Looking for help with a stuttering problem in Crusader Kings 3
Looking for help with a stuttering problem in Crusader Kings 3
Hi,
My PC setup includes:
Ryzen 9 5900x
Radeon 6900XT
32 GB RAM at 3600MHz
Windows 11
1440p@165MHz
850W power supply
I’m experiencing a severe stuttering problem in the game Crusader Kings 3, especially when running one of the total conversions mod (A Game of Thrones). I checked their Discord and found that only a few users report similar issues, with most saying the game runs better without the mod since it’s smaller than the base version. While the base game works smoothly for long periods, the mod causes lag to appear suddenly after short play sessions and doesn’t disappear.
At first, I suspected the issue was due to insufficient RAM (16GB). The game was using nearly all of it—around 90% utilization. Upgrading to 32GB didn’t fix the problem; in fact, the game continued to consume an unusually large portion of my memory (about 20 GB after just five minutes). Initially, I used four 8GB G.SKILL Trident Z Royal modules, but they caused a BSOD and failed memory tests. The new Corsair Vengeance 2 x 16GB modules passed initial checks and are currently under RMA.
I also searched online for this game and found it affects only a small percentage of users. I reinstalled the game, moved it to a different drive, updated BIOS, refreshed motherboard drivers, disabled unnecessary services in msconfig, and turned off Malwarebytes. Using MSI Afterburner showed my CPU and GPU usage stayed low, with temperatures never exceeding 75°C. My GPU clock would drop to lower frequencies during stutters, sometimes to just two digits or zero. I tried AMD Adrenaline to lower the GPU’s minimum frequency but it didn’t help.
I’m trying to figure out what’s causing this so I can enjoy playing the mod in a game I love. It’s puzzling whether it’s my RAM, GPU, or something else. The high memory usage is a clear warning sign, but I’m unsure why it’s happening. Is my GPU downclocking during stutters? My drivers are up-to-date, and I’ve tried many solutions and fixes from the game’s forums and Discord without success.
This is what I’m facing, and it gets worse. Here’s a link for reference: https://streamable.com/acpq9r
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
which graphics configurations are you employing?
try lowering the settings to see if performance improves
are you installing the game on a HDD?
to investigate possible issues:
visit userbenchmark.com and share the link of your test, for example:
https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/28977730
reset the BIOS using a jumper (CLR CMOS or JBAT) or similar (you’ll need to adjust boot priority later)
verify system integrity in Windows
launch the command prompt as administrator and execute DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-open-an-...pt-2618088
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...e...5b60477a93
perform a clean boot
check memory using memtest.org with an autoinstaller USB
examine the hard drive for errors via its manufacturer’s tool and update firmware if needed
use ddu uninstaller and reinstall the newest graphics driver
Hi,
I run at the highest level but haven't managed to improve by adjusting settings. I first installed it on an NVME SSD, then reinstalled it on another SSD. I only have one HDD and use it just for storage. I'm going to try the other suggestions you mentioned once I get home. Thanks.
My userbenchmark outcomes:
https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/67798685
During the attempt to execute the cmd command, I encountered this message:
"The identity string is malformed. This may be due to a trailing comma, more than two unnamed attributes, missing attribute name or missing attribute value."
Tried using DDU in Safe Mode and reinstalled my drivers. Still no success.
do you mean this string?
sfc /scannow
or this
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
consider lowering the refresh rate and resolution to 1080p @60Hz
follow the recommendations from the previous post:
CK3 frame rate was previously acceptable but has now dropped permanently to an unplayable level in the game and even in the menu. please assist.
i have spent about 35 hours on CK3 so far, and the frame rate has remained stable overall—generally high when zoomed out, occasionally dropping below 30fps when zoomed in, but never under 25. however, i loaded the...
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