Use Timer Resolution to Increase Frames + Reduce Input Delay
Tier1Timer is a free tool that reduces input lag and improves frame pacing on your PC by optimizing the Windows timer resolution. Here’s what it does and how to use it for Fortnite, Apex Legends, Valorant, and any other game.
Windows runs on an interrupt-driven scheduler — every “tick,” the kernel wakes threads, processes input, and advances multimedia timers. By default, Windows ticks at ~64 Hz (15.6 ms intervals). Tier1Timer lets you push that to ~2000 Hz (0.5 ms intervals), so your inputs register faster and frames arrive more consistently.
Step 1. Download and Open Tier1Timer
Download and launch Tier1Timer — no installation required. The dashboard immediately shows your system’s current, minimum, and maximum achievable resolution. Click 0.5 ms (or use Auto Mode to apply it automatically when games launch and revert when they close).
If you haven’t downloaded Tier1Timer yet, get it here.
Step 2. Enjoy Better Performance and Lower Input Delay
With Tier1Timer running in the background, your timer operates at the finest resolution your hardware supports. You should notice:
- Snappier, more responsive controls in any game
- Smoother frame delivery and reduced micro-stutters
- A potential FPS increase on lower-end systems
Tier1Timer also includes a Latency Benchmark tab that measures real Sleep(1ms) accuracy — use it to confirm the improvement on your hardware before and after applying the change.
To use Tier1Timer: download the app, run it in the background while you play, and select your preferred resolution (or enable Auto Mode). No installation required. Minimizes to the system tray.
Looking for other performance improvements? Check out our guide on benchmarking your PC components to verify every part of your system is running as expected.