Why is my game freezing or stuttering? I have tried everything.
Why is my game freezing or stuttering? I have tried everything.
I will begin by detailing the current build specifications.
Motherboard: Asus Rog Strix x370f gaming
CPU: ryzen 5 2600 - Stock AMD cooler
GPU: NEW Powercolor Red Devil RX5700
RAM: TeamGroup 16GB 4x4gb Vulcan T-Force DDR4 PC4-24000C16 3000MHz Dual Channel Kit
PSU: NEW Antec 700W Plus VP700P Power Supply, 80 Plus
Storage: 1x TeamGroup 240gb SSD 1x Kingstone 500gb SSD
SCREEN: Toshiba 43L1753DB 60hz
Over the past year, I have been playing Ark: Survival Evolved. Initially, the game ran without problems for several months. At that time, I was using a Powercolor RX580 GPU and a Kolink ATX C600 PSU. Subsequently, I experienced in-game freezes that lasted between 5 and 30 seconds, without any crashes. I reduced graphics settings to minimize these freezes, which offered some relief but did not eliminate the issue entirely.
This year, with my new PC for one year, I upgraded the GPU, believing that the GPU was operating at 100% while the CPU only utilized 30%, suggesting a bottlenecking issue. I purchased an RX5700, based on an online bottleneck calculator's recommendation for my Ryzen 2600 CPU. I used DDU to install the new GPU drivers.
The problem persisted, with in-game freezes continuing as before. Consequently, I initiated a troubleshooting process and attempted all of the following:
New GPU
New PSU
BIOS update
Experimented with every graphics setting level, from low to epic, without success.
RAM check - completed, no errors
Full Windows reinstall – all files and programs erased from both drives.
Full game reinstall
Drivers updated
CPU and GPU temperatures were consistently between 50-60 degrees Celsius.
Game was stored on an SSD, as I do not possess a hard drive.
SpeedTest speed check: WiFi 20-30Mbps and Ethernet extension plug 40Mbps to the PC.
The new GPU now runs ARK at 80% utilization, with CPU usage around 40%. Despite all these tests and reinstalls, the freezing issue persists – freezes occur in-game for 5-30 seconds; background programs continue to function.
Is there anything I have overlooked? What further steps can be taken?
This is my first PC build and has been challenging.
UPDATE: Played Fortnite online without issue, indicating a problem specific to ARK.