May 09, 2024

What is Raw Input Buffer for Valorant and How to Use It?

Valorant has proven that FPS games can look great ever since it was released, but shooter players never change, and we’re going to keep searching for ways to improve our frames per second and boost our game’s performance. That’s where Riot Games’ new system comes in! Say hello to the Raw Input Buffer.

Currently in Beta, patch 3.07 introduced the Raw Input Buffer for Valorant as an experimental feature to enhance in-game performance, akin to Nvidia's Reflex API.

While Nvidia Reflex speeds up input processing by leveraging GPU computing, the Raw Input Buffer focuses specifically on optimizing your mouse input.

The motherboard converts user inputs from binary form in traditional setups, and the Operating System then processes them, often filtering and modifying the input data to meet its requirements. Raw Input Buffer bypasses this OS-dependent filtration by directly accessing input information from the motherboard.

Nvidia Reflex Valorant

In Valorant, Riot Games implemented the Raw Input Buffer to reduce input latency and improve mouse responsiveness. This feature aims to provide players with a more direct and unfiltered connection between their mouse movements and in-game actions, boosting gameplay fluidity and precision.

Should I turn on Raw Input Buffer in Valorant?

Not all players should enable Raw Input Buffer in Valorant, players should consider their individual preferences and system configurations. The best idea is to experiment with this feature to determine its impact on gameplay performance and responsiveness, allowing you to optimize your settings for the best gaming experience. While it may appear beneficial at first glance, there are a number of factors to consider before making a decision.

Firstly, it's essential to understand your mouse's polling rate, which refers to how often it sends input information per second. Gaming mice typically have a polling rate of 1000 Hz with a 1 ms delay, while standard mice range from 125 to 500 Hz, resulting in more delay.

If you're using a mouse with a low polling rate, enabling Raw Input Buffer in Valorant may not be practical, as Windows OS can efficiently manage the input data without it.

However, for gaming mice with high polling rates, such as 8000 Hz, enabling Raw Input Buffer becomes crucial. With a high polling rate, Windows OS filters out a significant amount of data before sending it to the game. By bypassing this filtration, gaming mice with high polling rates can provide a more real-time response.

It's worth noting that if you have a weak system configuration, using this feature may lead to breaks and lag spikes, so it's best to avoid it in such cases.

Does Raw Input Buffer affect aim?

Yes, without a doubt. Raw Input Buffer is a great feature for serious gamers in Valorant, boosting the response time and precision of your mouse. While it won't magically improve your aim, it will make sure that your crosshair is exactly where you meant it to be.

Nvidia's software can be amazing when it doesn't get you banned from your favorite game. Using both Nvidia Reflex and Raw Input Buffer together improves peripheral response time. While the difference may not be drastic, even a slight tweak can make a significant difference.

Here's a quick pros and cons list for using Raw Input Buffer:

Valorant Raw Input Buffer

Pros:

  • Improved response time.
  • Precision boost.
  • Reduced input lag.

Cons:

  • Consumes extra system resources.
  • Only beneficial for mice with polling rates above 1000 Hz.

How to turn on Raw Input Buffer in Valorant

To enable Raw Input Buffer in Valorant, follow these simple steps:

  • Open Valorant through the Riot Client.
  • Click on the gear icon at the top right corner of the screen to access the settings panel.
  • Navigate to the "CONTROLS" tab.
  • Scroll down until you find [BETA] Raw Input Buffer. Toggle the button to "ON."
  • Apply the changes, and you're good to go.

With Raw Input Buffer enabled, you can jump into the game with confidence, knowing that your mouse inputs will be optimized for peak performance.

 

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