Rocket League Input Delay Optimization

Updating Laptop Firmware (BIOS/EC/ME)

Ensuring the laptop's firmware – encompassing the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), EC (Embedded Controller), and Intel ME (Management Engine) – is up-to-date is a critical first step often overlooked. Firmware updates released by the manufacturer can provide essential stability improvements, address hardware compatibility issues, patch security vulnerabilities, and sometimes even unlock performance enhancements or fix bugs that could indirectly contribute to latency or instability. An outdated firmware base can undermine subsequent optimization efforts.

To update the firmware for the MSI Katana GF66 12UD:

1. Navigate to the official MSI support website.
2. Locate the support page specifically for the Katana GF66 12UD model [5]. Use the laptop's exact model name (e.g., Katana GF66 12UD-xxx) to ensure compatibility.
3. Download the latest available BIOS file (example version E1584IMS.113 released August 2023 [5]) and the corresponding Intel ME Firmware Update Tool.
4. Crucially, follow MSI's specific update instructions meticulously. Often, this involves updating the system BIOS before updating the Intel ME firmware. Failure to follow the correct procedure can lead to update failures or system issues. BIOS updates are typically performed via a USB drive within the BIOS interface itself, while ME firmware updates often use a Windows-based utility.

Optional but Recommended: Fresh Windows 11 Installation

While not strictly mandatory, performing a fresh installation of Windows 11 is highly recommended for achieving the cleanest possible system state, which is ideal for performance optimization [9] [10].

Rationale

A fresh install eliminates pre-installed manufacturer software ("bloatware") [7], which can consume system resources and potentially conflict with gaming performance optimizations. Common examples include trial antivirus software (like Norton [12]), promotional applications, and redundant manufacturer utilities [8]. A fresh install ensures no residual files or settings from previous configurations interfere, providing a pristine baseline. This differs significantly from a "factory restore," which merely reinstalls the original factory image, including all the bloatware. It also allows reclaiming disk space used by hidden recovery partitions.

Process Overview

1. Use the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool to create a bootable Windows 11 USB installation drive (requires a USB drive of at least 8 GB).
2. Pre-computation/Pre-analysis: Before starting the installation, download essential drivers, most importantly the Wireless LAN (WLAN) driver for the Katana GF66 12UD. Post-installation, Windows might not recognize the Wi-Fi card, leaving the system without internet access. Identify the specific WLAN card (likely an Intel AX201 based on specifications [5]) and download the driver from the MSI support page for the Katana GF66 12UD onto a separate USB drive. Also download the Chipset driver as a minimum.
3. Configure the laptop's BIOS/UEFI to boot from the USB drive. This usually involves pressing a specific key (like DEL or F11) during startup to enter the BIOS or boot menu.
4. Boot from the Windows 11 installation USB. During the setup process, when prompted "Where do you want to install Windows?", choose the "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" option.
5. Crucially, delete all existing partitions on the primary SSD until only "Unallocated Space" remains. This ensures a truly clean slate. Select the Unallocated Space and click "Next" to begin the installation.
6. Complete the Windows 11 setup process.

Driver Installation Order

Once Windows is installed, installing drivers in the correct sequence is paramount, as some drivers have dependencies on others being installed first [13] [14]. Installing out of order can lead to malfunctioning hardware or instability. While MSI's website structure has changed, the generally recommended order based on past MSI guidance is as follows [10]:

Using the latest graphics drivers directly from Intel and NVIDIA generally offers the best performance and access to the newest features [17]. However, these drivers might not have been specifically validated by MSI for the Katana GF66 12UD, carrying a small risk of instability compared to the potentially older, but verified, drivers on the MSI support page. Using NVCleanstall [34] for the NVIDIA driver provides a good balance, allowing use of the latest driver version while removing potentially problematic components like GeForce Experience and Telemetry [36]. If instability occurs with the latest drivers, reverting to the MSI-provided versions is a valid troubleshooting step.

Bloatware Avoidance

After a fresh install, be selective about reinstalling software. Avoid:

• Trial Antivirus/Security Suites (e.g., Norton, McAfee). Windows Defender provides adequate baseline protection.
• Bundled third-party software (media players, photo editors, etc., unless specifically needed).
• Optional MSI utilities that duplicate functionality or are not required for core operation (e.g., MSI App Player, True Color unless needed for specific color profiles, potentially components within MSI Center if alternatives are preferred [54]). Note that some legitimate MSI software might be flagged by overzealous antivirus due to its low-level hardware access [12].

Windows Updates

Once essential drivers are installed and the system is connected to the internet, run Windows Update to ensure the OS is fully patched. Be aware that Windows Update might sometimes attempt to install generic hardware drivers that can overwrite the specific, optimized MSI/OEM drivers, potentially causing issues [6]. If features stop working after a Windows Update, it may be necessary to reinstall the correct driver from MSI or use tools/methods to block Windows from automatically updating specific drivers.

Essential Windows Settings for Low Latency

These settings adjust how Windows manages power, prioritizes tasks, and handles input/output, all critical for reducing latency [23] [24] [29].

• Power Plan: Set the active power plan to "Ultimate Performance." If not visible, enable via Admin Command Prompt: powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61. Use "High Performance" if Ultimate causes issues. Avoid "Balanced" or "Power Saver."
• Game Mode: Enable (Settings > Gaming > Game Mode). Helps prioritize game processes [24].
• Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling (HAGS): Enable (Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Change default graphics settings). Allows GPU to manage its memory scheduling, potentially reducing latency [23]. Requires restart.
• Core Isolation / Memory Integrity / VMP: Disable for maximum performance. Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details > Memory Integrity OFF. Also, "Turn Windows features on or off" > uncheck Virtual Machine Platform (VMP). These virtualization-based security (VBS) features add overhead [56]. Weigh performance gain vs. security reduction. Restart required.
• Visual Effects: Optimize for performance. Right-click Start > System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Settings > "Adjust for best performance". Optionally re-check "Show thumbnails instead of icons" and "Smooth edges of screen fonts". Apply.
• Mouse Settings: Ensure raw input. Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse > Additional mouse settings > Pointer Options > Uncheck "Enhance pointer precision". Set mouse polling rate to highest possible (e.g., 1000Hz) via manufacturer software.
• Background Apps: Limit unnecessary apps. Settings > Apps > Installed apps > ... > Advanced options > Background apps permissions > "Never". Also review Task Manager (Startup tab).
• Temporary Files: Clean regularly. Win+R > %temp% > Select All > Delete. Repeat for temp.

NVIDIA Driver Optimization

Optimizing the NVIDIA driver involves installing a minimal set using NVCleanstall [34] and configuring the NVIDIA Control Panel [46] [47].

NVCleanstall Guide [36] [39] [43]

Download NVCleanstall from TechPowerUp. Run as administrator.

1. Select Driver Version: Choose the latest recommended driver.
2. Recommended Components:
   • Display Driver (Essential)
   • PhysX System Software
   • (Optional) HD Audio via HDMI/DP (Only if using display audio)
   • Deselect: GeForce Experience, NV Container, Telemetry, ShadowPlay/Capture, USB-C Driver, Optimus support, NVIDIA App [38].
3. Installation Tweaks (Highly Recommended):
   • Check: Disable Installer Telemetry & Advertising
   • Check: Perform Clean Installation
   • Check: Disable Multiplane Overlay (MPO) - Known fix for stutter/flicker [41].
   • Check: Enable Message Signaled Interrupts (MSI) - Set Interrupt Priority to High for GPU [42].
   • Check: Disable Driver Telemetry
   • Check: Disable NVIDIA HD Audio device sleep timer
   • (Optional) Disable HDCP - Only if protected content playback isn't needed and seeking max latency reduction. Leave enabled (unchecked) for most users.
4. Expert Tweaks: Avoid these unless fully understood, as they break driver signatures and can cause anti-cheat issues [41].
5. Finalize: Click Next, then Install. Reboot if required.

NVIDIA Control Panel Settings

Open NVIDIA Control Panel > Manage 3D settings > Program Settings > Add/Select RocketLeague.exe.

G-Sync Note: For external G-Sync monitors, best low-latency setup is often G-Sync ON, VSync ON (NVCP only), Reflex ON (in-game), FPS cap slightly below refresh rate (e.g., 237 for 240Hz)