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For better gaming performance on an MSI Katana or Crosshair, start with the basics: connect the laptop to its correct original power adapter, set Windows to Best performance, and choose MSI Center’s Extreme Performance scenario if your model offers it. Then check that the game is using the discrete GPU, that the vents are clear, and that the game’s settings suit your hardware. Features such as GPU switching and fan controls vary across models, so confirm your full model name before following model-specific steps.
Start with power and performance modes
- Connect the original power adapter. MSI says a laptop achieves its best performance in AC mode. Check your full model number and use the adapter specified for that laptop; an arbitrary charger may not be compatible. MSI’s advice is a baseline, not a promise of a particular FPS increase. MSI low-FPS guidance
- Set Windows power mode. Open Settings > System > Power & battery and select Best performance under Power mode. Windows labels can vary by version and device.
- Choose MSI Center’s performance scenario. Open Features > User Scenario and select Extreme Performance if it is available. MSI describes this scenario for demanding games, but MSI Center features and labels vary by model and software version. MSI Center overview
To tell whether a change helps, compare the same game scene at the same resolution and graphics settings. FPS depends on the game, configuration, and workload; MSI does not publish a universal gain for these steps.
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Make sure the game uses the discrete GPU
A laptop with integrated and discrete graphics may run a game on the integrated GPU unless the game or system selects otherwise. In Windows, open Settings > System > Display > Graphics, select or add the game, choose Options, then select High performance and save. Windows uses this option to prefer the discrete GPU for that app.
Some Katana and Crosshair models also have an MSI Center GPU mode or MUX switch; others do not. On supported systems, MSI says GPU mode changes require a restart. Its guidance describes MSHybrid as balancing performance and battery life by switching graphics according to workload, while Discrete mode uses the NVIDIA GPU exclusively for the highest and most consistent performance in GPU-intensive tasks. These modes are not available on every configuration. MSI GPU mode instructions · MSI graphics-driver installation guide
#1 Best Overall
- 9 Super Cooling Fans: The 9-core laptop cooling pad can efficiently cool your laptop down, this laptop cooler has the air vent in the top and bottom of the case, you can set different modes for the cooling fans.
- Ergonomic comfort: The gaming laptop cooling pad provides 8 heights adjustment to choose.You can adjust the suitable angle by your needs to relieve the fatigue of the back and neck effectively.
- LCD Display: The LCD of cooler pad readout shows your current fan speed.simple and intuitive.you can easily control the RGB lights and fan speed by touching the buttons.
- 10 RGB Light Modes: The RGB lights of the cooling laptop pad are pretty and it has many lighting options which can get you cool game atmosphere.you can press the botton 2-3 seconds to turn on/off the light.
- Whisper Quiet: The 9 fans of the laptop cooling stand are all added with capacitor components to reduce working noise. the gaming laptop cooler is almost quiet enough not to notice even on max setting.
Check temperatures, airflow, and fan options
Place the laptop on a firm surface that does not obstruct its vents, and check that the ventilation openings are clear. Dust and hair can collect around fans and vents. MSI explains that high CPU or GPU temperatures can cause the system to reduce power and operating frequencies to maintain stability; that can lower FPS, especially during longer gaming sessions. MSI overheating troubleshooting
If your model exposes fan controls, check MSI Center > Features > User Scenario. Depending on the laptop and software, options may include Cooler Boost or fan-speed controls. MSI’s overheating steps include Extreme Performance and Cooler Boost, but custom fan curves and these controls are not universal. Faster fan operation also means more fan noise. MSI fan-speed instructions
Rank #2
- New Upgraded Version-Cooling Gets Quiet and Quicker: Equipped with 5.5-inch large diameter turbo booster fan, combined sealed foam, ensures perfect cooling effect, 360 degrees all-round dynamic cooling, your laptop can reduce temperature by 44°C in 90 seconds (CPU+GPU), even during 4K rendering or AAA gaming, operating noise ≤70dB
- 3-Port USB Hub and Precise Control: The V12 laptop cooler features three USB 2.0 ports, turning your cooling pad into a central workstation hub. This solves the problem of limited ports on modern laptops, allowing you to connect a high-speed mouse, keyboard, and hard drive simultaneously. Meanwhile, the scroll wheel allows for easy, instantaneous, and precise airflow adjustment. ⚠️ For peripherals only – NOT for charging devices
- Integrated Dust Filtration Extends Laptop Lifespan: This cooler fan features a high-density, removable dust filter that effectively protects the internal fans of laptops. It captures hair and debris, preventing them from entering the vents, thus solving the common "pressure cooker" dust buildup problem, significantly extending the lifespan of your expensive gaming PC and reducing costly professional cleaning
- Soothing Controllable RGB: RGB light bar on the laptop cooling pad for PC, with 10 modes and 4 light colors collection, matches your PC gears accessories for amazing synergy even in dim room. Intuitive Touch-Mute Button adjusts RGB lighting with a single finger, minimizing distractions. Configured memory function, the laptop cooler RGB eliminates repeated selections and brings itself alive when power on
- User-Friendly Design: Featuring a reinforced chassis design, it's suitable for heavy-duty laptops from 15.6 to 19 inches. Three adjustable tilt angles (3°/12°/15°) allow you to customize your viewing height (scenario), directly alleviating neck and shoulder fatigue during long gaming or work sessions (pain point solved), ensuring maximum comfort and better posture
Update drivers and system software carefully
For low FPS, lag, graphics artifacts, or a missing display, check Windows, BIOS, and graphics drivers using the support page for your exact model. Do not assume a BIOS file or driver package for a different Katana or Crosshair is compatible.
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For a system with both integrated and NVIDIA graphics, MSI’s installation guidance recommends installing or clean-updating the integrated graphics driver first, restarting, then installing the discrete NVIDIA driver. MSI also notes that NVIDIA may not be detected while a laptop is in Integrated Graphics mode; on a model with that setting, switch to MSHybrid before installing the NVIDIA driver. Follow the instructions for your model and graphics configuration. MSI graphics-driver installation guide
Rank #3
- Dual USB Hub: With a built-in dual USB hub, the laptop fan enables you to connect additional USB devices to your laptop, providing extra connectivity options for your peripherals. Warm tips: The packaged cable is a USB-to-USB connection. Type C connection devices require a Type C to USB adapter. Please plug the cooling pad's USB cable into a 5V 1A adapter for best performance; otherwise, the fans may fail to spin or run at very low speed.
- Whisper-Quiet Operation: Enjoy a noise-free and interference-free environment with super quiet fans, allowing you to focus on your work or entertainment without distractions.
- Enhanced Cooling Performance: The laptop cooling pad features 5 built-in fans (big fan: 4.72-inch, small fans: 2.76-inch), all with blue LEDs. 2 On/Off switches enable simultaneous control of all 5 fans and LEDs. Simply press the switch to select 1 fan working, 4 fans working, or all 5 working together.
- Ergonomic Design: The laptop cooling stand also serves as an ergonomic stand, offering 6 adjustable height settings that enable you to customize the angle for optimal comfort during gaming, movie watching, or working for extended periods. Ideal gift for both the back-to-school season and Father's Day.
- Secure and Universal Compatibility: Designed with 2 stoppers on the front surface, this laptop cooler prevents laptops from slipping and keeps 12-17 inch laptops—including Apple Macbook Pro Air, HP, Alienware, Dell, ASUS, and more—cool and secure during use.
Adjust settings when FPS remains low
Lower the settings that place the greatest load on your GPU. Try reducing resolution first, then adjust demanding effects such as shadows, global illumination, reflections, and ray tracing. The best balance depends on the game and the graphics hardware; there is no universal MSI setting that guarantees a specific frame rate.
Game storage is a separate consideration. MSI says games generally load faster from an SSD than from an HDD, and an SSD can increase FPS in some demanding AAA games that load high-quality graphics. That possibility is game-dependent, not a guaranteed FPS upgrade. MSI low-FPS guidance
Rank #4
- SMART COOLING — From idle to full load, keep the laptop running smoothly with our first laptop cooling pad that changes fan speeds automatically to manage system temperatures based on the settings
- AIRTIGHT PRESSURE CHAMBER — Included foam seals ensure no cool air leakage and works in tandem with a long lifespan 140 mm brushless fan that spins up to 3000 RPM to significantly reduce CPU, GPU, and surface temperatures
- WORKS WITH MOST LAPTOPS — Whether you've got an ultra-portable 14″ laptop or an 18″ powerhouse, choose between three magnetic frames that maximize cool air pressure and circulation
- PRESET & CUSTOM FAN CURVES — Keep the system cool in any scenario with our recommended presets or calibrate the fan to adjust for noise level or desired internal temperature via Razer Synapse
- 3-PORT USB TYPE A HUB — From webcams to controllers to drawing tablets, plug in more devices to the laptop without solely relying on its native USB ports
Distinguish low FPS from online lag
Low FPS means the game is rendering fewer frames or stuttering. High latency or ping spikes mean network communication is delayed. If the frame rate is steady but other players or actions seem delayed, investigate the network connection rather than changing graphics settings. MSI identifies network conditions as a possible source of high latency. MSI FPS-drop, lag, and stuttering guidance
If FPS or stuttering remains a problem, MSI also recommends checking that the game is installed and updated properly and removing nonessential external devices while investigating possible conflicts. MSI low-FPS guidance
Best Value
- Ultra-Portable: Slim, portable, and light weight allowing you to protect your investment wherever you go
- Ergonomic Comfort: Doubles as an ergonomic stand with two adjustable height settings
- Optimized for Laptop Carrying: The metal mesh provides your laptop with a stable laptop carrying surface
- Ultra-Quiet Fans: Three ultra-quiet fans create a noise-free environment for you
- Extra Usb Ports: Extra USB port and power switch design allows for connecting more USB devices. Warm Tips: The packaged cable is USB to USB connection. Type C connection devices need to prepare an Type C to USB adapter
When the problem persists
Use MSI’s support page for the laptop’s complete model name to find its documentation, BIOS, and drivers, or contact MSI support if the low-FPS troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue. Avoid BIOS changes, overclocking, or installing drivers intended for another model. MSI notes that overclocking options are available only for certain CPU and GPU combinations, so it is not a universal first step. MSI Center overview
Quick Recap
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