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PS5 Settings for Smoother Performance & Better Image

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PS5 Settings for Smoother Performance & Better Image

To get smoother performance and better image quality on your PS5, the most impactful settings to change are enabling 120Hz output in the screen and video settings, turning on VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) if your TV supports it, and switching your game preset to Performance Mode. These three adjustments, combined with a few others detailed below, will give you the biggest visual and gameplay improvements on both standard and Pro models.

Why These Settings Matter

The PS5 is a powerful console, but its full potential depends on how it communicates with your TV. By default, the console may not take advantage of your display’s capabilities, such as high refresh rates or variable refresh rate support. Adjusting the settings ensures the console sends the best possible signal to your TV, and that games run at their intended frame rates and resolutions. Understanding the difference between resolution (image sharpness) and frame rate (smoothness) is key—most PS5 games offer a choice between a 4K resolution mode at 30 or 60 frames per second (fps), and a performance mode that lowers resolution to hit 60 or even 120 fps. For most players, the higher frame rate feels significantly smoother and more responsive, which is why performance mode is often recommended.

Step-by-Step: Essential Settings to Change

Here are the specific settings to adjust on your PS5, in the order you should do them. These steps apply to both the standard PS5 and the PS5 Pro.

  1. Enable 120Hz Output: Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Enable 120Hz Output. Set this to Automatic. This allows games that support 120 fps to run at that speed, provided your TV supports it.
  2. Turn on VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): In the same Video Output menu, find VRR and set it to Automatic. VRR matches the TV’s refresh rate to the game’s frame rate, eliminating screen tearing and reducing stutter. This is especially useful for games that run between 40-60 fps.
  3. Set Game Preset to Performance Mode: Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets > Performance or Resolution. Choose Performance Mode. This will automatically select the higher-frame-rate option in most games that offer a choice, saving you from having to change it in each game’s menu.
  4. Adjust Resolution for Your TV: In Screen and Video > Video Output > Resolution, set it to Automatic or the native resolution of your TV (e.g., 2160p for 4K TVs). If you have a 1080p TV, set it to 1080p. This ensures the console outputs the best resolution your display can handle.
  5. Turn Off HDR if Your TV Handles It Poorly: If your TV’s HDR (High Dynamic Range) looks washed out or dim, you can turn it off in Screen and Video > Video Output &em; HDR. Set it to Off or Always On depending on your preference. A well-calibrated HDR image can look fantastic, but a poor HDR implementation can make the image look worse than SDR.
  6. Consider the PS5 Pro’s Enhanced Features: If you have a PS5 Pro, you can also enable Game Boost for PS4 games and use the PS5 Pro Enhanced modes in supported games. These are usually found in the game’s own settings menu, not the console settings.

Understanding Performance vs. Resolution Modes

Most PS5 games offer two or three graphics modes. The most common are:

  • Resolution Mode (or Quality Mode): Targets 4K resolution at 30 fps, with enhanced visual effects like ray tracing. This mode prioritizes image sharpness and graphical fidelity over smoothness.
  • Performance Mode: Targets 60 fps (or higher) by lowering the resolution to 1440p or using dynamic resolution scaling. This mode prioritizes smoothness and responsiveness, which is often preferred for action games, shooters, and racing games.
  • Performance Pro Mode (PS5 Pro only): A mode that uses the Pro’s extra power to achieve higher frame rates (often 60-120 fps) at a higher resolution than the standard PS5’s performance mode, sometimes even with ray tracing.

For a genuinely smoother experience, Performance Mode is usually the best choice. The jump from 30 to 60 fps is very noticeable and makes the game feel more fluid and responsive. The drop in resolution is often subtle, especially on a 4K TV, due to upscaling techniques.

How to Check if Your TV Supports These Features

Before changing settings, you need to know what your TV can do. Here’s how to check:

  • Check the TV’s manual or specifications: Look for terms like “120Hz native,â€� “HDMI 2.1,â€� “VRR,â€� and “ALLMâ€� (Auto Low Latency Mode).
  • Use the PS5’s “Check HDMIâ€� feature: Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Check HDMI Connection. This will tell you if your TV supports 120Hz, VRR, and other features.
  • Enable ALLM on your TV: If your TV has an “Auto Low Latency Modeâ€� or “Game Modeâ€� setting, make sure it’s enabled. This reduces input lag, making the game feel more responsive.

If your TV doesn’t support VRR or 120Hz, don’t worry—you can still benefit from performance mode (60 fps) and other settings.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Even with the right settings, you might run into issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

  • Screen tearing: This happens when the TV’s refresh rate and the game’s frame rate are out of sync. Enabling VRR will fix this if your TV supports it. If not, try enabling the game’s “Lock to 60fpsâ€� option.
  • Blurry image: This can happen if the game is using dynamic resolution scaling and you’re playing in performance mode. Try switching to resolution mode if the blurriness is too distracting, or check if the game has a “sharpnessâ€� setting.
  • Game doesn’t run at 120fps: Make sure the game actually supports 120fps, and that you’ve enabled 120Hz output in the PS5 settings. Also, check if the game has a specific “120Hz modeâ€� that needs to be toggled in its own settings.
  • HDR looks bad: If HDR looks washed out, try adjusting the HDR calibration in the PS5 settings (Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Adjust HDR). If it still looks bad, turn HDR off entirely.

Advanced Settings for the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro has a few extra settings that can further improve image quality and performance. These are found in the same Screen and Video menu:

  • Enable 120Hz Output: Same as on the standard PS5, but the Pro can handle higher resolutions at 120fps in some games.
  • VRR: The Pro supports VRR, and it’s especially useful for games that run at variable frame rates.
  • PS5 Pro Enhanced Games: In the game’s settings, you may see options like “Quality,â€� “Performance,â€� and “Performance Pro.â€� Choose “Performance Proâ€� for the best balance of resolution and frame rate.
  • Game Boost: This is automatically enabled for PS4 games, but you can check its status in Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets > PS4 Games Boost.

Remember that the Pro’s benefits are only visible on a 4K TV that supports HDMI 2.1 features like VRR and 120Hz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Performance Mode look bad on a 4K TV?

No, not necessarily. Many games use dynamic resolution scaling, which means the resolution can drop slightly during intense scenes but returns to near-4K during calmer moments. The difference between 4K and 1440p is often hard to notice on a typical 4K TV from a normal viewing distance. The increased frame rate is usually worth the slight resolution drop.

Should I turn on VRR or 120Hz first?

Turn on both. They work together to provide the smoothest experience. VRR is most effective when the frame rate is between 40-60 fps, while 120Hz allows for higher frame rates. Enabling both ensures you get the best of both worlds.

Why is my PS5 not outputting 120Hz?

First, make sure your TV supports 120Hz and that you’re using an HDMI 2.1 cable (the one that came with the PS5). Then, check the PS5’s Video Output settings to ensure 120Hz is set to Automatic. Finally, the game you’re playing must support 120fps—not all games do.

Is it better to play with HDR on or off?

It depends on your TV. If your TV has good HDR performance (bright, wide color gamut), then leave it on for a more vibrant image. If HDR looks dim or washed out, turn it off. You can test by toggling HDR in the PS5 settings while in a game.

Will these settings affect my PS4 games?

Yes, some settings like VRR and 120Hz output can improve PS4 games that run at unlocked frame rates. The PS5’s Game Boost feature automatically provides better performance for many PS4 games, and VRR can help smooth out frame rate fluctuations.

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