How to Cap FPS with RivaTuner: Step-by-Step Guide

The easiest way to cap your FPS with RivaTuner is to open it, hit the “Add” button next to your game, set “Framerate limit” to your target number, and click “Apply.” That’s it. Your GPU will now hold your frames at that cap.

Why bother capping frames in the first place? A good FPS cap keeps your frame times steady, cuts down screen tearing, and stops your GPU from running hot for no reason. Many players also find that a stable cap feels smoother than raw max FPS ever did. We researched common settings and found that most people cap between their monitor’s refresh rate and a slightly higher number for the best feel.

Here’s the short version before we dive in:

• Open RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS).
• Click “Add” and pick your game’s executable file.
• Set the “Framerate limit” to your target FPS.
• Click “Apply” and launch your game to test it.
• Adjust the number up or down until it feels right.

Sound simple? It really is, but a few small settings can make a big difference. Below, we walk you through every step of capping FPS with RivaTuner, plus a few tips we found along the way to help you avoid the usual headaches.

Step-by-Step: Setting Your FPS Cap in RivaTuner

Once RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) is open, the whole process takes under a minute. You’ll pick your game, set a number, and hit apply. Here’s the full walk-through so nothing catches you off guard.

Adding Your Game to RTSS

Click the green “Add” button in the bottom-left corner. A window opens asking you to find your game’s .exe file. You can browse manually or drag the game’s shortcut into the window.

Can’t find the file? It usually lives in your game’s install folder inside Steam, Epic, or your main Programs directory. Right-click the game in your library, choose “Manage,” then “Browse local files,” and you’re there.

Choosing the Right Framerate Limit

This is the big question: what number should you type in? We found that most players get the best feel by capping at or just below their monitor’s refresh rate. If you have a 60Hz screen, try 60. On a 144Hz monitor, 141 is a popular pick because it leaves headroom for things like V-Sync and frame time smoothing.

• 60Hz monitor: cap at 58–60 FPS
• 144Hz monitor: cap at 141–144 FPS
• 165Hz monitor: cap at 160–162 FPS
• 240Hz monitor: cap at 236–240 FPS

Why slightly under the max? Many experts say capping just below your refresh rate keeps frame delivery more consistent, which feels smoother than a cap that constantly bumps against the ceiling.

Applying and Testing Your Cap

Type your number into the “Framerate limit” box, then click “Apply.” Launch your game and watch the FPS counter for a minute. If the cap holds steady, you’re done. If frames dip below the cap, your GPU may be the limit, not the cap itself.

Settings Worth Tweaking Beyond the Basic Cap

The framerate limit is just the start. RTSS has a few extra knobs that can make your experience noticeably smoother once you know what they do.

Frame Time Adjustment

Under the setup, you’ll see a slider often set around 0.5 ms. This controls how the cap spaces out frames. We found that a slightly higher value can reduce micro-stutter on some systems. If your game feels jittery even with the cap on, nudge this number up a little and test again.

Scanline Sync Explained

Scanline Sync (S-Sync) is RTSS’s secret weapon against screen tearing. Instead of capping frames at a fixed number, it syncs frames to your monitor’s scanline. Set it to /2 for a rock-solid tear-free image, though your FPS will sit at half your refresh rate.

Think of it like metronome for your graphics card. Regular caps say “don’t go faster than this.” S-Sync says “stay perfectly in rhythm.” The rhythm is what your eyes notice.

Custom Hooking for Stubborn Games

Some games ignore RTSS by default, especially those with anti-cheat systems or DirectX 12 titles. If your cap isn’t working, open the game’s profile in RTSS and try changing the hooking level. Start with “medium” and work your way up. Many guides recommend testing one level at a time so you know what actually fixed the issue.

Picking a Cap for Different Game Types

Not every game needs the same cap. Here’s a quick table we put together based on common community practices:

Game Type	Suggested Cap	Why
Competitive shooter	2–3x refresh rate	Lower input lag matters more than tearing
Single-player story game	At refresh rate	Smoothness and less GPU heat
Older/emulated game	30, 60, or native cap	Old engines can break at odd FPS values
Strategy or sim	40–60 FPS	Saves power during long sessions

Yes, some players cap competitive games far above their refresh rate on purpose. It can reduce input lag, though tearing becomes visible. If you go this route, a G-Sync or FreeSync display makes the trade-off much easier to live with.

Common RivaTuner Problems and Quick Fixes

When things go sideways, it’s usually one of a handful of causes. Here’s what we found solves the most frequent complaints.

The Cap Isn’t Working at All

First, check that RTSS is actually running in your system tray. Then confirm your game is added with the correct .exe, not a launcher. Some games launch through a separate client, and the cap needs to target the real game file.

Also check that the “Application detection level” is set to high in RTSS settings. Many players discover their issue was simply detection being too low.

Stuttering After Setting the Cap

Stutter usually means your FPS is dipping below the cap. Lower the cap by 5–10 frames so your system has breathing room. A cap you can’t hold consistently is worse than a slightly lower cap you can.

Overlay Not Showing In-Game

If you want to see the cap in action, pair RTSS with MSI Afterburner and enable the on-screen display. If the overlay is missing, the game may be blocking hooks. Run RTSS as administrator, or set the hooking level as described above.

Pre-Launch Checklist

Before you fire up your next session, run through this quick list:

• RTSS installed and running in the system tray
• Game’s actual .exe added, not the launcher
• Cap set at or just below your refresh rate
• Frame time adjustment left near default (0.5 ms)
• Hooking level tested if the game ignores the cap
• FPS counter on to confirm the cap holds

Does Capping FPS Lower Performance?

It can, but usually not in a way you’ll feel. Capping frames below your monitor’s refresh rate trades a few frames for smoother, steadier delivery and a cooler, quieter GPU. Many experts describe steady frame times as more important than raw peak FPS for perceived smoothness. Your eyes care about rhythm, not raw numbers, and that’s exactly what a good cap gives you.

Conclusion

RivaTuner makes FPS capping simple once you know the routine: add your game’s real .exe, set the limit near your refresh rate, and hit apply. From there, the small tweaks matter most. Keep your cap realistic, nudge the frame time slider if things feel jittery, and try Scanline Sync if tearing bugs you. We found that a cap you can hold consistently beats a higher number you can’t, every time. Now go set your cap, launch your favorite game, and watch that frame counter stay rock steady. Your eyes (and your GPU) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RivaTuner safe to use with anti-cheat games?

Yes, RTSS is widely used and generally trusted by anti-cheat systems. That said, some games with strict anti-cheat software may flag overlays or hooking tools. If you’re worried, check the game’s official forums or support pages before enabling hooks.

Do I need MSI Afterburner installed for RivaTuner to work?

No, RTSS can cap your FPS on its own. Afterburner just pairs with it to give you the on-screen display and hardware monitoring. If you only want a frame cap, RTSS alone does the job.

Does RivaTuner add input lag?

A small amount, but most players won’t notice it. The trade-off is steadier frame delivery and less tearing. If you play competitive titles and want the lowest possible lag, cap well above your refresh rate instead of at it.

Why does my FPS drop below the cap I set?

That usually means your hardware can’t sustain the cap, so the GPU becomes the bottleneck. Lower the cap by 5–10 frames until your system holds it steadily. A stable lower cap always feels better than a shaky higher one.

Can I use RivaTuner with Nvidia or AMD GPUs?

Yes, RTSS works with both Nvidia and AMD cards since it hooks into the game itself rather than the driver. You can also use it alongside Nvidia’s control panel or AMD’s Adrenalin software without conflict.