Delayed responsiveness within video games has been a persistent issue for many years.
Delayed responsiveness within video games has been a persistent issue for many years.
Hello, for a long time I've experienced a problem: in demanding games my frame rate is generally stable (often exceeding 60 fps), yet my responsiveness becomes severely delayed. This isn't consistent across all titles—for instance, Counter-Strike shows minimal lag, but games such as PUBG and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 become nearly unplayable due to the excessive input lag. Here are my system specifications:
CPU: Intel Core i7-6700k
GPU: GeForce GTX 1060
RAM: 16GB
PSU: 650 Watts (approximately)
Monitor: Acer H236HL
NVIDIA Control Panel Settings: [http://] [http://]
Recently, I increased my GPU’s clock speed slightly, and this significantly improved performance in Overwatch. However, I still require lower resolutions to play games like Apex Legends somewhat acceptably, due to the persistent input delay. It’s worth noting a few additional points: occasionally setting my maximum frame rate to 60 fps reduces input lag in specific games, though this isn't always effective. Titles such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Dark Souls 3, and Monster Hunter World run very smoothly with no noticeable lag—perhaps due to superior optimization or because they aren’t strictly frame-rate dependent, making the delay less apparent. I plan to update this post further if any new information arises that could offer a solution.
I would be very grateful for any assistance you can provide.
You’re investigating the issue in the incorrect locations. Input delay is frequently attributable to the display and/or your input devices. However, I've conducted extensive research and haven’t been able to locate any tests specifically measuring input lag for that particular monitor. Furthermore, numerous purported reviews are suggesting a minimal delay simply because of the monitor’s 5ms response time, and several are mistakenly conflating response specifications with input lag figures—the former measures the duration it takes for a pixel to shift color between shades, while the latter indicates the interval between when an action is initiated and its visual representation appears on screen.
Regarding input devices, wireless controllers are often the source of lag problems, although monitors tend to exhibit lower delay than televisions—unless a television is utilizing a “Game Mode” setting which suppresses significant processing.
There are a few methods to assess this, starting with the simplest. If you have wireless controllers, try connecting them via a cable to see if the delay decreases. Alternatively, borrowing an input lag test monitor from a friend—one that is a widely recognized model with low latency—would be beneficial, but it must be a common model.
Frag Maniac:
You’re investigating the wrong areas. Input delay is typically linked to your display and/or input devices. However, I’ve thoroughly investigated and haven't located any tests specifically measuring input lag for that monitor. Even worse, many purported reviews suggest the input lag is minimal simply because of its 5ms response time, and some are mistakenly equating response specifications with input lag specifications—the former measures the time it takes for a color change on a pixel, while the latter indicates the delay between when you use a control and when it appears on your screen.
Regarding input devices, wireless controllers often exhibit input lag problems, although monitors generally have lower delay than televisions—unless the television is using a “Game Mode” that disables significant processing.
There are a few ways to check for this, starting with the simplest: if you have wireless controllers, try using them connected via a cable to see if the lag improves. Alternatively, borrowing a monitor from a friend that’s known for low input lag would be helpful but requires using a common model.
My controllers are all wired, and I’m satisfied with their response time in both my desktop computer and various games. Therefore, I don't believe the problem lies with the controllers themselves. I’ve also tested several mice and encountered the same issue. Unfortunately, I lack access to another monitor for testing, making it difficult to definitively rule out the monitor as the source of my difficulties. I’ve long suspected that my aging monitor—which I acquired in 2014—might be the culprit, but I lack sufficient evidence to justify purchasing a replacement.