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    XPS 1645 constant in game stuttering(not throttling)

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Whatisandnever, Dec 2, 2010.

  1. Whatisandnever

    Whatisandnever Newbie

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    I've had my XPS1645 for 10 months now with no stuttering/throttling issues. During the last week a problem has arisen where EVERY game that I play no matter the resolution or graphics settings, the framerate will drop every 30 seconds or so for about 5 seconds.

    It doesn't matter what graphics settings are chosen, for example playing dead space at maximum settings will run smoothly then a framerate drop/mircostutter will occur for 4-5 seconds then the game will continue running smoothly.

    This will even occur playing a 10 year old game like deus ex.

    I have tried everything to resolve this. This is NOT the common throttling issue that these computers have as both the temps for GPU and CPU are well within limits(both under 80c under gaming loads). I even ran throttle stop to double check and it still occurred.

    Does anyone have any ideas what it could be?

    My specs are

    Dell XPS1645
    core i7-720QM
    BIOS A12
    130W power adapter
    ATI 4670

    all hardware has latest drivers/etc. Did a total reformat and re instillation.

    Thanks for your time!
     
    Whatisandnever, Dec 2, 2010
    #1
  2. wankel

    wankel Notebook Consultant

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    wankel, Dec 2, 2010
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  3. sprtnbsblplya

    sprtnbsblplya Notebook Deity

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    Did you do a recent driver or bios update that may have changed something?
    Maybe the prior driver/bios was working better?
     
    sprtnbsblplya, Dec 2, 2010
    #3
  4. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    Throttlestop only monitors CPU throttling, try using GPU-Z with the 'refresh in background' and 'log' options, and see if your GPU is throttling. It shouldn't be if the temps are under 84C, but you never know. Also, you could try going back to BIOS A09, that one seems to work best with the 4670.
     
    seeker_moc, Dec 2, 2010
    #4
  5. Whatisandnever

    Whatisandnever Newbie

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    Thanks for the replies. I have tried with the A09 Bios and older 4670 drivers before and it didn't work. I will try the other two suggestions and see how I go.

    Nightmare that I buy this laptop and Dell go and refresh the XPS series 2 months after.
     
    Whatisandnever, Dec 3, 2010
    #5
  6. Whatisandnever

    Whatisandnever Newbie

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    Tried the win7 i7 fix to no avail. Just finished logging with GPU-Z. Something is wrong, the GPU load wavers from 0 to 100. This is what the figures look like during this constant stuttering. The stuttering started after playing Aliens Versus Predator for about 1 minute.


    Does anyone have any ideas?
     

    Attached Files:

    Whatisandnever, Dec 4, 2010
    #6
  7. gaband27

    gaband27 Notebook Guru

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    Why not call XPS support and see if they can remote fix it or check/fix any hardware issues that may be causing this for you. Worst case scenerio they fix the problem after many phone calls and or hardware fixes. Best case scenerio you get a new XPS 15 if they are unable to fix your problem to your satisfaction. Sounds like a win/ win to me. Why struglle to fix a problem that shouldnt be happening in the first place. Let them deal with it while your still under warranty.
     
    gaband27, Dec 4, 2010
    #7
  8. DuranXL

    DuranXL Notebook Evangelist

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    Your GPU is downclocking as well. Are you use you are using A09? For some reason it won't got above 84 which is the throttle limit on other bioses.

    Try connecting an external screen while gaming. I cannot game with the LCD up either
     
    DuranXL, Dec 4, 2010
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  9. hifiger

    hifiger Notebook Enthusiast

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    Clean your heatsink, I had exactly the same and I dissassemblied the exhaust and cleaned sh%$ from the heatsink. There was a small layer that was blocking the air flow.

    You have probably the same issue, I have my 1645 for 10 months now

    hifiger
     
    hifiger, Dec 4, 2010
    #9
  10. Whatisandnever

    Whatisandnever Newbie

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    Your solution worked hifiger. That was the problem, a layer of dust blocking the heatsink. Thanks a million for the advice everyone. I will have to live with this comp and its ty thermal design for a couple more years yet.
     
    Whatisandnever, Dec 5, 2010
    #10