If you feel that the image is not smooth while playing computer games, even though your FPS (Frame Per Second) value is high, this may be due to many different reasons. In this article, we will explain all possible causes and solutions to the High FPS but not smooth problem in detail from A to Z.

Main Reasons for High FPS But Not Smooth Problem

V-Sync (Vertical Sync) Settings V-Sync synchronizes the output of the graphics card with the refresh rate of the monitor. When turned off or incorrectly configured, situations such as "screen tearing" occur, which disrupt the smoothness of the image.
Input Lag Even if the FPS is high, the game feels sluggish if the input lag is high. This may be due to monitor latency, keyboard/mouse latency, or incorrect software priority settings.
Frame Time Imbalances Even if the FPS is stable, if the time between frames (frame time) is unstable, there will be a loss of smoothness. For example, if you are getting 144 FPS, the frame time durations should be stable around 6.9ms.
Monitor Refresh Rate Incompatibility If the FPS value in the game you are playing is not compatible with the refresh rate supported by the monitor (for example, if you are sending 100 FPS to a 144Hz monitor), you may experience smoothness problems.
Background Programs Some antivirus software, Windows services, or screen recorders (OBS, Nvidia ShadowPlay, etc.) can cause frame drops or input lag in the background.
G-Sync / FreeSync Incompatibilities If G-Sync or FreeSync is active and an incompatible monitor or cable is used, stuttering may occur despite high FPS.
Heat Issues and Throttling If the graphics card or processor overheats, "micro stuttering" may occur without FPS dropping.

How to Solve High FPS But Not Smooth Problem?

Check V-Sync and G-Sync / FreeSync Settings

If you are using a monitor with G-Sync or FreeSync support, activate these features from the graphics card driver panel.
If you are only going to use V-Sync, turn on V-Sync from the in-game settings.

Use Frame Limiter

If you are using a 144Hz monitor, limit your FPS to slightly below the monitor refresh rate, such as 141-142.
If you are using Nvidia, you can use the "Nvidia Control Panel > Manage 3D Settings > Max Frame Rate" option.

Reduce Latency

Activate these features in games that support technologies such as Nvidia Reflex or AMD Anti-Lag.
Set Windows power settings to "High Performance" mode with priority settings.

Adjust Monitor Settings

From the monitor's menu, set the "Overdrive" setting to "Normal" or "Fast", the "Extreme" mode sometimes creates ghosting.
Use a DisplayPort cable. HDMI cables may not always fully support G-Sync/FreeSync.

Optimize for Frame Time Stability

Reduce the in-game graphics settings to a level close to the limit of your graphics card.
Turn off effects such as Motion Blur.

Close Background Programs

Close applications that may create extra load, such as browser, Discord screen sharing, while playing games.

Make Sure Your Drivers Are Up To Date

Update the graphics card driver from the official Nvidia/AMD website.
Also check the motherboard BIOS and chipset drivers.

Prevent Thermal Problems

Monitor graphics card and processor temperatures with a program like MSI Afterburner.
If necessary, increase air circulation by installing additional fans in your case.

Extra Suggestions:

Activate the "Game Mode" Windows setting.
Make sure there are no major operations such as Windows Update in the background.
If necessary, start the system with only basic services by doing a "Windows Clean Boot".

Conclusion If you are experiencing smoothness problems even though your FPS value is high, the problem is not just in the FPS figure, but in the synchronization and frame time stability underlying the infrastructure. If you apply the above steps one by one, you can make your gaming experience much smoother and more enjoyable.