Fraps – Real-Time Video Capture & Benchmarking Tool
If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to record gameplay, take screenshots, or track your PC’s performance, Fraps has been one of the most trusted tools for years. Developed by Beepa™, this lightweight Windows application quickly became a favorite among gamers and content creators for its ability to deliver smooth, high-quality captures without unnecessary complexity.
With its real-time benchmarking, instant screen capture, and reliable video recording features, Fraps earned a reputation as an iconic software in the gaming world. Whether you wanted to measure FPS, grab quick in-game shots, or record long gaming sessions, Fraps offered a straightforward and dependable solution that set the standard for game recording tools.
What is Fraps?
Fraps is a universal Windows program designed to work with any game that uses DirectX or OpenGL graphics technology. Even though its last official release was Fraps 3.5.99 (February 26, 2013), it still remains a favorite for gamers who want straightforward recording and benchmarking without unnecessary complications.
Here’s what can do:
- Benchmarking Software – Display real-time FPS (frames per second) on your screen, run custom benchmarks, and save results to disk for reviews or comparisons.
- Screen Capture – Take instant screenshots with a hotkey. Each image is automatically named and timestamped, saving you the trouble of pasting into an editor.
- Realtime Video Capture – Record high-quality gameplay videos with ease. Fraps supports resolutions up to 7680×4800 and custom frame rates between 1 to 120 FPS. Whether you’re making tutorials, Let’s Plays, or Machinima-style videos, Fraps ensures top-notch quality.
Key Features of Fraps
- Real-Time FPS Display – Monitor how many frames per second you’re getting in real time, with the option to save detailed benchmark results.
- Custom Benchmarking – Measure performance between two points in your game and export results for analysis or reviews.
- Instant Screen Capture – Capture screenshots at the press of a hotkey. Images are automatically named and timestamped for convenience.
- High-Quality Video Recording – Record full-motion video with resolutions up to 7680×4800 and frame rates from 1 to 120 FPS.
- Audio + Video Capture – Simultaneously record system audio and microphone input for commentary while gaming.
- Simple Hotkey Setup – Start or stop recording, take screenshots, or track FPS using customizable hotkeys.
- Uncompressed Video Quality – Videos are recorded in outstanding clarity, making them ideal for editing or archiving
System Requirements
- Works on Windows XP, 2003, Vista, and Windows 7
- Requires Administrator rights
- Supports all modern CPUs (Pentium 4 and above with SSE2)
- Performs best with NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics cards
Why Gamers Loved Fraps
For many years, Fraps was the standard tool for recording gameplay thanks to its simplicity, stability, and high-quality output. While modern alternatives exist today, still holds a nostalgic place in the gaming community and remains useful for lightweight screen recording and benchmarking tasks.
You can try the free version of Fraps with limited features, or register to unlock the full version with unrestricted video recording.
Final Verdict:
Fraps may no longer receive updates, but it’s still a classic tool for benchmarking and game recording. If you’re running older Windows versions and want a no-fuss recording solution, continues to deliver solid performance.
