Something I've thought the same for a while now, turning down one setting in many games will heavily increase performance while looking basically the same.
I like how Overclock3d.net does this @ 1440p in their newer reviews.
https://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/software/mass_effect_andromeda_pc_performance_review/5
And most time its only one or two of the settings (usually shadow / lighting) that are the major performance hits and textures and similar are small perf hits. So DIY setting modification can give excellent visuals for great performance