M18x Skyrim Performance/Problems/General Discussion Thread

Maybe your RAM in not pnp and you need to select a XMP profile in the BIOS to make it work @1866.

As for the fans, that's how Dell implemented it this time, only at about 45C it goes to silent mode

 

I'll check the profile when I get home later today to see if that fixes the problem.

The fan issue I've sorta given up on. My m17xr2 fans work flawlessly. They run silent when idle, slowly speed up with rising temperatures, and speed down instantly when exiting a program. My m18x fan speed under manual control using speedfan only has low and high.

 

That's because there's only low and high, hehe. Looks like Dell decided to use less thresholds for fans this time around. I actually like it that way.

 

It seemed a little strange to me, I expected my m18x to be a larger m17x with faster hardware only, but there is quite a few things changed. For instance, I can control each of the 3 fans on my m17x independantly, but my m18x seems to have a left gpu fan, and the right gpu fan plus the cpu fan running together. This isn't a problem but compared to my m17x it seems a little less refined.

 

Yeah, it looks simplified compared to the M17x fan control. But as far as reliability goes, after owning a M17xR1&R2, I more than impressed with the M18x. Aside some QC issues like loose connectors, scratches, etc, the long term reliability is outstanding. After 8 months, I haven't had a single problem.

 

I deffinately like the build quality of the m18x over the 17.

Another thing that slightly bugs me. I seem to have a problem running windows aero with other 3d apps running as well. I read another post on this subject but I didn't find a real solution. Some games or 3d apps will cause me to get an error from windows aero sayings my pc is running slowly, would I like to turn aero off. I have never seen this issue on my m17x. Launching some programs seems to take longer on my m18x as well, and I'm using 2 120gb intel 320 ssds in raid0 vs a 7200rpm hd in my m17x. For example, launching the heaven benchmark. My m17x will instantly launch the program into the loading screen. My m18x will show a black screen for about 10 seconds, then show the program actually loading. The time until the program launchs is very close, I'm just not sure why my m18x wants to show a black screen for short time before launching. I see this same issue with games and wonder if it has something to do with the windows aero error message.

 

I haven't noticed anything like that. The system is blazing fast and every app is launched instantly. It's seems there's an underlying problem with your beast, probably software related. I'd do a complete reinstall with the latest drivers from Dell, except video (go with the 12.2 preview). I'd also run hardware diagnostics, just in case.

 

can we please stay on topic?

 

Back to topic, do you guys notice that sometimes when loading maps in Skyrim, you can see the objects being drawn slowly, it takes about 5 sec to see the map fully loaded? Happens with every driver BTW.

 

my problem is really bad stuttering indoors or in a cave system within first person, i play with a wired 360 controller and thought that might be it.....
im getting really sick of it and might make a youtube video so i can show everybody the problem..... same thing with bf3, when i turn quick theres stuttering ONLY on the hud, (map and ammo display).... and it only happens with 360 controller... not mouse and KB.....was thinking about getting a razer wired controller to see if it fixes it...

 

I'm using a wireless xbox 360 controller for windows, seems ok to me - I dont have any stuttering whilst using it. If you upload a video, I can compare if you like.

 

As mentioned above, it should be your graphics card mostly, I do use a ps3 controller conected via bluetooth and i get no problems either.

 

Just updated the game to patch 1.4, and WOW! Before its stuttering and doesn't have stable fps even on lowest setting (jumping around 30-60), now its CONSTANT 60fps with high settings! I will try Ultra tonight, but I'm pretty sure it will run butter smooth with 1.4 patch =]

(2670qm, 6990m CF with 12.2 Preview)

 

Does skyrim even support xfire? Does the new 12.2 driver have support for the game?

 

I have 12.1 driver and yes XFire is supported.

 

Sitting at 45-50fps in game, all settings on ultra with new texture pack loaded from steam. Seems strange that sli is not working though. My second card after playing for an hour never broke 50c, main card was at 70. Using 285.62 drivers. Maybe this a known issue, game is still smooth with only 1 gpu.

 

Sli seems to work just fine for me. After gaming, both cards show max temps of about 72c. Maybe you could try reinstalling your discrete drivers or updating them to the latest ones from nvidia.....

 

Running perfectly on Ultra with HD pack / 60fps running latest nvidia beta drivers and SLI runs fine

 

I just did a fresh install last night. For some reason there is no skyrim profile for sli. In fact, it won't even let me create one. Gonna try reinstalling drivers.

 

i also just switched to 12.2 yesterday, ran skyrim in a window (720), skyrim does not use the 2nd card, and first gpu only goes 20-30 % and sometimes 70-80%

 

I believe crossfire only works in full screen?

After reinstalling drivers, sli is working for me now.

 

ran it with the cap profile in 12.2, and im getting 30-50% on both gpu's now, but i still get stuttering in first person.

 

Did anyone find a fix or better drivers for the first person stuttering problem?

 

Thanks for sharing the info. I am quoting your post in the Skyrim thread since is seems most applicable there.

 

So this is my first post because after looking around i could not find an answer. So heres my problem i got a M18x with 580m sli and i cant seem to get good fps on skyrim my specs are
i7-2670QM @ 2.20 ghz
580m sli
4 gb ram

 

Welcome to the forums!

You're right, there is a problem there. I have 6990 CrossFire, which is said to be slightly weaker than 580M SLI. I run the game at 60fps with every graphic option set to maximum.

I can offer a few suggestions:

Make sure you're plugged into the wall. (Sorry, have to say it)
Make sure you're Windows performance setting is on 'Performance'.
Make sure you're running on the discrete GPUs, and not the integrated crap.
Make sure you don't have a bunch of settings jacked all the way up in Catalyst Control Center. Just use the default settings until you've got things figured out.
Download and install HWInfo32. This will tell you the temperatures of your GPUs, and also tell you if they're both going to 100% usage. If one (or both) of the the GPUs is not getting warm and going up to nearly 100% usage, that could be an issue.
Once you're in Skyrim ALT+TAB out of it, and then ALT+TAB back in. I have to do this sometimes.
If none of this works, please provide a benchmark of some sort (3DMark '11, etc.), so we can analyze it.

Keep us updated.

 

Could this be a RAM issue? I know that with nothing interesting running my RAM usage is at about 3.11GB on Integrated, shoots up to 5-6 when I have Origin/Steam/TriXX and a game open using the discrete GPUs

 

Yeah, better add RAM usage and background programs. Good idea, TheMacs. At any rate, there's obviously something amok. Even a single 580M should give a pretty enjoyable gaming experience.

 

ive seen videos of people with one 580m same processor run it on ultra no problems so there is defiantly something wrong. i am running windows 8 but i highly doubt that has any thing to do with it.

 

Neither of us suggested the processor was an issue. If you're using the new Windows 8 driver that may well be the issue if we can rule out lack of RAM. I've never seen anyone with less than 8GB of RAM with an M18x so I still think that's the main issue here.

That said, just "having low fps" in Skyrim is a pretty vague issue when you don't give us much to go on. As it stands right now your issue could be caused by the Windows 8 Nvidia driver, or a lack of RAM.

Did you try any of TurbodTalon's suggestions?

 

well i was very wrong and the problem appeared to be windows 8 so my suggestion to someone wanting windows 8 is wait for better drivers to come out

 

Well I just got this huge problem. Earlier this day I was playing skyrim with my Alienware M18X with high settings. No problem at all, and then I updated the drivers. Then bam, suddenly my Alienware cannot even handle skyrim even at the low settings. What is going on??? I have a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M Please help here? I tried reinstalling doesn't work at all.

 

I also tried AlienRespawn still doesn't work.

 

Switch back to your older driver and see if the performance is back. New drivers are not always better

 

As the poster above said, roll back drivers and if that doesn't work try to Alt+Tab out and back in. That sometimes fixes FPS issues.

 

I just discovered that you can only play the latest 3D (the new ones like Skyrim, Battlefield 3) games with the power supply plugged on to the Alienware M18x. Because without the power supply, it wouldn't play games properly because the AMD and NVIDIA cards will stay in low power state while running on battery power and will not run 3D games because the clock speeds are too low.That's normal right?

 

ಠ_ಠ

Yes, it does indeed lower performance while not plugged in

 

Sorry it was my first time to buy a laptop.

 

Turn of VSync by putting iPresentInterval=0 in the skyrim.ini file under [display]. This will also put extra load on the GPU making it run hotter.

The stuttering problem can easily be explained. I have it too and it happens when framerates drop below the refresh rate of the screen. Especially when the time needed to render a frame is near 1½ the time between screen refreshes. If the refresh rate of the display is 60 Hz, this will mean that the screen is updated alternatingly between 30 and 60 fps because around 50% of the time frames are ready to be shown on the next refresh otherwise it's missed and no update takes place. When this happens you'll notice the annoying screen stutter, especially when playing with a gamepad and you're turning the character around at a constant pace.

Tools like FRAPS might still show the in-between values like 45 or 50 fps, but those are average values within a certain time span. They are never true when VSync is enabled on a 60 Hz display.

If there's a way to lock the framerate at 30 fps the game feels much smoother, because it doesn't alternate between lower and higher framerates. Hopefully Bethesda implements an option to limit frame rates in their code.

I've read about a program named DXTory that can limit framerates, but I've never used it.

 

You guys really gotta check out the latest ENB mod for Skyrim, included is my comment and some adjustments I have made to make it playable with my configuration:

Sharpshooters Extreme Graphics Vision ENB - good performance at Skyrim Nexus - Skyrim Mods and community

I have to say that it is a bit better performing than Superb, maybe by 10 FPS but I still have a pronounced stutter regardless of the framerate, and another problem, some odd looking shadow related glitching that may be a result of incompatibility between CBBE 3? (fixed, see below)

I'm in an experimenting kind of mood, will deleting d3d9.dll alleviate the stutter?

Other than that I am truly torn between playing the game without this ENB and no stutter and coping with pronounced stutter and this ENB, this ENB just looks good enough for me to even contemplate it as I absolutely deplore the stutter.

Another question, is this mod CPU or GPU dependent? (assuming GPU) Cause I still have some headroom on my CPU. GPU's are about as clocked as they're going to get without crashing on .92V

Rig in question:

Alienware M18: i7 2960xm, 580 SLI, 16GB RAM, 500 GB 7200 RPM SSD Hybrid, Killer Wireless. Everyday stable clocks Vantage 29,019 GPU (800 shader/750 memory .92V) A05 BIOS OC-44/44/44/44

Post Script/Update:

I've reduced the AA from 8 to 4 which seems to have alleviated the stutter a bit, it is eminently playable now and I must say absolutely gorgeous, AND better performing by about 10-15 FPS over Superb.

Also the shadow glitch disappeared with a reload.

No success with removing d3d9.dll, it will not work without it.

All settings Ultra (except shadows: high), Anisotropic x16, AA x4, 1920x1080. Whiterun 45 FPS, Outside Whiterun 50 FPS, Markarth 37-45 FPS, etc. GPU's max temps: 73 and 76 C.

What I have done to accommodate my personal settings with Realistic Lighting is to refrain from adding the realisticlighting.ini included with this ENB into the Data folder and just kept RL activated. So far so good.

I really cant express how beautiful this mod makes Skyrim, great work, also much credit goes to the makers of Superb, particularly Sung9335 for their help. Fantastic job, endorse!

Post Post Script:

Oh and I can see underwater!

Post Post Post Script:

Triple Buffering helps with the stutter!

 

I've been having some shutdown issues that I dont know whether to attribute to a recent ENB mod or overclocking, although I believe it is the latter. Has anyone had issues with the system shutting down with Throttle Stop?

More: http://www.overclock.net/t/1166840/skyrim-pc-shut-down-reboot/10


In reference to the issues I have been having, I disabled C1E in ThrottleStop and still got a shut down within about 10 minutes, I dont believe it is a thermal issue as I have had the chance to check temps before this happens before and they are only in the mid to high 70's. Not sure if this is a PSU issue either, right now I have wattage set to 150 W short in throttle stop but it has happened even at 120 W, and again it isnt as though that much wattage is even being drawn.

More: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/578609-m18x-2920xm-2960xm-cpu-overclocking-discussion-110.html

UPDATE: Problem may be resolved, see below (the problem may likely have been high GPU clocks):

http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=15105

@Kyokushinoyama

"Sounds like GPU overheating or powerthrottle function...
Are your Gpu (s) OCed ?
Running Nvidia or AMD ?
Wich drivers ?
Set AF from ENB to false if you're using AF from GPU
Set Limiter from ENB to false if using vsync from GPU"

Thanks for help, yes GPU's are OC'ed but I haven't experienced this issue of Total System Crash for hours upon hours until I got a crash in game while experimenting with 45x multipliers via ThrottleStop on two cores (45,45,44,44).

I have since reverted to previous settings and have even played with Throttle Stop not even running and it still happens. So I have tried loading saves that occurred before the initial crash thinking that maybe the crash altered the .ini files of that save and all others past it. No it still crashes.

So I reverted to a relatively mild OC on GPU's. (580 SLI: 800 shader/750 memory) Still crashes.

It isnt an issue of GPU heat, they don't get over 73 C which is not considered hot in a notebook.

Also AF and Vsync are set to "let program control" via Nvidia Control Panel.

I am on 301.10 (Nvidia) but experimented with a reversion to the official 296.10 whql and problem persisted, back on 301.10 as it is better performing.

I have done quite a bit and now I am going to try deactivating all mods and uninstalling and reinstalling game completely and reactivating mods, only thing stopping me is that rather laborious requirement of having to change U-Grids from 7 to 5 first:

http://www.geforce.co.uk/optimise/g...uaranteed-to-make-your-game-look-even-better/

I think I will, sadly deactivate this ENB before I completely uninstall the game though, I say sadly because this is how Bethesda should have made this game and now it will feel as though I am stepping down to playing it on a Playstation 2. Using this mod really allowed me to get back into Skyrim. I hope that Bethesda is hearing this and releases an official patch that accommodates this particular mod and addresses the "Total System Crashes" that others are having, a phenomenon not entirely related to this mod yet one that I think was introduced by it in my particular case as I have never experienced it until using this mod.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1166840/skyrim-pc-shut-down-reboot

http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/456889-skyrim-complete-pc-crashes/

The problem is, I have made multiple changes in my GPU and CPU clockspeed/multiplier and throttle configuration relatively shortly after initially installing this ENB (with the intent of curing some of the slowdown and stutter) so I can't confidently attribute it to this mod, but while trying to narrow down the potential sources I have reverted to previous GPU and CPU configurations that allowed me to use the ENB without the "Total System Shutdown" and it still persists.

My system:

Alienware M18x: i7 2960xm 2.7 base 4.4 Ghz turbo, 580 SLI, 16GB RAM, 500 GB 7200 RPM SSD Hybrid, Killer Wireless. Everyday stable clocks: 800 shader/800 memory .92V) A05 BIOS OC in conjunction with ThrottleStop- 44x. Vantage 30,140

UPDATE: Good news first, I reduced the OC on GPU's to default (620 shader/750 memory) and no more "Total System Shutdowns"! I didnt play extensively, but it lasted well beyond the 15 minutes or so that I usually would get them, and I believe this is the culprit. This is a relief somewhat, but now a moderate stutter was reintroduced with the default clocks. Trying to find a happy medium, I am using a mild OC now (750 shader/750 memory).

Is it not possible to use ANY OC with this mod? That would be quite unpleasant, is there a way to change it so that it is OC friendly? Thanks.

UPDATE: It is possible to OC GPU's with this mod, but not as much as other games, it has survived some pretty intensive on screen action with a mild clock (Nvidia 580 SLI) of 750 shader/750 memory, whereas before it was at 800 shader/800 memory.

This is the only game that cannot take the higher clocks, I have no problems with Crysis 2, The Witcher 2, Batman AC etc.

Will continue to monitor and report back but I do believe that the culprit was high GPU clocks.

 

Did you get this resolved, Brother Vulcan?

 

For ENB users, what's the difference between using ultra settings in options and high settings in terms of visuals?

 

I don't know if its the game itself or whatever but I have no mods or tweaks in place but if I OC my gpu's, even with a small OC it will freeze up at some point - generally when lockpicking it would just freeze and become unresponsive requiring a hard shutdown. I havent tried any OC on it for some time but might see if its still causing issues as since I last had the problem, I have re-installed everything and started from scratch.

 

So anyone has ENB can answer my confusing question?

 

Specifically with the ENB mod, I think its hard to say since there are so many different profiles out there at the moment, all of them have their own brand of 'High/Ultra'
Usually DOF, or SSAO is switched off, and AA/AF on some of the other ENB's that support it.
It took me ages to find a profile that properly supported DOF and CF, did you have a similar problem?

 

Check out this ENB guys! Think I am going to try it, will report back, the developer is only on one desktop 680 overclocked to 1200, assuming memory:

Watch this: Skyrim with RealVision ENB V1.3, tweaks, and max settings looks insane | News, Videos | PC Gamer

Ｆｉｎｄ　ｉｔ　ｈｅｒｅ： RealVision ENB at Skyrim Nexus - Skyrim mods and community

 

Hey Vulcan, I am using a modified one of that ENB. Some screenies for ya. I'm wrapped with Skryim again

 

Wow, it looks impressive, what kind of framerate are you getting? I am currently using a 'Skyrealism ENB Evolved' that i favor over 'Sharpshooters ENB' but the DOF effects in RealVision seem more robust, I think I will try it, even though it can be a hassle switching back and forth in between ENB's. I am also hoping to improve my framerate, with ENB Evolved I am averaging 50 FPS outdoors, this is with the GPU's clocked at 900/1050, the most they can remain stable at with .987 V.

The developer has some other good mods that I would check out, some of which I already have, 2k textures, flora/fauna overhaul, HD NPC textures etc.

I am using Realistic Lighting Overhaul, hope this ENB is optimized for this and not Climates of Tamriel.

 

Getting a solid 60fps. I'm not likely to change EBN's because I spent so much time getting one going that supports CF without the sky or lights flickering and broken DOF.
You could tell... Have the nVidia camp had trouble with DOF and SLI ?