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    m17x: Mass Effect got...worse?

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Timbydude, Oct 23, 2009.

  1. Timbydude

    Timbydude Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey all,

    I played Mass Effect a month or two ago on my machine and it ran on maximum settings with absolutely no framerate troubles. For some reason, now it experiences severe framerate lag on the same settings; I have to take everything down a couple notches for it to work properly.

    I know that it's not the end of the world, but I'm concerned that my computer is somehow getting weaker. Any tips? Thanks!

    P.S. No, I'm not in stealth mode, and my graphics cards are set the right way too.
     
    Timbydude, Oct 23, 2009
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  2. Turmoil

    Turmoil Notebook Evangelist

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    A couple of things here, run Spybot or any other spyware removal tool. Also, get a program called CC Cleaner to get rid of junk files, or unused reg entries.

    You will also want to check the processes you have running in the background.

    Last but not least, buy a can of air and clean out your fans.

    More than likley, its junk files/programs that are slowing your OS down causing the game to run slower.
     
    Turmoil, Oct 23, 2009
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  3. GabeZ

    GabeZ Information Technology

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    Hi Timbydude,
    Is there any chance that your power plan switched from "High Performance" to another setting. This would definitely cause a decrease in performance. Also, make sure and have your computer plugged in when you try to run Mass Effect. A lot of users either unplug the computer while using it or simply boot without it plugged in. Although you may not be in stealth mode, you may be running off the 9400 by accident.

    Thanks,
    Gabe
     
    GabeZ, Oct 24, 2009
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  4. Timbydude

    Timbydude Notebook Enthusiast

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    Actually I just figured out the problem.

    Protip: XFire makes games run significantly slower.

    Seriously, it was tanking my Mass Effect to sub-20 fps where it now goes 60+ (max settings, max resolution).

    Thanks for the help, though, everyone!
     
    Timbydude, Oct 24, 2009
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