AMD has introduced the Frame Latency Meter (FLM), a free tool designed to measure gaming latency. The open-source Windows utility allows users to determine the response time of games based on mouse movements, providing valuable insights into system performance. FLM simplifies the process of measuring frame latency, which was previously a complex task requiring specialized equipment such as high-speed cameras.
The tool is compatible with AMD, Nvidia, and Intel GPUs that support DirectX 11 or newer, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The software captures frames continuously and compares each frame to the previous one within a selected region. It then generates a mouse movement event and waits for the frame contents to change.
The time between the mouse movement and the detected frame change is recorded as the latency. FLM averages 16 latency measurements per row to obtain a cleaner value, but users can choose to average more measurements for greater precision.
Frame latency measurement simplified
One of the key advantages of FLM is that it does not require a muzzle flash to measure latency, allowing for quick and repeated measurements without concerns about running out of ammo. This enables the application to autonomously collect unlimited samples, resulting in higher accuracy. Users can customize FLM to measure latency based on mouse movements or clicks, specify frame capture regions, and choose between small samples, continuous accumulation, or a constant meter for measurements.
The tool also accounts for the use of Frame Generation technologies such as FSR 3 and DLSS 3, with users having the ability to control these functions within the application or set them to hotkeys. FLM is available as a free download for Windows 10 and 11 users through AMD’s GPUOpen platform. The introduction of this tool offers a new option for gamers and tech reviewers, complementing existing solutions like Nvidia’s Reflex and FrameView.
It is expected to be particularly useful for examining latency issues stemming from various hardware components and game engines. While FLM is a significant step forward in making advanced latency measurement tools more accessible, it is important to note that without a sensor on the display, it cannot determine the exact time when the result is reflected on the screen. Further testing will be required to assess its accuracy and overall utility compared to other available tools.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
