The simple reason hardware accelerated GPU scheduling isn't the best fit for cheap GPUs

The Windows feature known as hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling, or HAGS, takes up valuable VRAM that some older and cheaper graphics cards can't spare. Most people never even notice the toggle for HAGS in Windows 11's graphics settings, as it is enabled by default on most PCs and is necessary for using DLSS Frame Generation. However, for gamers using older or cheaper cards like the RTX 2060 with 6GB of VRAM, enabling HAGS could consume valuable VRAM that the card simply doesn't have.

In such cases, disabling HAGS can free up nearly a gigabyte of graphics memory, potentially improving gaming performance. Microsoft introduced HAGS in a May 2020 Windows 10 update, with the intention of optimizing graphics card scheduling and reducing frame delays. However, studies have shown that the average performance impact of enabling HAGS is minimal, ranging from a 0.73% decrease to a 0.06% increase in performance.

Gamers Nexus even found a 2.4% drop in performance in F1 2019 on a four-core Intel Core i3. Therefore, it may be worth testing HAGS on a case-by-case basis, especially for cards with 6GB or 8GB of VRAM, as disabling the feature could free up valuable memory at the cost of a few frames. However, it's important to note that disabling HAGS could also mean losing out on DLSS Frame Generation, which can further enhance graphics quality.

Additionally, OBS recommends disabling HAGS if users encounter issues while recording or streaming. With the majority of GPUs still having 8GB of VRAM or more, leaving HAGS enabled may be the best approach for most gamers. The HAGS toggle can be found in the Display settings of Windows 11, and a system restart is required for any changes to take effect.

It's always a good idea to benchmark your PC's performance before and after enabling or disabling HAGS to determine the actual impact on your gaming experience.