Follow these steps to optimise your device's performance when playing RuneScape or Old School.
Minimise the use of other programs
Your Central Processing Unit (CPU) can only run so many tasks at once, so close any unnecessary programs.
The more strain you put your CPU under the more heat it is going to produce, so always ensure you have adequate cooling to prevent any damage.
Update your drivers
Programs: Neither of our games has demanding specifications but it’s always a good idea to keep all other programs up to date.
Graphics drivers: Make sure your Graphics drivers are up to date for the best gameplay
Update your operating system
Software updates can add new features to your devices and remove outdated ones. These updates will usually improve the stability of your operating system and may help to improve compatibility with applications such as the RuneScape client.
Windows: Search 'Windows Update' and hit the 'install updates' button
Mac: Click on the 'Apple' Icon in the top left of the screen and click "Software Updates..."
Power management
Configure your power management settings to ensure your device's hardware is functioning properly while gaming.
Balanced Mode (Default): Automatically increases your CPU's speed when your computer needs it.
High-Performance Mode: CPU's speed isn't lowered when it isn't being used so will be running at higher speeds most of the time.
In Windows, turn on high-performance mode by going to:
- Press Windows + R
- Type 'powercfg.cpl' and press Enter
- Click 'Create a power plan' from the left hand side bar
- Select 'High performance', name your plan and click Next
- Set all the dropdowns in this menu to Never, then click 'Create'
If your mac allows you to configure performance, please follow these steps to turn on High Power Mode:
- Apple menu
- System preferences
- Battery
- Click Battery or Power Adapter in the sidebar
- Choose High Power Mode from the Energy Mode pop-up menu
Check for malware
Malware, or malicious software, can also eat up your computer's processing power.
The following are some popular antivirus options if you don't have protection and scanning tools installed already:
Laptop users
When a laptop runs purely on battery power, the graphic settings can often be reduced. Plug in your laptop to help improve your graphics.
When a laptop begins to overheat, the CPU will take steps to prevent it from overheating further. Signs of this include:
- Shutting down
- FPS drops
- Fan noise/speed increases
Prevent overheating by laying your laptop on a flat surface so air can easily flow to and from the device and there are no barriers blocking the airflow.
Other issue-specific resolutions
Performance drops in general, can be caused by a number of different issues, try our troubleshooting steps for: