Opera GX is a popular browser designed for gamers. It has many features that make gaming and browsing smooth. One of these features is hardware acceleration. But is it good or bad?
Let’s explore what hardware acceleration does, when to use it, and when to turn it off.
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What Is Hardware Acceleration?
Hardware acceleration allows Opera GX to use your graphics card (GPU) instead of just the processor (CPU). This helps with video playback, animations, and some web-based games.
Without it, your CPU does all the work, which can slow things down. With it, your GPU helps, making everything run smoother.
When Is It Good?
There are times when hardware acceleration can be very helpful:
- Smoother videos – Watching HD videos or streams? The GPU helps keep playback smooth.
- Better performance in web apps – Some online apps and games run better when hardware acceleration is on.
- Lower CPU usage – If your GPU is handling the work, your CPU stays free for other tasks.
For people with a powerful graphics card, turning this feature on can be a great choice.
When Is It Bad?
Sometimes, hardware acceleration can cause problems. Some common issues include:
- Glitchy performance – If your GPU isn’t very strong or has outdated drivers, it can cause lag, crashes, or freezing.
- Increased GPU usage – If you game while browsing, your GPU might get overloaded.
- Compatibility issues – Some older computers or certain hardware setups don’t work well with this feature.
If you notice Opera GX freezing, crashing, or running slowly, turning off hardware acceleration might help.
How to Enable or Disable It
Want to turn hardware acceleration on or off in Opera GX? Follow these simple steps:
- Open Opera GX.
- Go to Settings (use Alt + P for quick access).
- Scroll down to Advanced settings.
- Find System and look for the “Use hardware acceleration when available” option.
- Toggle it on or off.
- Restart Opera GX for changes to apply.
If you’re having issues, test it both ways and see which works better.
Should You Use It?
It depends on your system and what you do in Opera GX.
- Use it if you have a strong GPU and watch a lot of videos or use web-based apps.
- Turn it off if you have performance issues, crashes, or an older computer.
Final Thoughts
Hardware acceleration in Opera GX can be a great tool, but it’s not for everyone. If your browsing is slow or glitchy, try switching it off. If you want smoother performance, turn it on.
Test it out and see what works best for your setup!