When it comes to gaming, the question of borderless versus fullscreen is one that every PC gamer encounters at some point. While basic advice can guide you in the right direction, such as our guide on borderless versus fullscreen gaming, there is still a lingering question: Why?
There is conflicting advice online regarding the performance benefits of borderless versus fullscreen mode in games. Some claim significant improvements in fullscreen mode, while others argue for better performance in borderless mode. With so many different opinions, it’s difficult to know which is the best option for you.
In an attempt to find an answer, I conducted tests on various games to compare performance in fullscreen and borderless modes. However, the results were inconclusive, with minimal differences observed. While there may be exceptions in specific games like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and Fallout 4, the overall trend is unclear.
One game that did show a measurable difference was Hitman 3, mainly due to its exclusive fullscreen option. This distinction highlights the importance of understanding the different modes available in games.
What Fullscreen Means
Traditionally, fullscreen mode referred to exclusive fullscreen, where the graphics card has full control of the display. In contrast, borderless mode relies on the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) to control the display. The debate between fullscreen and borderless modes stems from concerns about the performance impact of DWM on borderless games.
Flipping Frames
With the introduction of the DXGI flip presentation model in Windows 8, the process of rendering games changed significantly. This model reduces system resource load and increases performance by “flipping” rendered frames onto the screen instead of copying them from memory. This change has made the distinction between fullscreen and borderless modes less significant in modern games.
Settling a Debate That Doesn’t Matter
In conclusion, the debate between fullscreen and borderless modes is no longer critical in modern gaming. While there may be instances where a performance difference is noticeable, the overall impact is minimal. Players can choose whichever mode they prefer without worrying about sacrificing performance.
