RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) Guide: FPS Cap and Overlay
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RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) is the quiet workhorse that ships with MSI Afterburner — it draws the on-screen overlay and, just as importantly, enforces the most consistent frame-rate cap available on Windows. This guide shows how to set a precise FPS limit, use Scanline Sync for tear-free low latency, and build a clean overlay.
RTSS is small and unglamorous, but its frame limiter is one of the best tools for smooth, even frametimes.
Install RTSS
- Download MSI Afterburner from MSI’s official site — it bundles RTSS.
- Install both Afterburner and RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS).
- Launch RTSS; it sits in the system tray and runs alongside Afterburner. You can also run RTSS standalone if you only want the limiter and overlay.
Set a precise FPS cap
This is RTSS’s signature feature:
- Open the RTSS main window.
- In the Framerate limit box, type your target (e.g. a few FPS below your refresh: 141 for a 144 Hz display).
- Click somewhere to apply — the cap takes effect immediately in fullscreen games.
Why an RTSS cap beats most in-game caps
RTSS uses a high-precision limiting method that generally delivers more consistent frametimes than many in-game limiters, which reduces stutter and input variance. Capping below your refresh also keeps the GPU out of full saturation, shortening the render queue and keeping you inside the G-SYNC/FreeSync window for lower latency. For the full rationale and per-scenario advice, read How to Cap Your FPS Correctly.
| Cap method | Frametime consistency | Latency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTSS limiter | Very consistent | Low | Smooth, universal capping |
| In-game limiter | Varies by engine | Low–medium | Convenience when it’s good |
| NVIDIA Reflex / driver cap | Consistent | Lowest | Competitive shooters |
Scanline Sync: tear-free without V-Sync lag
Scanline Sync forces the screen tear to a chosen scanline so it’s hidden off-screen, giving tear-free output with far less input lag than V-Sync:
- In RTSS, set Scanline sync to a small value (try -1 to push the tear to the bottom edge; experiment per game).
- Your frame rate needs to sit reliably above your refresh for it to hold the line.
- It costs a little GPU headroom, so it suits games where you have frames to spare. On a VRR display, a frame cap is often simpler — but Scanline Sync shines on fixed-refresh monitors.
Build a clean on-screen overlay
RTSS draws the overlay; Afterburner feeds it the stats:
- In Afterburner → Settings → Monitoring, tick the stats you want (Framerate, Frametime, GPU temp, GPU usage, CPU temp) and enable “Show in On-Screen Display” for each.
- In RTSS, adjust On-Screen Display options — position, size, colour, and zoom.
- Add a frametime graph: it’s far better than raw FPS for spotting stutter, since spikes show as bars even when average FPS looks healthy.
- Set a hotkey to toggle the overlay so you can hide it for screenshots.
For a deeper overlay walkthrough, see How to Show an FPS Overlay in Any Game.
Framerate limiting for latency
If you’re chasing responsiveness rather than just smoothness:
- Pair an RTSS cap with G-SYNC/FreeSync and keep the cap a few FPS below refresh.
- In competitive titles, prefer NVIDIA Reflex or a driver-level cap for the absolute lowest latency, and use RTSS where those aren’t available.
- Watch the frametime graph to confirm the cap is holding flat — that flat line is what smooth feels like.
Related guides
- MSI Afterburner Guide: Overclock, Undervolt, and Monitor
- How to Cap Your FPS Correctly
- How to Show an FPS Overlay in Any Game
- How to Minimize Input Delay for Competitive Gaming
RTSS does two jobs brilliantly: a high-precision FPS cap for even frametimes and a flexible overlay for FPS, frametime, and temps. Cap a few FPS below your refresh, add a frametime graph, and try Scanline Sync on fixed-refresh displays for tear-free, low-latency output.
Frequently asked questions
Is RTSS the same as MSI Afterburner?
No, but they ship together. RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) is the companion that draws the on-screen overlay and enforces the frame-rate limit, while MSI Afterburner handles monitoring and GPU tuning. Installing Afterburner installs RTSS automatically, and RTSS can run on its own.
Why is an RTSS FPS cap better than an in-game cap?
RTSS uses a high-precision frame-limiting method that tends to produce more consistent frametimes than many in-game limiters, which reduces stutter and input variance. For competitive play, NVIDIA Reflex or a driver cap can be lower-latency, but RTSS is the most reliable universal option for smooth, even pacing.
What is Scanline Sync in RTSS?
Scanline Sync forces the screen tear to a specific scanline, usually pushed off the top or bottom edge so you never see it. It gives you tear-free output with far less input lag than traditional V-Sync, though it costs a little GPU headroom and needs a stable frame rate above your refresh to work well.
Does capping FPS with RTSS reduce input lag?
Yes, indirectly. Capping below your monitor's refresh keeps the GPU out of a fully saturated state, which shortens the render queue and lowers latency, and it keeps you inside the G-SYNC/FreeSync window. The cap itself adds a tiny frame of delay, but the net result is usually smoother and more responsive.
How do I show frametime instead of just FPS in RTSS?
RTSS can display a frametime graph and frametime numbers via its On-Screen Display settings, and MSI Afterburner's monitoring tab feeds additional stats like temps and usage into the same overlay. Frametime is more useful than FPS for spotting stutter, since spikes show up as bars even when the average FPS looks fine.