What Are 1% & 0.1% Lows

**Understanding 1% Lows: A Deeper Dive**

In the world of gaming, frame rates are often used as a metric to evaluate the performance of graphics cards. However, this approach has its limitations. One common method is to use the minimum and maximum frame rates achieved in testing, which can be misleading. This approach fails to account for the variability within these ranges and does not provide an accurate representation of the user's actual gaming experience.

A better approach is to analyze the slowest 1% of frames in a game. By doing so, we can identify the truly problematic frame rates that are likely to impact gameplay. These low-value frames are often referred to as "1% lows," and they provide a more accurate representation of the system's performance.

**The Importance of 1% Lows**

When testing graphics cards, it's essential to consider not just the average frame rate but also the slowest 1% of frames. This is because these low-value frames can be just as problematic as lower average frame rates. If we look at a graph showing the minimum and maximum frame rates achieved in testing, we may see values that seem reasonable or even impressive. However, if we focus solely on these averages, we risk overlooking the fact that these high values are outliers.

In contrast, analyzing 1% lows provides a more comprehensive picture of the system's performance. By looking at the slowest 1% of frames, we can identify potential issues that may not be immediately apparent from average frame rates alone. This approach helps to ensure that our assessments are accurate and reliable, providing readers with a more complete understanding of the system's capabilities.

**Real-World Applications**

The use of 1% lows has significant implications for real-world gaming applications. For example, when testing games like Assassin's Creed or Black Ops, we may see truly unacceptable low frame rates that can impact gameplay. In these cases, a graphics card with lower performance may be preferred over one with higher average frame rates.

In such scenarios, the difference between 8 and 24 milliseconds per frame becomes crucial. At this point, even small variations in frame time begin to become perceptible to human eyes, affecting the overall gaming experience. It's essential to consider not just average frame rates but also the slowest 1% of frames when evaluating a graphics card for gaming performance.

**Inside the Second: A Comprehensive Guide**

For those interested in learning more about this topic, I recommend checking out Scott Watson's article, "Inside the Second." This in-depth piece delves into the world of frame times and provides an excellent explanation of how these values are calculated. By understanding the intricacies of frame time measurement, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of 1% lows.

**Converting Frame Rates to 1% Lows**

In our channel, we've refined Scott Watson's core concept into something that's easier for our audience to understand and visualize. We take the traditional frame rate versus time chart and convert it into a more accessible format: one-percent lows. This allows readers to easily compare different graphics cards and evaluate their performance in a more comprehensive way.

By analyzing 1% lows, we can gain a clearer understanding of the system's overall performance, rather than relying solely on average frame rates or traditional minimum and maximum values. This approach provides a more accurate representation of the user's actual gaming experience and helps to ensure that our assessments are reliable and trustworthy.