diff --git a/piker/ui/_curve.py b/piker/ui/_curve.py
index 26016342..df4d64e5 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_curve.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_curve.py
@@ -342,9 +342,9 @@ class FastAppendCurve(pg.GraphicsObject):
         if (
             # std m4 downsample conditions
             px_width
-            and uppx_diff >= 2
-            or uppx_diff <= -2
-            or self._step_mode and abs(uppx_diff) >= 2
+            and uppx_diff >= 4
+            or uppx_diff <= -3
+            or self._step_mode and abs(uppx_diff) >= 4
 
         ):
             log.info(