Game issue began, causing stuttering with frame drops and audio problems.
Game issue began, causing stuttering with frame drops and audio problems.
I'm not an expert, which is why I'm here. I'm not even sure if I'm in the right place.
My system is outdated; the graphics card is older, but it was functioning perfectly until recently.
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home
Version: 10.0.26100 Build 26100
System Type: x64-based PC
Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-10700F @ 2.90GHz, 2901 MHz, 8 cores, 16 logical processors
Memory: 16.0 GB RAM installed
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB)
Game: Call of Duty Black Ops6, both Multiplayer and CoD Warzone
Issue: The game appears to lag in frames, causing stuttering, dropped frames, and distorted audio. It doesn't seem to be network-related; the graphics freeze and sound becomes muffled. I've tried updating drivers, switching to a different NVIDIA driver, and adjusting in-game settings, but nothing resolves it.
I've invested 800 hours into this game, yet it's becoming increasingly difficult to play.
It might be my ten-year-old card, but it worked well until recently—possibly after a recent update. I've had some discussions with Activision, but no progress. If you can share more details or footage, it would help.
I'm also curious if this is similar to the issue in Battlefield 2042, as I've installed that game and it's now showing SecureBoot not being enabled. That part is confusing to troubleshoot.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
OS Name Microsoft Windows 11 Home
Version 10.0.26100 Build 26100
System Type x64-based PC
Processor Intel® Core™ i7-10700F CPU @ 2.90GHz, 2901 Mhz, 8 Core(s), 16 Logical Processor(s)
Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 16.0 GB
GPU NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.
My GPU drivers are up to date. I've tried swapping to NVIDIA's studio driver, that didn't help. I temporarily rolled back to a different driver I knew as stable from a previous driver-based issue, wasn't that.
Use DDU to remove all GPU drivers(intel, AMD and Nvidia) in Safe Mode, then manually install the latest GPU driver sourced from Nvidia's support site in an elevated command, i.e, Right click installer>Run as Administrator. To add, Studio Drivers were meant for professionals who use their Nvidia GPU for productivity reasons. In your instance, you're using the card for gaming, not productivity so Game Ready drivers would've sufficed.
CPU:
Intel® Core™ i7-10700F - 8-Core 2.90GHz, 4.80GHz Turbo - 16MB Cache (No on-board graphics)
CPU cooler:
Cooler Master Masterliquid Lite 240 Liquid Cooling System w/ 240mm Radiator, Extreme OC Compatible
Motherboard:
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WIFI: ATX w/ RGB, Wi-Fi 6, USB 3.2, 2x M.2
Ram:
16GB (2x8GB) DDR4/3000mhz Dual Channel Memory
SSD/HDD:
250GB Seagate Barracuda 120 2.5" SSD - 560MB/s Read / 540MB/s Write (OS installed here) game installed here:
Seagate BarraCuda 4 TB Internal Hard Drive HDD
GPU:
Nvidia GTX 1060 6gb
PSU:
Cooler Master MWE 550W 80+ Certified Gaming Power Supply
Chassis:
Cooler Master MasterBox Q500L Mid-Tower Gaming Case
OS:
Microsoft Windows 11 Home Version 10.0.26100 Build 26100
Monitor:
AOC, older, 27 inches, model uncertain
BIOS version for your motherboard at this time
PSU age included as per request
If you are indeed on BIOS version 1.20;
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-Z490...FI/support
then you have BIOS versions pending update. I'd advise making sure your chipset and MEI drivers are to the latest version as well as your OS, then flash the BIOS to the latest version.
In case you're confused about what BIOS version you're on, you can use CPU-Z and see what's listed under the
mainboard
's tab.
I've executed the DDU and adjusted most of my game settings. It seems better, though it's not a permanent fix. It's currently set to version 1.20. I'm planning to try it out later, but I'm worried about its impact on my PC's performance. Could this change be affecting my graphics?
I thought that could be the situation, similar to what I say, the card is 10 years old! Maybe I should look for some money for something more secure in the future. I disabled VRAM usage in the game so it consumes less than the 6GB it used before, when it was at full capacity. I just wanted to eliminate other possibilities first; I don't think I can afford a new card, so I need to delay it as long as possible, unfortunately.