Frames Per Second Lag

[Dannyy]

I play a game called GunZ (if you haven't heard of it, it's a 3rd person shooter)

And basically, I usually have a pretty stable 300-450 FPS, but recently my FPS has been dropping to around 30/40, making it almost unplayable.

These FPS drops occur randomly, so I don't know what's causing them.. They usually last for about 3-5 minutes, then go back to normal.. and then happen again about 5 minutes later.

All my graphics drivers are up to date (I'm using a Nvidia GeForce 8400GS)..

I used the task manager to see whether any of my processes are higher than they should be, but 99% of my CPU is free at ALL times.

When I come out of GunZ, everything is fine, youtube videos are normal etc. so it only happens in game.

If anyone has any ideas, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.

[5NIPER_WOLF]

Did you install any new hardware or software recently? if so what is it and try uninstalling it.
update all other drivers (CPU, Software etc)
Make sure your anti-virus or firewall is not blocking the game
And scan for any viruses/malware
Post all your system specs too and DXdiag report.

[Dannyy]

[5NIPER_WOLF]

All looks good, just follow the rest of my reccomendations

[Dannyy]

Originally Posted by 5NIPER_WOLF

All looks good, just follow the rest of my reccomendations

Im not too good with computers.. could you help me with updating my "other" drivers, please?

[Dannyy]

idk if this means anything...

[RockmasteR]

in you first post you said you get 300 to 450 FPS
it's impossible
even 30 to 40 fps is very playable
are you using any FPS programs like Fraps?

and also the screenshot you posted (speedfan)
shows that your GPU and CPU are very very high
maybe you should try a software other then Speedfan
try SIW (system information for Windows) you can find it in my signature
download it and open it
it contains everything your PC have

under hardware choose sensors and make a screenshot and post it here

but I think your PC is having a heat issue
so post back that screenshot

[Dannyy]

Originally Posted by RockmasteR

in you first post you said you get 300 to 450 FPS
it's impossible
even 30 to 40 fps is very playable
are you using any FPS programs like Fraps?

and also the screenshot you posted (speedfan)
shows that your GPU and CPU are very very high
maybe you should try a software other then Speedfan
try SIW (system information for Windows) you can find it in my signature
download it and open it
it contains everything your PC have

under hardware choose sensors and make a screenshot and post it here

but I think your PC is having a heat issue
so post back that screenshot

It's not impossible, gunz runs at very high fps compared to other games.

I use both Xfire and fraps to determine my FPS.

In gunz, 300-450 is very normal.. some people get 1000+ FPS.

But 30FPS in gunz is VERY unplayable with high graphics.

[RockmasteR]

ahh, that's better, much better

ok it seems that your video card temps are bit high
is your Video card have a fan? or is it fanless?
if it has a fan download rivatuner from my sig
install it
open it, under target adapter choose customize and choose the video card picture and press enable low-level fan control
restart your PC
after windows restart relaunch rivatuner and do as before now set the fan to 80 % that will speed your fan

also a question, do you have a fan installed on the side case of the desktop?

if not open the side case a bit and let the air flow inside for about 30 mins and you will notice that the video card temps will drop down

[Dannyy]

Originally Posted by RockmasteR

ahh, that's better, much better

ok it seems that your video card temps are bit high
is your Video card have a fan? or is it fanless?
if it has a fan download rivatuner from my sig
install it
open it, under target adapter choose customize and choose the video card picture and press enable low-level fan control
restart your PC
after windows restart relaunch rivatuner and do as before now set the fan to 80 % that will speed your fan

also a question, do you have a fan installed on the side case of the desktop?

if not open the side case a bit and let the air flow inside for about 30 mins and you will notice that the video card temps will drop down

idk if my video card has a fan.. all i know is that it's a Nvidia 8400GS

and no i dont have a fan installed on the side case.

EDIT: do i need to turn my computer off when I open the side case?

[RockmasteR]

turn off your PC remove the side case (and check your video card if it has a fan or just a heat sink)
and then turn it back on (keep the side case open)
play some games for half-hour then recheck the temps again
and see if the video card temps has lower a bit
everything below 75 is perfect
the 8400 can take heat up to 100, but when it reaches the 80s it'll start to slow
so it's better to keep the temps under 75
remember to keep your PC in cool area, if it's under a desk, just keep a distance between the fan and the wall

[Dannyy]

Originally Posted by RockmasteR

turn off your PC remove the side case (and check your video card if it has a fan or just a heat sink)
and then turn it back on (keep the side case open)
play some games for half-hour then recheck the temps again
and see if the video card temps has lower a bit
everything below 75 is perfect
the 8400 can take heat up to 100, but when it reaches the 80s it'll start to slow
so it's better to keep the temps under 75
remember to keep your PC in cool area, if it's under a desk, just keep a distance between the fan and the wall

Ok I followed your instructions..

the computer has been on for 5 minutes and is already at 82 degrees...

Btw yes I keep it under a desk and its usually close to the wall, ive moved it away from the wall now though..

the side is open, but as i said.. 82 degrees after 5 minutes.

EDIT: after 10 mins its back to 94C,

how can i tell if my video card has a fan?

i dont even know what my video card looks like :P

[Dannyy]

Ok, I put a fan (like those ones u get in offices that cool u down when its hot) next to the open computer... the temp has dropped from 100 to 73 in about 6/7 minutes.

The video card doesn't have a fan, but my dad says he can get one from work.

The fan next to the computer isn't a long term solution! Any other ideas?

[RockmasteR]

you can get a PC Fan for your side case

or maybe you can get a new PC case that has a good air circulation

I think Mcninjaguy can help you here with choosing a case, he's good with these stuff

[Dannyy]

Originally Posted by RockmasteR

you can get a PC Fan for your side case

or maybe you can get a new PC case that has a good air circulation

I think Mcninjaguy can help you here with choosing a case, he's good with these stuff

how much would a pc fan cost?

how much would a new case cost?

how much would a video card fan cost?

[5NIPER_WOLF]

Thermaltake DuOrb is an perfect video card fan.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...768&CatId=4027

Cooler Master Elite 341 is a case with TWO side fans
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...&Sku=C283-1207

Not a PC fan but a processor fan, very good though.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...550&CatId=1187

[Tiber Septim]

Just thought I'd point out that the +12v rail on your power supply is very weak at 10.87v.
This may not be the cause of the problem here, but it will definitely do some damage if left for a long time.
You may want to replace it as soon as possible.

Also, make sure you computer is clear of dust. You can use a can of compressed air to clean it out.
Make sure cables are tied back so airflow through the case isn't hindered.

[Dannyy]

Originally Posted by Tiber Septim

Just thought I'd point out that the +12v rail on your power supply is very weak at 10.87v.
This may not be the cause of the problem here, but it will definitely do some damage if left for a long time.
You may want to replace it as soon as possible.

Also, make sure you computer is clear of dust. You can use a can of compressed air to clean it out.
Make sure cables are tied back so airflow through the case isn't hindered.

I only just got my power supply replaced 3/4 weeks ago >.<

And by tied back do you mean all tied together or all tied together and to the inside of the case?

[Mcninjaguy]

whats your current PSU?
I'll give you a couple choices but I need your Motherboard since if its a micro ATX or ATX size motherboard some cases will be able to hold your motherboard

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$75
3 x 120mm fans (1x front, 1x side, 1x rear)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119137

Antec 300
$60
1 x 120mm rear fan and 1 x 140mm top fan (2 front slots for 2x 120mm fans)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129042

yea Tiber means that you should have the cables tied back especially if the case doesn't have enough fans for good cooling

[5NIPER_WOLF]

Actually you can't just tie the cables together, you have to make sure they are all out of the way. I tried tying all my cables together and it made the heat problem worse, as there are now huge lumps of cable blocking the fans so I left them untied. I suggest tying them and taping them to the side of the case.