Observing stuttering and lagging on a strong PC during every game, particularly Fortnite
Observing stuttering and lagging on a strong PC during every game, particularly Fortnite
I own a system roughly two years old featuring a 9900k, 2080Super, 32gb 3200 RAM, and M.2 SSDs for game storage (with ample extra space). For the last year, I've experienced microstutters in nearly every game I play. Valorant still runs smoothly, while Fortnite consistently underperforms. While some games remain playable, most exhibit at least a bit of stuttering. Recently, I've adjusted Fortnite settings (even though it's not a game I play much), hoping improvements might help other titles. On DX12 and performance mode, I face constant stutters. In DX11, I see fewer but still significant freezes lasting 1-2 seconds per match. Other games like The Cycle have less stuttering but still suffer from occasional major freezes during intense moments.
My temperatures appear normal, though I lack extensive experience with monitoring tools. My CPU is liquid cooled. I've modified in-game settings, altered NVIDIA configurations, disabled G Sync, and experimented with V-Sync methods (turned it off in-game). I've also explored BIOS tweaks such as disabling EIST and Speed Shift, enabling/disabling XMP, etc., but found no resolution. Recently, I attempted Intel Game Boost to optimize performance, yet it didn't resolve the issue. I've disabled HPET and Windows Root Enumerator per online advice, but nothing changed. I've also tried reverting GPU drivers to stable versions recommended elsewhere, without success.
I'm on Windows 10, which is up to date. I observe that frame times increase sharply during stutters, though this might be expected. My GPU and CPU usage remain moderate during these events—some games only utilize my GPU at around 60%, which seems unusual. A friend who repairs and optimizes PCs suggests there could be a hardware problem. However, I'm hesitant to deal with hardware myself and consider hiring someone or visiting a repair shop. After completing summer classes, I was eager to enjoy gaming, but this issue threatens that experience.
I also use my PC for music production, which requires significant CPU power. While my DAW software rarely stutters, it does during intense projects. I haven't experienced performance drops when working on music, but the problem is most noticeable in games. I haven't performed a fresh Windows install, as losing music plugins would be costly and time-consuming to recover. With over 100 plugins installed and no saved licenses, I'm unsure if I can afford to risk further damage.
Lastly, my system's performance has been gradually declining. Adjusting NVIDIA settings feels slow, possibly due to a laggy startup for the settings window. It seems my system was more responsive before stutter issues began. My suspicion is that a hardware component—perhaps the PSU or motherboard—is failing. Although I don't have the specs, I know the PSU is a Seasonic Focus 850W 80+ Gold, which may be adequate. Testing it would require professional intervention, and replacing it might be necessary.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and hope you can offer any guidance. My goal is to resume gaming without constant interruptions.
Here are the details you requested.
The situation seems to involve a potential hardware issue, possibly with the power supply unit or motherboard. I’m not sure of the exact specs, but I recall the PSU was costly and likely rated around 800W.
Turn off the system, unplug it, and open the case.
Retrieve the PSU and motherboard specifications and share them.
If needed, enlist a knowledgeable family member or friend to assist.
There’s no reason to avoid seeking help.
Understanding the specifics is crucial.
Check the Reliability History and Event Viewer for any error codes or warnings during stuttering.
Task Manager or Resource Monitor can also provide insights when the problem occurs.
I located the email from when I placed the order for the PSU – it was a Seasonic Focus 850W 80+ Gold power supply. At first, it seemed fine, but I might have made a mistake. How should I test whether this PSU is the problem? I don’t have any other PSUs to try, and I’m not confident in swapping one myself. If I can confirm the issue, I’d probably need someone else to handle the replacement.