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How to Verify a Steam Game’s New Engine Improves Performance

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

How to Verify a Steam Game's New Engine Improves Performance

This guide shows you how to test whether a Steam game’s engine update actually improves performance on your PC. You’ll measure FPS, frame times, and stability before and after the update, then compare the results to make an informed decision. You’ll need the game installed, a benchmarking tool, and a stable internet connection for the update.

What You’ll Need

  • The Steam game you want to test (installed and updated to the new engine)
  • A benchmarking tool: MSI Afterburner (with RivaTuner Statistics Server) or CapFrameX (free, standalone)
  • A stopwatch or timer (for manual runs)
  • A notepad or spreadsheet to record results
  • Optional: a second display or in-game overlay to monitor FPS without alt-tabbing

Step-by-Step

  1. Record your current hardware and settings. Note your GPU, CPU, RAM, and the game’s graphics settings (resolution, quality presets, V-Sync, etc.). Keep these identical for both tests.
  2. Create a consistent benchmark scene. Choose a specific part of the game that is demanding and repeatable—a busy city area, a boss fight, or a scripted sequence. Avoid scenes with random NPCs or dynamic weather that can change between runs.
  3. Install and configure a benchmarking tool. If using MSI Afterburner, install it with RivaTuner Statistics Server. Enable the on-screen display (OSD) to show FPS, frame time, and GPU/CPU usage. If using CapFrameX, run it in the background; it will automatically capture data when you start a benchmark.
  4. Run the old engine benchmark (if possible). If Steam allows you to opt out of the new engine (e.g., via a beta branch or a previous version), do that first. Otherwise, skip to step 5 and rely on recorded data from before the update if you have it. Launch the game, load your save or benchmark scene, and play for a fixed duration (e.g., 5 minutes). Record average FPS, 1% lows, and frame time spikes.
  5. Update the game to the new engine. In Steam, go to your Library, right-click the game, select Properties → Updates, and ensure the game is set to auto-update. If a beta branch is needed, select it from the Betas tab. Download and install the update.
  6. Re-run the same benchmark scene. Launch the game with the new engine, load the same save or scene, and play for the same duration. Use the same graphics settings and resolution. Record the same metrics: average FPS, 1% lows, frame time, and any stutters.
  7. Compare results. Put your numbers side-by-side. Calculate the percentage change in average FPS (new FPS / old FPS * 100 – 100). Also compare 1% lows—these indicate smoothness; a new engine might boost average FPS but cause more stutter.
  8. Test stability. Run the benchmark 3 times on each engine version to check for variance. If the new engine causes crashes, freezes, or graphical artifacts, that’s a performance regression regardless of FPS.
  9. Check for other improvements. Beyond raw FPS, note load times (from launch to main menu), texture pop-in, and input latency (if the game has a built-in latency test). These are also part of perceived performance.

Common Mistakes

  • Changing settings between runs. Even a single setting like anti-aliasing can skew results. Always use the exact same configuration.
  • Testing different scenes. If you walk to a different area, the workload changes. Stick to the same path or scripted sequence.
  • Ignoring background processes. Close unnecessary apps (browsers, streaming software) before benchmarking. A background download can tank FPS.
  • Only looking at average FPS. Average FPS can hide stuttering. Always check 1% lows and frame time spikes.
  • Not letting the game warm up. Some games load shaders or assets on the first run. Play for a few minutes before starting your timed benchmark.

Tips

  • Use CapFrameX for automated analysis. It can calculate average FPS, 1% lows, and frame time variance automatically, and even generate comparison charts.
  • Record a video of your benchmark. This helps you spot micro-stutters that numbers might miss.
  • Test with V-Sync off. V-Sync caps frame rates and can mask performance differences. Disable it for the test, then re-enable it for actual play.
  • Check the game’s built-in benchmark. Many modern games include a benchmark tool that runs a fixed scene—use it for consistency.
  • Run the test at different resolutions. If the new engine is GPU-heavy, a 4K test might show a bigger change than 1080p.

Troubleshooting

  • The game won’t launch after the update. Verify the game files: right-click in Steam → Properties → Local Files → Verify Integrity of Game Files. If that fails, update your GPU drivers and reinstall the game.
  • Benchmark results vary wildly between runs. This is often due to background processes or thermal throttling. Close all other apps, ensure your PC is well-ventilated, and run the benchmark 3 times to get an average.
  • FPS is lower than expected even on the old engine. Check your power settings (Windows → Settings → System → Power & Sleep → Additional power settings → High Performance). Also, make sure your GPU drivers are up to date.
  • Frame time spikes are high but FPS is fine. This could be a shader compilation issue. Play for a few minutes to let shaders cache, or look for a “shader pre-compilationâ€� option in the game’s settings.
  • CapFrameX doesn’t detect the game. Run CapFrameX as administrator, and make sure the game is in windowed or borderless mode—fullscreen exclusive may block overlay capture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to benchmark before the update?

Yes, if you want a direct comparison. Without a pre-update baseline, you can only compare against online reviews or your memory, which isn’t reliable.

Can I use the game’s built-in FPS counter instead of a separate tool?

Yes, but it only shows current FPS, not averages or 1% lows. For a thorough test, use a tool like MSI Afterburner or CapFrameX.

How long should each benchmark run be?

At least 3–5 minutes. This gives enough data to smooth out transient spikes and ensures the game has loaded all assets.

What if the new engine makes performance worse?

You can often revert to the previous engine via Steam’s “Betasâ€� tab if the developer offers an “old versionâ€� branch. If not, you can try lowering settings or wait for a patch.

Does the engine update affect load times?

Yes, but load times are separate from FPS. Measure them separately by timing from launch to main menu, and from save load to gameplay.

Is a 10% FPS increase worth updating?

It depends. If the new engine also brings better stability or new features, it might be worth it. If you see stuttering or crashes, even a 20% FPS boost may not be worth it.

Related

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.