Resolved: Multiple game titles exhibit poor frame rates, extended loading durations, and intermittent pauses.
Resolved: Multiple game titles exhibit poor frame rates, extended loading durations, and intermittent pauses.
Approximately two weeks ago, I discovered that my existing video games were exhibiting performance issues—low frame rates, noticeable stuttering in both audio and video playback, and extended loading times. Specifically, Dirt 4, Grid Autosport, and Project Cars 2 are now experiencing these problems, despite previously running smoothly on my laptop for many months or years. I’ve attempted numerous solutions, including updating all drivers (utilizing DDU to completely remove previous installations and testing both NVIDIA reference and Dell-specific drivers), uninstalling the Xbox app, resetting my BIOS, updating BIOS settings, performing a clean boot, disabling the sound card—none of these actions have resolved the issue. I’ve also reverted Windows updates to a date in mid-February. Reinstalling Windows remains my final attempt before proceeding with that option. The games are configured to use the GTX 1050 through the NVIDIA control panel. Task Manager indicates that no resources are being heavily utilized, and in fact, the graphics card appears to be operating below its maximum capacity.
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (Version 17134) (Build 17134.rs4_release.180410-1804)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: XPS 15 9560
BIOS Version: 1.12.1 (UEFI)
Processor: Intel Core i7-7700HQ @ 2.80GHz (8 cores, ~2.8GHz)
Memory: 16384MB RAM
DirectX Version: DirectX 12
Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 630, GeForce GTX 1050
Audio Card: Realtek
You’ve attempted a great many solutions. I commend you for your diligence thus far.
I haven't observed temperature readings in your message.
Please download and install HWInfo64 to track temperatures during periods of inactivity and while performing tasks that generate high CPU load.
https://www.hwinfo.com/download/
You might consider utilizing MSI Afterburner’s on-screen display to observe real-time metrics while playing games, including CPU and GPU usage, frequencies, temperatures, and memory consumption. Enable the relevant statistics features.
Could you please tell me how much free space remains on your primary drive, where Windows is located?
You've made a considerable attempt. I commend you on your efforts thus far.
I haven’t observed temperature readings in your message.
Please install HWInfo64 and check temperatures while the system is idle and under heavy load.
https://www.hwinfo.com/download/
You could also utilize MSI Afterburner’s on-screen display to monitor performance while gaming, displaying information such as CPU and GPU usage, frequencies, temperatures, and memory consumption.
Could you please let me know how much free space remains on your primary drive where Windows is installed?
Tracking temperatures won't provide significant insight, as laptop processors typically maintain elevated operating conditions. Instead, focus on observing CPU clock speeds, as the system frequently reduces processor speed to avoid overheating. It’s also advisable to monitor both graphics card and integrated graphics utilization to confirm you're not attempting demanding gaming tasks on the built-in graphics processor. Finally, a common and readily apparent issue is a potential problem with the hard drive – if you haven't specified its brand, it’s possible it has become loose from its connection, resulting in prolonged delays when Windows attempts to re-establish communication.
I appreciate your feedback. My MSI afterburner monitoring showed that my graphics card temperature reached a peak of 66 degrees Celsius during Grid Autosport. The GPU’s memory consumption fluctuated between 75 and 1420 units, while the central processing unit’s clock speed remained constant. The GPU core frequency varied between 139 and 1645 MHz, and the GPU memory clock speed ranged from 405 to 3504 MHz. My storage device is a solid-state drive with 331 gigabytes of free space.