[Assistance] Significant FPS decreases in GTA 5 on a capable PC.
[Assistance] Significant FPS decreases in GTA 5 on a capable PC.
Greetings everyone.
I apologize in advance for any shortcomings in my English; I am from France.
While I recognize countless similar discussions exist, I felt compelled to raise this specific issue as I’ve experienced it consistently.
For the past three months, I routinely played Grand Theft Auto RP daily without encountering any difficulties. However, over the last two weeks, my ability to play has severely diminished. Here’s what's happening: suddenly, my frame rates are struggling to maintain 30-40 FPS in most areas, and I experience frequent drops – approximately every three seconds – to 5-9 FPS.
During gameplay, my CPU temperature reaches around 95°C, whereas my GPU remains at approximately 70°C. Notably, my CPU usage is satisfactory, yet my GPU utilization consistently hovers at a mere 5% while running Grand Theft Auto on ultra settings – this is exceptionally concerning.
My system specifications are as follows:
GTX 1080
i7-7820HK CPU 2.90GHz
16Gb RAM
It’s worth noting that I'm using an Acer Predator 17X GX-792 laptop.
The issue appears to be isolated to Grand Theft Auto, as I primarily play other games—such as League of Legends—which perform flawlessly at 120 FPS, even with high graphics settings. Previously, I played Grand Theft Auto for three months without modifications to my hardware or software and always utilized maximum settings, including anti-aliasing (FXAA, MSAA, TXAA) and 1080p resolution. Now, even with testing Direct X 10 instead of Direct X 11 and disabling anti-aliasing, I still experience significant frame drops.
I’ve diligently updated all my drivers (using GeForce Experience) and attempted both disabling and re-enabling G-Sync, with no improvement. Similarly, V-Sync (both adaptive and non-adaptive) has proven ineffective. I even completely reinstalled the game, but the problem persists.
I’m genuinely at a loss and seeking assistance to resolve this issue.
Operating this device, particularly in warm environments, can lead to thermal throttling due to rising temperatures. While the CPU’s maximum temperature is 100°C, a margin of error should be considered when readings are close to this level.
Consider using a laptop cooling pad if you frequently use it in hot conditions. However, before purchasing one, ensure you have the most recent 1080 driver installed, selecting the version appropriate for your specific laptop model. A cooling pad is beneficial when gaming on mobile devices, such as while traveling, as it can restrict airflow by resting directly on your lap.
It’s also recommended to select the “Perform clean driver install” option during installation.
Utilizing this device in warm environments, particularly during summer months, can lead to thermal throttling due to increased heat. While the maximum temperature this CPU is designed for is 100°C, a margin of error should be applied to temperature readings when it approaches 95°C.
Consider utilizing a laptop cooler pad if you frequently game in warm conditions. However, before purchasing one, ensure you've installed the latest 1080 driver – selecting the correct version for your specific laptop model is crucial. A cooling pad can be a worthwhile investment when gaming on the go, such as while traveling, as placing it on your lap can obstruct intake vents and draw heat from your body.
It's also advisable to check the “Perform clean driver install” option, which will remove existing drivers. Verify that your laptop is actually utilizing the 1080 graphics card instead of its built-in HD630 graphics.
Even if you believe the 1080 is already being used, it’s beneficial to confirm this within your settings. Many laptops automatically select the appropriate graphics card based on the running program. For optimal performance, it’s preferable to manually configure your laptop to use the Nvidia graphics card globally. Then, for power-saving purposes or when running background applications like audio players alongside games, set those programs to utilize the HD630 graphics – as demonstrated in the video link below.
A frequent occurrence when gaming on battery power is that games may automatically switch to the HD630 when battery levels are low, using the default Auto setting. Despite this, Grand Theft Vehicle V can perform adequately with the HD630 graphics at Normal settings and 720p resolution, running at approximately 25-30 frames per second. With 1080 settings, it could potentially achieve single-digit frame rates as you indicated.
See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTbbG7QBDig
Pay particular attention to the video’s conclusion, where he discusses maximum battery life – this can reduce performance and diminish graphical quality. It’s consistently recommended to play graphically demanding games while connected to a wall outlet for guaranteed visual quality and unrestricted gameplay time.
Please share your experiences with this method; it could significantly assist others facing similar difficulties, given the prevalence of laptop gaming.
Honestly, I cannot choose a different graphics card; my only available option is the GTX 1080, and that’s it.
[Screenshot]
This was taken using Lightshot, and you can view it here: prnt.sc
Furthermore, I typically play games at my home console, so my computer will always be running on 100% power.
Your computer’s integrated graphics, the HD630, is already included. If you aren't observing these settings, it could be turned off within your computer’s firmware or a related configuration. However, this feature should generally appear in your system settings.
https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/...0-ghz.html
I’ve previously accessed the system BIOS and discovered no relevant information... perhaps I overlooked something…
Could you assist me in determining if this is indeed the root cause? I’ve conducted online research, but I am confused and unsure of how to proceed.
You should examine your laptop’s download section and download and install any necessary drivers. Only update the BIOS as a final measure, and only if you’re certain it's required.
https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/su...t/7032?b=1
Before obtaining drivers from the GX-792 link, check Device Manager to see if any devices are displaying a yellow exclamation mark [!]. This signifies that a driver is not currently installed.
There are numerous methods to open Device Manager in Windows 10.
https://www.isunshare.com/windows-10/7-w...ws-10.html
I believe it’s preferable to have the options available within the Nvidia Control Panel rather than disabling integrated graphics in the BIOS, particularly if that’s the situation and you weren't aware of it. Many systems today utilize automatic settings in both BIOS and the Nvidia Control Panel that could inadvertently reduce graphics performance.
If you’re unsure about any of these steps, don't hesitate to reach out to Acer for assistance, particularly if your laptop is still covered by warranty. If lower-level technical support representatives aren't providing satisfactory answers, request assistance from a senior employee.
Look for Telephone Support (the first number listed)
https://www.acer.com/ac/fr/FR/content/service-contact
I have updated all of my graphics drivers. Also, a user on another online forum mentioned that on certain laptops utilizing G-Sync, the integrated graphics processor – specifically the Intel HD Graphics 630 found on my i7-7820HK – is typically deactivated at the point of purchase.
I suspect my difficulties are primarily due to overheating, as my processor reaches +95°C within five minutes of gaming. I’m unsure how to proceed. To address this, I've purchased the following item:
https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B019IU5...UTF8&psc=1
I'm optimistic that this will resolve my issues.
Certainly, a laptop cooling accessory can be quite beneficial. Although modern laptops incorporate improved internal fan systems, dust accumulation within the heatsinks is common over time. For certain laptop models, instructional videos demonstrating disassembly are frequently available; however, initially, it’s worth assessing whether a cooling pad provides sufficient relief.
Your computer’s performance is being limited, so avoid gaming at that temperature—it could damage it. League of Legends isn't a demanding process for the processor, which is why it’s operating smoothly. Perhaps your portable device requires a cleaning to remove dust and the application of fresh thermal paste to your central processing unit.