Question Random Frame Drops/Stuttering in MW2
Question Random Frame Drops/Stuttering in MW2
This problem has persisted on my system since the game's release. Upon initial launch, the first round of TDM or similar drops excessively, then occasionally returns to a stable 60 frames with infrequent drops. The installation is on a 4TB Seagate Barracuda hard drive, which is approximately one year old. I’ll provide my system details below. I’m uncertain what might be causing it. I assumed the issue was related to overclocking, so I reset everything except the XMP profile and GPU fan curve settings. I also performed a fresh Windows 11 Pro installation without success. I attempted all versions—522.25, 526.86, and the current 526.98—each time running Display Driver Uninstaller first. Game settings in MW2 don’t appear to resolve the issue either. Has anyone encountered a similar problem and found a solution? I’m trying to maintain a consistent 1080p60 playback.
Specs:
i5-8600K (Stock Clock/Voltage) with 240MM watercooler and custom fan curve. Never exceeds 60°C.
MSI Z390 MPG Gaming Plus (Latest BIOS) with 16GB DDR4 (8GBx2) TeamGroup TForce, default XMP enabled.
MSI RTX 2060 Super Ventus GP OC 8GB GDDR6 (Stock clocks/voltage) with custom fan curve. Never exceeds 65°C.
Samsung PM961 256GB M.2 storage.
Seagate BarraCuda 4TB ST4000DM004.
800W PSU (brand unknown but 80+Gold rating). Used since 2017.
My UserBench Results:
MSI MPG Z390 GAMING PLUS (MS-7B51) Performance Results - UserBenchmark
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
800W PSU (Don't remember the Brand but it's 80+Gold) – I've had it since 2017 with my previous build.
You'll need to check the make and model of the unit. Physically remove the side panel and look for the stickered information.
Can you tell me the BIOS version you're using right now, instead of just saying "latest"?
Also, verify if your SSD has any pending firmware updates via Samsung's Magician App.
I tried reimaging it with a fresh Windows 11 Pro copy but didn't succeed.
Are you referring to a cloned OS or resetting the system?
I had to remove the PSU completely to view the label. It's a High Power HPL-800BR-F14S, 800W 80+Bronze. BIOS version E7B51IMS.1E2, built on 10/12/2022. The Magician doesn't seem to like my SSD; all values are marked N/A and it has no functionality. Full model number is MZVLW256HEHP-000H1. Windows was installed fresh via a Windows 11 install USB using Media Creation Tool, and the SSD was formatted completely. It's running 22H2 and is up to date with all Windows updates.
The age of the PSU is unknown. Regarding the issue you mention, it appears to be specific to MW2.
PC games on the PC are not well optimized. It's a frustrating experience even with high-end hardware, and spending too much time fixing it can be pointless. I recommend adjusting your Windows power settings and Nvidia Control Panel power settings to the maximum for better performance, and see if that improves things. If not, try running the game at the lowest graphical settings and gradually increase them while identifying the issue step by step.
I've used the PSU since getting it in 2016 or 2017, though I can't recall the exact year. It's not used every day, and not all sessions have pushed it to its limits. The stuttering occurs in BF2042 too, but it clears quickly and stays resolved, unlike in MW2 which happens intermittently. These are the only two games I've played regularly. In the past, it also happened in Fortnite sometimes.