Steam may reveal an FPS estimator to help plan upgrades

Steam may introduce an FPS estimator that uses your hardware to predict performance and guide GPU/CPU upgrades.

Steam continues to dominate the PC market with an extensive library of games, tools, and options, but a potential new feature is already sparking curiosity among fans: an FPS estimator that helps plan upgrades based on your hardware.

The information comes from a post by LambdaGen on X, citing a SteamDB user identified as Roadrunners discovery. According to what was found in the code, there could be a framerate estimator feature that generates a chart of estimated FPS when selecting an application and a PC configuration, based on the FPS of other Steam users.

How the FPS estimator works

The feature would allow you to select the desired application and PC configuration to view a chart with estimated FPS. The user could input specific parts or let Steam detect the current hardware, receiving insights into the realistic FPS gain when upgrading to a new GPU or CPU.

• Choose an App and PC configuration to view the estimated FPS chart.
• Use your current hardware or input specific components for simulation.
• Comparison with other Steam users' FPS for reference.

This approach differs from traditional methods, such as compatibility websites or video comparisons, and has been received with enthusiasm by the community, with reports that it is a long-desired feature.

Potential impacts and limitations

However, there are important caveats. The accuracy of the estimated FPS depends heavily on the graphics settings of each game, techniques like frame generation, and technologies like DLSS, in addition to background processes that can affect performance.

Privacy, data, and target audience

Before the leak, some beta players had already seen surveys asking if they want to allow the sharing of anonymous FPS data, which seems to be related to the new feature. The feature tends to be more useful for Steam Deck and Steam Machine users, who operate with more static hardware, which could make the Steam Deck Verified tab more reliable.

With the Steam Machine on the radar, analysts suggest that the program could be integrated in a timely manner, accompanying other Valve bets for dedicated hardware. Even if the feature's launch undergoes changes, it appears to be another piece to differentiate Steam from the competition. And, it is worth noting, some imagine that the feature could be released alongside a possible Steam Deck 2, or be discarded if that launch is delayed.

Conclusion

If confirmed, the FPS estimator would open new frontiers for planning game purchases and hardware upgrades, going beyond the current analyses available on websites and videos. It remains to be seen how Valve will balance accuracy, privacy, and utility for different platforms.

What do you think of this news? Leave your opinion in the comments: do you intend to use an FPS estimator to guide a future purchase or upgrade?

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