: Why is the frame rate suddenly dropping?
: Why is the frame rate suddenly dropping?
Hello,
I haven't used my laptop much lately, but after starting Apex Legends, I observed that the frame rate fell significantly from 20 to 90 fps, whereas I usually reached 120 to 200 fps on this machine.
I've updated all drivers and run Windows Update. I checked for overheating issues, but nothing stands out.
A benchmark in 3D Mark Timespy Extreme showed normal results.
My question remains: are there other factors affecting the performance drop?
Is Apex Legends just a tough game, or could there be another reason behind this issue?
I've attached a screenshot from the game displaying FPS, temperatures, and usage stats in the upper left corner. The second image is the benchmark outcome.
Regarding the laptop, it's equipped with a GTX 3080 Mobile. A detailed spec sheet is included. The CPU is an i9-10900K with a 4.4GHz core clock.
screenshots
The goal is to identify what the system is attempting or performing when the frame rate decreases. It should also return to its normal performance levels concerning FPS. Begin by checking Task Manager and Resource Monitor. Use one tool at a time, keeping the window open for observation. Observe activities that do not affect the FPS, noting which resources are being utilized and the percentage of usage. After that, leave the tool window active and then run a game or similar activity that causes a drop in FPS. Look for any changes. The graphical interface is likely most useful—hopefully it will display an immediate peak or dip matching the frame rate fluctuations. Additional tools exist: Process Explorer (Microsoft, free) offers more details but requires more time and effort to interpret.
I looked for any program that might be affecting the lower frame rate, but didn’t find anything.
Screenshots from the game and 3DMark
I verified that the appropriate GPU is being utilized during play — everything appears normal. The temperatures remain within safe limits, preventing clock throttling. I suspected the laptop might not be providing sufficient power to both the GPU and CPU, but during 3DMark tests the system consumes around 180 W on average. In gameplay, the GPU draws approximately 66 W while the CPU uses about 65 W, leaving enough power headroom.
What’s notable is that FPS remained stable when the CPU ran at 4.4 GHz and then at 2 GHz. Interestingly, at a lower CPU clock speed, I achieved roughly 10 FPS higher performance in the same area.
The only plausible explanation seems to be that the VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) reduces power delivered to the GPU when the CPU draws more current. Once the CPU exceeds 20 W, FPS starts to decline. It appears, specifically in Apex Legends, that the VRM is restricting the total power available to the laptop.
Anyone else have another theory about why this laptop’s performance has dropped so much?
For reference: when the laptop was new, I achieved 14,111 points in 3DMark Time Spy, whereas now I’m barely at 11,520 points.
My current BIOS version is 1.07.09RTR6.
I’d really appreciate any suggestions, as I’m running out of ideas. I’m using Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) for CPU overclocking — perhaps you can suggest a better tool.
I’ve attached screenshots from 3DMark and in-game tests.