Low-Spec PC’s CAN Play FORTNITE

Fortnite can still run on shockingly old hardware, and I wanted to see exactly how far a true low‑spec GPU like the 2012 Nvidia GT 610 can be pushed. This breakdown compares every major graphics setting so you can tune Fortnite for the highest possible FPS on an entry‑level PC:

We’re going to examine and benchmark each of the graphic settings in Fortnite using an older entry level GPU. The GPU we selected as a good low spec example is the Nvidia GeForce GT 610. This entry level card was first introduced in early 2012, has 48 CUDA cores, and one gigabyte of memory. I’ll put more details up on the screen. Everyone’s setup is different, but this should give you a good example you can use when comparing it to your own entry level configuration. So let’s get straight into it.

First up is Window Mode. Looking through the options, we have Fullscreen, Windowed Fullscreen, and Windowed modes. Examining the frame rates for each mode shows that, at least for this setup, there is very little difference performance wise between Fullscreen and Windowed Fullscreen. Windowed Fullscreen does need to be run at the same resolution as the monitor, however. For most users, I’d recommend sticking with Fullscreen mode. If you’re running more than one screen or need to switch back and forth between other programs while running Fortnite and your machine can handle it, then I’d recommend using Windowed Fullscreen mode.

Next up is Resolution. Resolution is the primary graphic setting and, along with Window Mode, should usually be selected first before the other graphic settings. Resolution represents the overall number of pixels displayed on your screen and has the greatest effect on both picture quality and frame rate. Using the 1280×720 resolution as our base frame rate, we also examined the 900p and 1080p resolutions. Comparing each setting side by side, we can see how picture quality increases with resolution while frame rate decreases significantly. Since we want the highest FPS possible and since the GT 610 is such an old card, we’re going to select the 720p resolution. If you have newer or more powerful hardware, you may want to set your resolution higher.

Next up is VSync. VSync stands for Vertical Sync. This setting synchronizes the game frame rate with your monitor’s refresh rate. We can see in the example the difference in frame rate between VSync Off and VSync On. The refresh rate of the monitor in the test machine is 60 Hz, so the frame rate became locked at 60. This setting can be useful with some hardware, especially older monitors where screen tearing occurs. For our test system, we’re going to keep this Off.

Next up is Frame Rate Limit. Similar to VSync, Frame Rate Limit sets the game to a maximum frame rate. For instance, setting the limit to 120 FPS will cap the game at 120 frames per second. This can be useful if your frame rate fluctuates wildly, giving your gameplay a smoother, more consistent feel. Also, if you have problems with textures loading too slowly, especially when using older mechanical hard drives, setting a lower frame rate limit can help. For our test system, we’re keeping this on Unlimited.

Next up is Rendering Mode. Rendering Mode selects which programming interface is used to render the game. Looking at the selections of DirectX 11, Performance, and DirectX 12, we can see that DirectX 12 is not available at all. That’s because the GT 610 only supports a DirectX 11 feature set. Between DirectX 11 and Performance, we’re going to stick with Performance mode. Performance mode disables many advanced rendering features, allowing far greater frame rates with older hardware. If you’re using significantly more powerful hardware, you may want to look into DirectX 11 or DirectX 12.

Next up is 3D Resolution. 3D Resolution is a resolution scaling technique that can significantly increase frame rates. At percentages lower than 100, the game is rendered at a lower resolution and then resized back up. Looking at examples for 175, 50, and 37 percent, we can see a massive increase in frame rate as scaling increases. This setting can make even the most low end computers capable of running at a decent frame rate. For our test machine, we’re leaving this at 100 for now, but in a large game with lots of action, we might eventually bump this down to 75 or 80 percent.

Next up is View Distance. View Distance affects how far away you can see certain objects, including player builds, vehicles, chests, and loot. A higher view distance helps prevent objects from popping in too close. One thing View Distance does not affect is how far away other players appear. Players always appear from a preset distance for everyone. Looking at the examples, we can see how the number of structures visible in the distance increases as the setting increases. With only a 5.8 percent hit to performance at the highest level, we’re choosing the Epic setting for our test machine.

Next up is Textures. The Texture setting affects the quality and sharpness of objects and surfaces. A higher texture setting gives objects a more detailed appearance. Looking at each setting side by side, we can see quality differences, especially focusing on the awning and brick wall between Low and Medium, and the patch of dirt between High and Epic. With only a 2.2 percent hit to frame rate at Medium and the most noticeable quality improvement, we’re going with Medium for our test machine.

As far as High Resolution Textures are concerned, if you’re interested in using them, you may need to download them first. To do this, open the Epic Games Launcher and select the Options section for Fortnite. The texture pack currently comes in at 8.7 gigabytes, so if you’re low on storage space, you may want to skip this.

Next up is Meshes. Meshes make up the internal frame or skeleton of objects. A higher quality mesh gives objects a more detailed shape. After comparing Low and High mesh settings in multiple situations, at least for this machine, there doesn’t appear to be any noticeable difference. However, in all tests we performed, the High mesh setting achieved a higher frame rate consistently with no noticeable difference in input lag. So for this machine, we’re going with High. Depending on your setup, your mileage may vary.

So there you have it, Fortnite graphic settings compared using a low spec entry level GPU. Just a word of warning: while these frame rates show the difference between settings, frame rates in the middle of combat will tend to be lower. In the heat of battle with people running around, shooting, and building everywhere, your frame rate on a low end machine could easily drop to 50 percent of what it was while standing still. All that being said, good luck and thanks for watching.

Feel free to add your computer specs along with your Fortnite frame rates to the video comments!