angle according to your actual needs, letting you fix posture and reduce your neck fatigue, back pain and eye strain. Very comfortable for working in home, office and outdoor.
- ✅【Sturdy & Protective】 ：Made of sturdy metal, it can support up to 17.6 lbs (8kg) weight on top; With 2 rubber mats on the hook and anti-skid silicone pads on top & bottom, it can secure your laptop in place and maximum protect your device from scratches and sliding. Moreover, smooth edges will never hurt your hands.
- ✅【Heat Dissipation】 ：The top of the laptop stand is designed with multiple ventilation holes. The open design offers greater ventilation and more airflow to cool your laptop during operation other than it just lays flat on the table.
- ✅【Portable & Foldable】：The foldable design allows you to easily slip it in your backpack. Ideal for people who travel for business a lot.
- ✅【Broad Compatibility】：Our laptop holder is compatible with all laptops from 10-17.3 inches, such as MacBook Air/ Pro, Google Pixelbook, Dell XPS, HP, ASUS, Lenovo ThinkPad, Acer, Chromebook and Microsoft Surface, etc.Be your ideal companion in Home, Office & Outdoor.
Texture quality is often constrained by available video memory, while shadows, lighting, reflections and view distance can affect GPU or processor load in different ways. The correct balance is game-specific; there is no universal “best” preset for every RTX laptop.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Use DLSS only when the game and GPU support it
NVIDIA’s DLSS features can provide a performance and image-quality choice in supported games. The available modes and features depend on the game’s integration, the GPU generation and the installed NVIDIA software. Select a supported DLSS mode in the game, then compare image stability and frame pacing rather than looking only at an average frame-rate number.
The NVIDIA App describes game optimization and DLSS update capabilities, but those capabilities are not identical across all RTX generations and titles. If a DLSS option is absent, greyed out or produces artifacts, leave it disabled and use the game’s native resolution or another supported scaling method.
Test frame pacing, not just peak FPS
A high peak frame rate does not guarantee smooth play. Watch for hitching when entering a new area, compiling shaders or loading assets. If the game offers a frame-rate cap, a stable cap that your laptop can sustain may feel smoother than an uncapped rate that constantly swings with temperature and power limits.
5. Keep the cooling path unobstructed
Use a firm, open surface
Place the laptop on a hard, stable surface with clearance around every intake and exhaust. Beds, blankets and soft furniture can block vents and restrict airflow. Keep cables, papers and clothing away from the openings.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Clear airflow does not guarantee a particular frame rate, but it gives the cooling system the conditions it was designed to use. If the laptop becomes hot and then slows down, check placement before changing game settings.
Best Value
- 【Stable & Durable】JOYEKY Laptop Stand made of high-quality aluminum alloy, the larger heavier base greatly improves the stability of the notebook stand. The laptop stand supports up to 11 lbs will never shaking, sliding and falling when you type on your laptop with this notebook holder.
- 【Adjustable & Portable】 The laptop riser can be easily adjusted to height and angle based on your actual need. Besides, folds to a compact 9.45 x 9.45 x 1.25 inches, slipping easily into your backpack for work-from-home, office, or travel, Making typing and viewing effortless anywhere.
- 【360° Swivel Flexibility】 Effortlessly rotate your laptop 360° with a smooth dual-axis base, perfect for sharing screens, presentations, or adjusting to any angle. This unique feature enhances collaboration and transforms your workspace with unparalleled versatility.
- 【Universal Compatibility】 The Computer stand fits all 10-16 inch laptops, including MacBook Air/Pro (12/13/14/16 inch), Dell XPS, HP, Lenovo, Acer, Chromebook, and more. Also supports tablets [if applicable], making it a versatile, high-value addition to your tech setup.
- 【Ergonomic Design】You can freely adjust laptop stand height (up to 11.81 inches) and angle to a perfect eye level and helps to reduce shoulder and neck pain, Which ensures you in a comfortable position.
Consider a stand for positioning, not guaranteed FPS
An adjustable stand can make it easier to keep vents clear and raise the screen to a comfortable height. Check the stand’s dimensions and contact points against your laptop’s intake layout. The available evidence does not establish that a generic stand increases frame rate or lowers temperatures by a predictable amount, so treat it as a positioning accessory rather than a performance upgrade.
Interpret fan noise and heat correctly
Performance profiles commonly increase fan speed and power use. A quiet profile may reduce acoustics by accepting lower sustained performance. Compare modes in the same game and note whether frame rate remains stable after several minutes, not only during the first minute after launch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.6. Choose a profile based on your priority
| Mode or setting | Primary use | Performance and image-quality effect | Noise, temperature and battery trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer performance profile with AC power | Maximum sustained gaming performance | Prioritizes available CPU and GPU power; game settings still determine image quality | Can increase fan noise, heat and power consumption; unsuitable for maximizing battery life |
| Windows balanced mode | General use and quieter gaming | Balances responsiveness and efficiency; may not sustain the highest limits | Usually a middle ground for acoustics, temperature behavior and runtime |
| Windows battery-oriented mode | Mobility and longer unplugged use | Trades performance for reduced power use | Best suited to battery life rather than maximum gaming frame rate |
| DLSS in a supported game | Balancing frame rate and image quality | Can improve the performance/image-quality balance when correctly supported | Results vary by game, GPU generation and selected mode |
| Ray tracing enabled | Higher-fidelity lighting and reflections | Can improve visual effects while increasing rendering workload | May raise GPU load, heat and fan activity |
Evaluate every choice on three axes: frame rate and image quality, fan noise and temperature behavior, and battery life. A setting that wins on one axis can lose on another.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →7. Troubleshoot common performance problems
The frame rate is much lower than expected
- Confirm the supplied AC adapter is connected and recognized.
- Check the manufacturer utility for a performance profile.
- Verify that Windows or NVIDIA program settings assign the game to the RTX GPU.
- Install current official graphics drivers and follow the manufacturer’s BIOS guidance.
- Close unnecessary background applications.
- Check that vents are clear and the laptop is on a firm surface.
- Lower resolution or ray tracing temporarily to determine whether the limit is rendering workload.
Do not compare your result with a generic RTX-laptop frame-rate claim. Laptop models can use different power limits, processors, displays and cooling systems, and NVIDIA’s RTX laptop materials caution that performance varies by model.
The game appears to use integrated graphics
Open the game’s graphics assignment in Windows and the per-program settings in NVIDIA Control Panel. Confirm the executable, not merely the launcher, is selected. Restart the game after applying changes. If the laptop supports Advanced Optimus, inspect its automatic or discrete-GPU setting in the manufacturer utility or BIOS.
Performance starts well and then drops
Check whether the performance profile, AC connection and cooling path remain active. A blocked intake, soft surface or aggressive ambient-temperature condition can limit sustained operation. Compare a balanced profile with the performance profile and monitor whether the drop coincides with rising heat or fan speed.
The game stutters after a driver update
Restart Windows, allow the game to finish any shader compilation process and test a repeatable scene. If the issue began immediately after a driver change, consult the laptop and NVIDIA support instructions for that specific driver and game combination rather than installing an unrelated package.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The laptop is too loud
Noise is often the cost of a high-power performance profile. Try balanced mode, reduce ray tracing or cap the frame rate, and compare the result in the same scene. A quieter profile can be the better choice when the small frame-rate gain from maximum mode is not noticeable during play.
8. A practical first-day setup sequence
- Place the laptop on a firm surface with all cooling openings unobstructed.
- Connect the supplied AC adapter.
- Install pending official Windows, manufacturer and graphics-driver updates, then restart.
- Open the laptop maker’s utility and select its performance profile if supported.
- Check Windows power mode and choose the performance option for plugged-in gaming when available.
- Assign the game to the high-performance RTX GPU in Windows Graphics settings or NVIDIA’s per-program controls.
- Launch the game at native resolution with a moderate quality preset.
- Test ray tracing and DLSS individually when the game and GPU support them.
- Repeat the same scene after each change and note frame rate, smoothness, image quality, fan noise and heat.
9. Keep the setup reliable over time
- Use official driver and firmware channels when updating.
- Recheck the game’s GPU assignment after major Windows, driver or manufacturer-utility changes.
- Keep vents and exhausts free of dust and obstructions according to the laptop maker’s maintenance instructions.
- Use the exact compatible adapter if the original must be replaced.
- Revisit graphics settings after a game update; patches can change performance or add and remove DLSS options.
- Keep a note of the settings that delivered acceptable smoothness so troubleshooting has a known baseline.
A new RTX laptop is not a single fixed performance level. Its results are shaped by power delivery, hybrid-graphics behavior, driver support, game integration and cooling. The dependable method is to establish a plugged-in, well-cooled baseline, verify the dedicated GPU, then tune one variable at a time.
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.
