I'm using a Windows 11 laptop with an Intel Core i7-12800H. When the system is set to Balanced power mode, some games—especially World of Warcraft—are limited to 30 FPS, even though both the CPU and GPU stay below about 30% usage. The Nvidia App settings don't override the limit, and the laptop is plugged in.
Switching to High performance immediately removes the cap and lets the in-game settings control the frame rate. Is there a way to keep Balanced mode while disabling whatever is enforcing the 30 FPS limit?
1 Answer
The 30 FPS limit is probably being applied by the laptop manufacturer’s performance-control software rather than Windows Balanced mode or the Nvidia App. Check the laptop’s control utility for a Quiet, Eco, Battery Saver, or frame-rate limiter setting, and also look for a GPU mode such as Hybrid or Optimus. Make sure the game is using the dedicated Nvidia GPU and that any WhisperMode, Battery Boost, or similar Nvidia feature is disabled. If the manufacturer utility links Balanced mode to a 30 FPS policy, you may not be able to remove the cap without switching that profile or creating a custom one.
That makes sense. I’ll check the laptop utility and the Nvidia power-saving features, since the cap appears only in certain games and disappears immediately in High performance mode.