As seasoned PC gamers and hardware experts with years of experience optimizing rigs for competitive play, we've tested these features extensively. This guide walks you through enabling anti-lag technologies on AMD and NVIDIA GPUs to slash input lag. We'll also cover alternatives if your hardware isn't compatible.
Contents
What is Anti-Lag?
How to Enable AMD Anti-Lag
Enable NVIDIA Low Latency Mode
What About NVIDIA Reflex?
Other Ways to Reduce Input Lag
AMD launched Anti-Lag in 2019, prompting NVIDIA to introduce its Ultra Low Latency Mode (often called NULL). Both giants have refined these driver-level tools in recent updates, with NVIDIA taking it further via Reflex in late 2020.
These features work outside the game engine to optimize frame queuing and pacing—better than most games manage without an FPS cap. By keeping GPU utilization just under max, they minimize input lag automatically for noticeably smoother response times.
Start by downloading and installing the latest AMD drivers here if needed. Use AMD Radeon Software to activate Anti-Lag per game.
Quick-launch Radeon Software with Alt + R, then click the gear icon in the top right.
Download the latest NVIDIA drivers here if you don't have GeForce Experience and NVIDIA Control Panel. Open NVIDIA Control Panel by searching for it via the Windows key.
Navigate to "Manage 3D Settings."
Choose Global Settings for all games or Program Settings for specifics—we'll use Global here.
Find "Low Latency Mode," set to "On" or "Ultra" (Ultra is our top pick for lowest lag, but test if issues arise). Hit "Apply" and you're set.
Reflex offers the ultimate input lag reduction, but it requires an NVIDIA GPU and game developer support—check the compatible titles list. Older games won't have it.
In supported games, enable Reflex in the in-game settings. "Reflex + Boost" ramps up GPU power (and noise) for minor FPS gains, but standard Reflex suffices for most users.
Higher FPS generally lowers lag, but without anti-lag tools, it can fluctuate. Cap FPS in-game or with RivaTuner Statistics Server for consistency.
Hardware upgrades like G-Sync or FreeSync monitors eliminate tearing and lag. No compatible display? Use RivaTuner's Scanline Sync as a software workaround.
Share your tips or questions in the comments—we're here to help refine your setup!
