Rocket League Input Delay Optimization

MSI Center Configuration

MSI Center [52] is the primary utility for controlling hardware features. Ensure the latest version is installed.

• User Scenario: Navigate to Features > User Scenario. Select "Extreme Performance" [19] [26]. This provides highest power limits and aggressive fan curves.
• GPU Overclocking (Within Extreme Performance): The gear icon may offer sliders. Given the Katana's thermal limits and 60W TDP [1], significant OC is not recommended. Prioritize other tweaks. If attempting, use very small increments (+25MHz) and monitor temps/stability rigorously (MSI Afterburner/HWiNFO64).
• GPU Switch: Navigate to Features > General Settings. Locate "GPU Switch" and select "Discrete Graphics Mode". This forces use of the RTX 3050 Ti, bypassing Optimus, which is crucial for minimizing latency [58]. Restart required.
• Fan Control: Within Extreme Performance's advanced settings (gear icon), set Fan Speed to "Cooler Boost". This forces max fan speed. It will be loud but necessary to minimize thermal throttling [1]. Consider an external cooling pad.
• Features to Consider Disabling/Avoiding in MSI Center:
  • MSI Center Gaming Mode: Can interfere with dynamic boost and cause excess heat/stutter [53]. Rely on manual "Extreme Performance" profile.
  • AI Engine / Smart Auto: Disable automatic scenario switching. Manual control is more consistent.
  • MSI Companion / Game Highlights / Mystic Light: Consume resources, offer no latency benefit.
  • System Diagnosis / SSD Doctor: Unnecessary background tasks.

Manual configuration of essential parameters provides more reliable low-latency performance than automated features.

BIOS Settings Optimization

Accessing and modifying BIOS settings can unlock further potential but requires caution.

• Accessing Advanced Menu: Enter standard BIOS (press DEL on boot). Try pressing Left Alt + Right Ctrl + Right Shift + F2 simultaneously to potentially unlock hidden menus. Warning: Modify advanced settings one at a time, test stability, save profiles if possible.
• Key Settings to Check/Enable (If Available):
  • Overclocking Feature / Performance Tuning: Enable if present. May be needed for software like XTU/Throttlestop.
  • Extreme Memory Profile (XMP): Enable to ensure RAM runs at rated DDR4-3200 speed/timings.
  • Resizable BAR (ReBAR): Verify it's enabled. Allows CPU full access to GPU VRAM, potentially improving performance.
  • CPU C-States (Power Saving): Disabling deeper C-states (beyond C1/C3) can reduce wake-up latency but increases idle power/heat. Monitor temps carefully if attempting [56].
  • Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) / VT-d: Disable if not using VMs/Sandbox for minuscule potential benefit. Impact likely negligible.
  • Fast Boot / Secure Boot: Fast Boot doesn't affect in-game latency. Leave Secure Boot enabled unless needed for specific tweaks (like controller polling OC [87]).
• CPU Power Limit Tuning (Undervolt Alternative):
  • Direct undervolting is typically locked on 12th gen+ CPUs [55].
  • Managing power limits (PL1/PL2) via Intel XTU or Throttlestop (if BIOS allows "Overclocking") is key to managing heat and preventing throttling.
  • Experiment with lowering PL1/PL2 values (e.g., starting around 65W-80W) to find a balance between performance and preventing thermal throttling on the Katana's limited cooling system. Monitor temps closely.
  • This is crucial for consistent performance and predictable latency on thermally limited laptops.