How to Stop Your Computer Games from Lagging

Nobody enjoys lag in a computer game. It can ruin your score, get you lost, or even get you killed. It may actually frustrate you enough to make you want to throw your computer out the nearest window. Before taking such a harsh step, there are a few simple steps you can try to see if you can get your computer to quit lagging and let you start fragging.

First of all, try checking with the maker of your computer's graphic card to see if there are any recent downloads available. Games are frequently employing new graphics processes all the time, and an older graphics card might not have come installed with the necessary requirements to support the process your game(s) is using. Most graphic card makers update their cards from time to time to allow their customers to get a little bit of longevity out of their purchases.

If your graphics card is as up to date as possible and you're still experiencing lag, make sure your internet connection is optimized(for online games). If your internet is running slow, you might consider contacting your internet provider to upgrade your speed. If you are playing wirelessly, make sure are using a wireless-N router(or faster). Older protocols may not be quick enough for the latest games. Also, internet optimizers are available from sites like download.com. These can, in some cases, improve internet performance.

If you are still having trouble, I would recommend a free program called Game Booster. This program, which is available at download.com and a host of other sites, shuts off programs that are running on your computer that are unnecessary to gaming. There is a simple interface that allows you to switch between gaming mode and normal mode with a click. Returning to normal mode reactivates all the programs that were shut off in game mode. This program is very simple and effective, and should clear up game lag in a lot of cases.

If you are still having problems after implementing all the above-mentioned solutions, you might be looking at spending some money. If your computer has space for more RAM, by all means add more. If your graphics card is old and updates have not solved the problem, you might want to consider getting a new one. You can find decent graphic cards for any budget. If your motherboard is compatible with a better processor, that is also an option. Doing all these things will certainly speed up your computer and may eliminate the lag that is troubling you. It will cost some, but not as much as buying an entirely new computer.

If your computer is lagging during gameplay, give one or more of the above solutions a try. If you continue to have trouble, it may be time to start saving for a new computer.