Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsYes—RTSS can cause crashes in some games when NVIDIA Smooth Motion is enabled. The usual reason is a presentation-hook conflict: Smooth Motion inserts generated frames at the driver level, while RTSS hooks the same frame-presentation path for its on-screen display (OSD) and limiter. This is title-, API-, version- and setting-dependent, not proof that the two technologies are universally incompatible.
The fastest safe diagnosis is to test Smooth Motion alone, RTSS alone and both together. That identifies whether the OSD, limiter or another overlay is actually triggering the failure.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is being combined?
NVIDIA Smooth Motion
Smooth Motion is NVIDIA’s driver-based frame-generation feature. It uses an AI model to generate an intermediate frame between rendered frames and supports compatible DirectX 11, DirectX 12 and Vulkan games. NVIDIA introduced it for RTX 50-series cards and later expanded it to RTX 40-series GPUs through the NVIDIA App and driver updates. In Windows, configure it under Graphics → Program settings → Driver Settings → Smooth Motion; labels can vary slightly between NVIDIA App releases. See NVIDIA’s support instructions and the RTX 40-series announcement.
RTSS and MSI Afterburner
RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) is commonly used for an FPS limiter, frame-time graph and OSD. MSI Afterburner often installs or configures RTSS, but the two are separate processes. The public distribution page currently lists RTSS 7.3.7 (dated September 30, 2025) as freeware; verify the current version before installing. Download from the recognized Guru3D RTSS page, which warns about spoofed download sites.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Why the interaction can fail
Both systems affect how a game presents frames. RTSS may inject code for its OSD or limiter while Smooth Motion uses NVIDIA’s presentation layer. RTSS compatibility notes mention NVIDIA’s nvpresent64.dll hook and changes intended to handle Smooth Motion, including alternate Direct3D 12 command-queue detection and Microsoft Detours API hooking. Those changes strongly suggest a hook interaction, but they do not mean every crash is caused by RTSS. See the published RTSS compatibility notes.
Confirm the cause in five minutes
- Reproduce the crash with both enabled. Note whether it happens at startup, when a save loads, when the OSD appears or after an overlay hotkey.
- Close RTSS completely. Exit it from the system tray and confirm
RTSS.exeis absent in Task Manager. Leave Smooth Motion enabled and test the game. - Reverse the test. Reopen RTSS, disable Smooth Motion for the game and test again.
Interpret the result as follows:
| Test result | Most likely conclusion | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Crash disappears when RTSS is closed | RTSS injection, OSD, limiter or a plugin is involved | Update RTSS, then test OSD and limiter independently |
| Smooth Motion works with RTSS closed but fails when the OSD appears | Overlay injection is the trigger | Keep the OSD disabled for this game |
| Game works with RTSS but not Smooth Motion | Game, driver or Smooth Motion compatibility issue | Disable Smooth Motion for the title and test drivers |
| Both disabled still crash | Probably unrelated to RTSS | Investigate files, mods, anti-cheat, shaders, hardware and drivers |
Reports illustrate the range of outcomes: a 2026 startup case was resolved by closing MSI Afterburner and RTSS, while a Grounded 2 discussion reported stability after removing only the RTSS overlay.
Apply fixes in the safest order
1. Update every component
- Install the latest NVIDIA App and Game Ready driver from NVIDIA’s App page and driver download page.
- Update RTSS from the recognized distribution page.
- Update MSI Afterburner if it is used to launch or configure RTSS; its vendor page is here.
RTSS updates specifically address Smooth Motion detection and overlay flicker. A newer driver may contain a fix, but NVIDIA’s driver history also shows that Smooth Motion-related launch and overlay crashes have been tracked by title, so the newest driver is not a universal guarantee. Check this driver history and the launch-crash fixes page.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
2. Test RTSS without injection
- Open RTSS and temporarily remove or disable the game’s profile.
- If the current interface exposes it, set Application detection level to None or the lowest level.
- Disable Show own statistics, OSD display, plugins and overlay hotkeys.
- Test Smooth Motion again.
If the game is stable, add the profile back and test the limiter separately. The OSD and limiter do not have identical compatibility behavior.
Rank #2
- Streamlined Fan Connections: Daisy-chain multiple fans together and control them all through just one 4-pin PWM connector and one +5V ARGB connector.
- Lighting Made Easy: Eight LEDs per fan shine bright with customisable lighting through your motherboard’s built-in ARGB control (requires compatible motherboard).
- Precise PWM Speeds: Set your fan speeds up to 2,100 RPM while providing up to 72.8 CFM airflow to your system.
- CORSAIR AirGuide Technology: Anti-vortex vanes direct airflow at your hottest components for concentrated cooling, pushing air in the direction you need when mounted to a radiator or heatsink.
- High Static Pressure: RS fans work well as radiator fans with a static pressure of 2.8mm-H2O to push through obstructions.
3. Try Microsoft Detours hooking
For RTSS versions that expose it, enable Use Microsoft Detours API hooking in the affected game’s profile. Newer builds may enable this automatically when they detect nvpresent64.dll, so no visible manual change does not necessarily mean the compatibility path is unavailable. Detours is a workaround, not a guaranteed fix; revert it if stability worsens.
4. Disable other overlays for a clean test
Temporarily turn off NVIDIA App statistics/overlay, Steam overlay, Xbox Game Bar, Discord overlay, ReShade, capture software and motherboard or AMD monitoring overlays. NVIDIA has documented a Forza Motorsport crash when Smooth Motion was used with NVIDIA App statistics, proving RTSS is not the only possible trigger. See the driver notes.
5. Change display mode deliberately
Test exclusive fullscreen and borderless/windowed separately while keeping resolution, refresh rate, V-Sync, HDR and every overlay constant. Swap-chain and compositor behavior can differ by mode; community reports document different counters and stability between fullscreen and borderless in individual games, not a universal rule. See this fullscreen/borderless report.
6. Remove the RTSS cap if it is the trigger
When the OSD is stable but the game crashes with a limiter, remove the RTSS limit and test the game’s built-in limiter, NVIDIA App limiter or another supported option. Do not assume a limiter applied before generated frames behaves like one applied after them. Community testing has explored RTSS front-edge synchronization, but that is user experience rather than an NVIDIA guarantee; see the cited testing.
Rank #3
- 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.
Keep Smooth Motion without RTSS crashes
The least disruptive configuration is often Smooth Motion enabled per game with RTSS running only for games that tolerate it, or RTSS retained with its OSD disabled for the affected title. Use the game’s own limiter when possible and use its native counter for rendered FPS. Configure Smooth Motion per title rather than globally: disable it globally while troubleshooting, then enable it only in a known-compatible game profile. An anecdotal older-engine troubleshooting report recommends this narrower scope; see the Pathfinder: Kingmaker report.
Why FPS counters disagree
Smooth Motion does not make the game engine render twice as many native frames. The engine generally knows only about its rendered frames, while a presentation-aware counter may observe generated output. Consequently, RTSS, NVIDIA statistics and the in-game counter can show different values, sometimes roughly double. NVIDIA discusses this distinction in its developer forum documentation. A higher displayed number does not double simulation, CPU performance or native input response, and frame generation cannot repair CPU bottlenecks, shader stutter or poor frame pacing.
Do not stack frame-generation methods
Native DLSS Frame Generation is implemented by the game; Smooth Motion is driver-level generation for games without native support. NVIDIA warns against enabling both because they compete and can reduce performance or create artifacts; see NVIDIA’s driver documentation. AMD AFMF, Lossless Scaling and other third-party generators add separate presentation layers and are not automatically safer. Lossless Scaling is an optional paid Steam tool at its official store page; verify its current price before buying.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →When to disable Smooth Motion for good
- The game crashes even with RTSS and every other overlay disabled.
- The title uses anti-cheat, an older renderer or mods that remain unstable with driver-level generation.
- It shows persistent artifacts or poor frame pacing.
- Native DLSS Frame Generation is available and works better; use only one generation method.
- You need accurate native frame-time diagnostics or competitive-game consistency.
Driver rollback and recovery
- Record the installed driver version and exact crash behavior.
- Install the latest Game Ready driver and retest with all overlays disabled.
- If the crash began immediately after an update, test a known-stable earlier driver with a clean installation.
- Restore RTSS, OSD and other overlays one at a time only after the game is stable.
A game that still fails with Smooth Motion off, RTSS closed and overlays removed needs ordinary troubleshooting: verify files, remove mods, rebuild shaders, check anti-cheat and inspect hardware or device-removal errors.
Rank #4
- 【Perfect Match】The PC fan can be used not only as a case fan, but is also suitable for use with a cpu cooler to create a cooling effect together, which can take away the dry heat from the case and the high temperature generated by the CPU in operation, allowing for maximum cooling; Ideal for cases, radiators and CPU coolers.
- [Excellent LED light] The high-brightness LED atomizing argb fan blade can effectively reflect the light, making the ARGB lighting effect softer, and it matches the cooler and case more perfectly. Up to 17 modes of light effects with ARGB support, color can be managed and synchronized through the port on motherboard.
- 【High Performance Cooling Fan】 Automatic speed control of the motherboard through the 4PIN PWM fan cable interface, which can determine the speed according to the temperature of the motherboard, with a maximum speed of 1550RPM. Configured with up to 55cm of cable for PWM series control of fans, ideal for cases and CPU coolers.
- 【Silent Fan Size】 Model: TL-C12C-S X3, Size: 120*120*25mm, Speed: 1550RPM±10%, Noise ≤ 25.6dBA Connector: 4pin pwm, Current: 0.20A, Air Pressure: 1.53mm H2O, Air Flow: 66.17CFM, Higher air flow for improved cooling performance.
- 【Quality Bearings】The carefully developed quality S-FDB bearings solve the problem of pc cooling fan blade shaking in lifting mode, keeping fan noise to a minimum while providing maximum cooling performance when needed and extending the life of the fan.
Configuration trade-offs
| Choice | Benefit | Cost or risk |
|---|---|---|
| Keep Smooth Motion, disable RTSS OSD | Preserves generated-frame motion | No RTSS monitoring overlay for that title |
| Keep RTSS, disable Smooth Motion | Maximum compatibility and native frame-time visibility | No driver-generated frames |
| Use NVIDIA App statistics | First-party, simple setup | It can also have title-specific Smooth Motion conflicts |
| Use the game’s limiter | Usually less invasive than injected limiting | Quality and pacing vary by game |
| Use Lossless Scaling or another generator | Alternative workflow | Adds another injection layer, with its own latency and anti-cheat risks |
Bottom line
RTSS and NVIDIA Smooth Motion can coexist, but a particular game’s presentation path may not tolerate both hooks. Prove the cause with the three-way A/B test, update RTSS and the NVIDIA software, disable the OSD before abandoning Smooth Motion, and test the limiter independently. If instability remains with RTSS fully closed, treat it as a game, driver or Smooth Motion compatibility problem rather than an RTSS diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RTSS always crash games with Smooth Motion?
No. Compatibility varies by game, graphics API, RTSS build, driver, display mode and enabled features. RTSS has published Smooth Motion compatibility changes, and many configurations work.
Can I keep MSI Afterburner open?
Yes, if RTSS is not injecting into the affected game. For diagnosis, exit both Afterburner and RTSS, then reintroduce them separately.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchIs the RTSS overlay or FPS limiter the problem?
Either can be. Disable the OSD first, then test the limiter independently; they use related but not identical code paths.
Best Value
- [Brand Overview] Thermalright is a Taiwan brand with more than 20 years of development. It has a certain popularity in the domestic and foreign markets and has a pivotal influence in the player market. We have been focusing on the research and development of computer accessories. R & D product lines include: CPU air-cooled radiator, case fan, thermal silicone pad, thermal silicone grease, CPU fan controller, anti falling off mounting bracket, support mounting bracket and other commodities
- [Product specification] Thermalright PA120 SE; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm (4.92x5.31x6.1 inch); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation, double tower cooling is stronger（(Note:Please check your case and motherboard for compatibility with this size cooler.）
- 【2 PWM Fans】TL-C12C; Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches); fan speed (RPM):1550rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Voltage:12V; Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX); Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), leave room for memory-chip(RAM), so that installation of ice cooler cpu is unrestricted
- 【AGHP technique】6×6mm heat pipes apply AGHP technique, Solve the Inverse gravity effect caused by vertical / horizontal orientation, 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes & PWM fan & Pure copper base&Full electroplating reflow welding process, When CPU cooler works, match with pwm fans, aim to extreme CPU cooling performance
- 【Compatibility】The CPU cooler Socket supports: Intel:115X/1200/1700/17XX AMD:AM4;AM5; For different CPU socket platforms, corresponding mounting plate or fastener parts are provided（Note: Toinstall the AMD platform, you need to use the original motherboard's built-in backplanefor installation, which is not included with this product)
Can DLSS Frame Generation and Smooth Motion be enabled together?
NVIDIA advises against stacking them because they can compete, reduce performance and create artifacts.
Should I use NVIDIA App statistics instead?
It is a reasonable first-party alternative, but NVIDIA has documented Smooth Motion-related crashes involving its statistics overlay too.
Does this affect RTX 40 and RTX 50 cards equally?
Both generations support Smooth Motion through current NVIDIA software, but compatibility remains game- and configuration-specific; neither GPU generation guarantees every title will work.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
