There are two possible approaches to choosing the right PC configuration for 144 fps on Fortnite. The simplest is to refer to the minimum requirements. However, the most accurate method is to use benchmarks for different component combinations.
Recommended configuration for Fortnite
Many websites provide detailed information on the ideal configuration for Fortnite. However, these are recommendations and not definitive instructions.
For Fortnite, the recommended specifications are as follows:
- Processor (CPU ): Core i5 2.8 GHz
- Random access memory (RAM) : 8 GB
- Hard drive (HDD) : 16 GB of free space
- Graphics card (GPU) : Nvidia Geforce GTX 660, AMD Radeon HD 7870 or other equivalent graphics cards with 2 GB VRAM or more.
- Operating system (OS ): Windows 7, 8 or 10 64-bit
- DirectX version : 11 or higher
The components listed here are for reference only. This is especially true for the processor, graphics card, and RAM. Your operating system and DirectX version requirements should be considered the most accurate indicators. To play Fortnite on your gaming PC, you will need components that are equivalent to or better than the CPU, GPU, and RAM types listed above.
If you want to be equipped like a pro gamer, we invite you to discover the ultimate gaming setup for Fortnite !
AMD's equivalents of an Intel Core i5 CPU range from Ryzen 3 to Ryzen 7 , depending on the generation. The RAM class can be DDR3 or DDR4 .
The best PC for playing Fortnite!
Use a monitor capable of supporting 144 fps
Computer accessories don't generally have a direct impact on performance. Except for your PC monitor! The monitor affects the graphics and image smoothness of your games based on two factors: resolution and refresh rate.
Resolution is the sum of the pixels that a screen can display on a horizontal and vertical line. This is why it is defined by values such as 1280×1024 or 640×480. A given screen can only display images within the limits of its maximum resolution. A 1440p monitor, for example, has a maximum resolution of 2560×1440, compared to 1920×1080 for a 1080p screen.
It's possible to play at 1440p on a 1080p screen by enabling DSR in the settings of an Nvidia graphics card . The equivalent setting on AMD GPUs is Virtual Super Resolution. The idea behind these settings is to simulate a 1440p resolution on a screen normally limited to 1080p. Some games can natively support switching to 1440p on a 1080p screen. Others, however, will require you to enable DSR or Virtual Super Resolution.
The refresh rate, on the other hand, is directly related to the number of images per second. Many people mistakenly believe these two concepts are synonymous. However, they have very different meanings. The refresh rate is the speed at which a screen can update the displayed images. This parameter is measured in hertz.
The 3 best 144Hz PC monitors for Fortnite!
FPS (frames per second) defines the number of images your screen displays for your game in one second. The number of frames per second depends on your system's configuration. The refresh rate, on the other hand, is determined by your computer monitor's design. These two factors work together to provide smooth, high-quality images. To achieve 144 fps on Fortnite with your PC, make sure you pair it with a monitor that has a 144Hz refresh rate.
Looking for a new, high-quality screen for playing Fortnite? Here's our comparison of the best 144Hz PC monitors !
Frame rate requirements in competitive shooting games
The biggest myth in animation is that the human eye can't perceive more than 24 frames per second (fps). However, the 24 fps theory has no basis in human physiology. This principle stems from the economic and technical realities of early animation. Technology has improved over the years, increasing the frame rate requirements. A rate of 30 fps is now the minimum requirement for quality animation, with 60 fps being considered a comfortable standard.
The number of frames per second (fps) that can be perceived also varies depending on each person's visual acuity. The US Air Force was able to confirm this by subjecting fighter pilots to a visual acuity test. The experiment revealed that these pilots could distinguish an aircraft and its model in a video sequence played at 220 fps.
The idea of playing Fortnite at over 60 fps isn't as crazy as it might seem. Fortnite is a competitive shooter, just like CS:GO, Overwatch, PUBG, and Apex Legends. This type of game is known for placing great importance on frame rate in its gameplay. The frame rate required for optimal performance in this type of game is typically 144 fps or higher.
Nvidia CEO Jen Huang reinforced this idea during the presentation of the RTX 30 series graphics cards. He stated that a high frame rate (FPS) proportionally increases the "death kill" ratio in competitive shooting games. The "death kill" ratio is a performance metric in esports based on two elements: the number of players you have eliminated in a match, and the number of times you have been killed during a match.
Difference between performance and image quality
Building a PC for gaming can be approached from two perspectives: performance and image quality. Performance, in particular, translates to the smoothness of your gaming experience. This means you won't experience any latency, stuttering, or frame rate drops during your game.
Image quality speaks for itself. It refers to the level of detail you can perceive while playing a specific game. This includes shadows, textures, light reflections, particle effects, and so on. Performance and image quality aren't inherently linked. It will largely depend on your machine's capabilities and the game you're playing.
Fortnite, for its part, isn't the most remarkable PC game in terms of image quality. Titles like Control and Red Dead Redemption 2 far surpass it graphically. Fortnite is, however, quite demanding in terms of system specifications. These requirements aren't aimed at achieving high image quality, though, but rather at a higher frame rate.
Use benchmarks on different combinations of components
If the system recommendations aren't exhaustive, how do you determine the necessary configuration to achieve 144 fps on Fortnite? The answer is to experiment with different component combinations to see how they run the game. This type of experimentation is also known as 'benchmarking' in the PC gaming world.
There are four factors to consider when benchmarking Fortnite: the graphics card, the processor, the in-game settings, and the display resolution. Fortnite is playable in both 1440p and 1080p resolutions. The compatible resolution you choose will depend on the type of monitor you're using with your computer. The game also offers four preset options in its settings: 'Max', 'High', 'Med', and 'Low'.
For the purposes of this guide, tests will be conducted using the best CPUs and GPUs in each price range. The ranges covered are 'Premium', 'Mid-range', and 'Entry-level'. This will allow you to determine the PC configuration best suited to achieving 144 fps on Fortnite based on your budget.
Benchmarks on premium processors and GPUs on the market
The best graphics card on the premium market is the RTX 2080 Ti. At least, that will be the case until the RTX 30 series graphics cards are officially released. On the Intel side, the most powerful CPU in the premium range to pair with the RTX 2080 Ti is the Core i9-9900K. Using this combination, you can achieve over 144 fps at 1080p and 1440p at maximum settings. Image quality and smoothness are therefore enhanced with this configuration.
On the AMD side, the best CPU in their premium range to pair with the RTX 2080 Ti is the Ryzen 93 900X. The results of this combination are therefore roughly the same as for the i9-9900K. You'll be able to play Fortnite at maximum settings while achieving over 144 frames per second.
Performance on mid-range components
For the mid-range price bracket, the best graphics card on the market is the GTX 1080. If you opt for an Intel CPU, the best choice for a mid-range budget is the Core i7-8700K. With this combination, you can achieve over 144 fps on High settings at 1440p and 1080p resolutions.
For Ryzen processors, the best mid-range CPU choice is the Ryzen 72 700X. You won't get 144 fps on this configuration at 1440p. This is true regardless of the game settings you choose. However, you can achieve more than 144 fps on High settings by opting for 1080p resolution.
Frames per second on entry-level components
The best graphics card option for the entry-level market is the AMD RX 580. If you prefer an Intel CPU, the Core i5-8600K would be the most suitable choice. You won't be able to achieve 144 fps with this combination at 1440p resolution. However, 1080p resolution will allow you to achieve more than 144 fps with this combination at maximum settings.
Try different components and settings
It's important to remember that the components used for these evaluations are the best available for each price range on the market. There are several intermediate options available for each price range that you can experiment with depending on your budget. You don't even have to perform these tests yourself. Many specialized tools online can simulate performance results for different GPU and CPU choices.
Note also that the previous results were achieved at 144 fps and maximum graphics quality. It is possible to achieve 144 fps or more at 1440p on mid-range and mid-range components. However, you will need to lower the settings to the lowest (Low) to achieve this result.
