8600M GT Stuttering Fixes

Prelude
Ok, so over the past week there has been a huge rise in "stuttering" or "frame skipping" discussion about the 8600M GT on this forum. I'll admit most of these posts and threads are either by me or Orochimaru. My obsession with my laptop and a lack of a life has driven me to insanity over finding the root cause of this issue. Here I will share my knowledge with you. If you have any other fixes please list them and I'll add them to the list.

Introduction
The issue at hand is stuttering. Some have referred to this as frame skipping. There is a simple test for this to know for fact if you have this problem. Load up your favorite game, (a newer fps works best). Find a wall in the game and strafle left and right of the wall. If you see what seems to be missing frames or missing animation then you have the problem. This problem is not limited to the 8600, I have found reports of it existing on the 8800 and the 7900 as well. So these fixes may help you as well if you are using one of these cards.

Warning
I take no responsibility for the listed fixes. Perform these fixes at your own risk. All of them have been tested by me and have not harmed my computer but I cannot guarentee the same result to you. Also note that not all of these will help you. I have compiled this list based on other people's "word." If someone has listed a fix and said it helped them then I have listed it here. Also I take no credit for any of the listed fixes. I have compiled them from across the internet from various people. So I do not take credit for any of these.

Universal OS Fixes
BIOS Update
It's highly recommended that you keep your BIOS updated for improved performance. You can update your BIOS by going to your OEM's website and searching for drivers for your system.
Toshiba Users have noted that this completely resolved their stuttering-frame skip issue.

Dirvers
Keep your drivers up to date. The 163.44 drivers for Nvidia cards really improved gaming performance. 163.69 Have shown to build on that even more.
Drivers: http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/
Installation Instructions (XP): http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=33
Instalation Instructions (Vista): http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=11997

Driver Cleaner
I strongly suggest using this program before installing new drivers.
Download and Instructions: http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=745

CCleaner
I love this program. It cleans your registry and cleans up ... well crap!
Site: http://www.ccleaner.com/

Defragment
You should defragment often. I would suggest defragmenting every week and even after installing a new game. Vista does this automatically for you but XP users need to do this manually.
Make XP Defrag every week: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/tips/defrag.mspx
Defrag WiKi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_Defragmenter_(Windows)
Video Help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG2KR2fpQaY

Set up Page-File
Page file is basically RAM on your Hard Drive. In other words, Windows will set aside section of space on your HDD and use it like RAM. Keep in mind that page-file is not as fast as official RAM but it definitly helps. The general formula for deciding your page file size is (RAM * 1.5 = Page File).
Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_memory
Video Help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOnGgCGeT2Y&mode=related&search=
The above video *should* work for Vista and XP
Apply the Fix:
-Start
-Right Click My Computer
-Properties
-Advanced
-Performance (Settings)
-Advanced
-Change
-Set your Initial Size according to the above formula.

Hard Drive Performance Mode
Now it would be impossible for me to give everyone exact instructions on how to set this option. This could potential be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing so follow the below instructions very very carefully. Inside your BIOS are several settings for you HD. You want it to be in Performance mode. You can only do this in the BIOS.
-Restart your computer
-On your OEM's logo (Dell, Toshiba, HP etc)
-Hit F2 (yours may be different. on the OEM logo screen it should list which button to press to get into BIOS or Setup mode.)
-When the BIOS is loaded
-Use your arrow keys to go down to performance
-GO to HD
-And select Performance mode
-Exit and accept changes
(DO NOT MAKE ANY OTHER CHANGES UNLESS YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING)

Windows Vista
-UAC
Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_Account_Control
Apply the Fix:
-Locate the game's .exe file.
usually located in C:\Program Files\ (game name or game producer)
-Right click the .exe
-Select run this program as adminstrator

-XP Compatiability Mode
Info: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/appcompat.mspx
Apply the Fix:
-Locate the game's .exe
usually located in C:\Program Files\ (game name or game producer)
-Right click the .exe
-Select run this program in XP Compatibility mode

-Vista Updates
Original Source: http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2177716,00.asp
Vista like every other peice of software floating out there was not released in a perfect pristine condition. It has errors (like this guide). Microsoft however does stand behind their product and occasionally releases updates that will fix some of the most common issues. Below are four patches that you should download wether you're a gamer or not. As a littlle side note many of us are hoping that when SP1 is released in Q1 of 08' many of these issues will be fixed.
Compatibility and Reliability Patch: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/938194
Performance and Reliability Patch: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/938979
Virtual Address Space Patch: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/940105
Sli-Crossfire/DX10 Patch: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936710
The above links provide a download to the patch and instructions and guidelines on installing.

RAM
It is suggested that you have a minimum of 2GB of RAM if you intend to game on your Vista platform. I have listed below a nice little guide on Dual Channel RAM by PowerPack. And a link to newegg.com a great place to buy computer hardware.
Dual Channel RAM GUide: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=167472&highlight=RAM+guide
Newegg: http://www.newegg.com


Windows XP
Dual Core Fix
I'll let Gophin handle this one.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=60416


Nvidia Options
Before you begin this section I strongly suggest you download the latest drivers and download a program called RivaTuner because you will need it for some of the below fixes.
RivaTuner 2.04: http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=163

Negative LOD
This has become a sure all fix around the forum here and I strongly suggest you try this one. This is thanks to Orochimaru.
Original Thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=170763
-Right click your desktop
-Click Nvidia Control Panel
-Manage 3D Settings
-Texture Filtering - Negative LOD bias
-Set it to Clamp
-Apply and close

Vsync Prerender Limit
I highly recommend this one as well.
-Start RivaTuner
-Go to driver settings
-Direct3D Settings
-Vsync
-Prerender limit
-Set to 2 or 1 or even 0

Threaded Optimization
Some have said this helped but did not completely solve the issue. I however noticed no difference and feel that if you have a dual core processor then you should keep it on. If however you would like to try and set it to off then go for it.
-Right Click on Desktop
-Click Nvidia Control Panel
-Manage 3d Settings
-Threaded Optimization
-Set to On or Off depending on your preference
-Apply and close.

Triple Buffering
I came across one guy he noted this helped his stuttering/frame skip issue. He suggests you download a program called DXTweaker but I have an alternate method you can however try both.
Original Post: http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showtopic=9547&hl=frame+skip
Alternate Method:
-Start
-All Programs
-RivaTuner
-Start D3DOverrider
-Enable Triple Buffering
Program must remain running while you play your games.

Nvidia Settings Instead of Game
I noticed a hgue difference in performance when I disabled Vsync and instead enabled it in the Nvidia Control Panel.
To do this:
-Right click on desktop
-Nvidia Control Panel
-Manage 3d settings
-Vsync
-Force On
-Apply and close
You must disable this in the game or you may run into conflicts.

Games
Also keep in mind that somtimes frame skipping and stuttering issues may not be due to your computer. Sometimes Games have problems. It could be that you have an unsuported Video Card and it causes issues when playing the game. One of these examples would be NeverWinter Nights that has a problem with the 8series cards. Oblivion is another example. There is frame skipping that I have not been able to rid myself of, it has nothing to do with my computer or the settings therefore nothing I can do about it. Although there are sometimes workarounds to fix these problems.

Update Your Games
Games CAN be updated to improve performance. So always download the latest patch before bothering someone because who knows maybe the company has already addressed your issue in the latest patch.

Search Game Forums
You're not the first one that's had your problem. Someone else has probably already encountered the error so google the problem and 99.9% of the time you'll find a fix.


Closing Notes
This guide does contain errors. It was written very quickly so expect errors. Most of this is just common sense. Though sometimes we don't always think of the obvious choices when we need to. I hope that maybe this guide will save you some time and I hope it will help you to correct your stuttering issue. If you have any other fixes to add then please add them also if you see any errors I have made please inform me and I will correct them.

Changes
September 25, 2007 - Added Enchanced details on Vista Updates.

-Taylor

 

Thank you very much for this guide!

Some of the things you suggested seem good regardless of stuttering as well.

 

No problem. I'm glad you like it and I hope it helps you . A majority of this is basic system optimization for gaming. All of them however have been noted as helping with the stuttering issue on the 7900 and 8series cards.

 

My favorite line in your post:

 

LOL now that's some good old fashion humor. That is PROOF that the guide contains errors. I'll re read over it tomorrow and correct some errors... like that one lol.

 

does this apply for 8400GS also? Ive been getting stuttering on BF2 on med settings and I have 2GB which should be sufficient.

Anyway, what about the 'enable write caching disk' & 'enable advanced performance' on harddrive properties- mine keeps on getting reset back to unchecked boxes straight after I check on them and click OK. What's going on!? Is it because I've already enabled it in my Dell BIOS?

 

This applies to all 8series cards. Keep in mind that I've read many people complaining of BF2 stuttering and having a frame skipping issue. This may be one of the games that has no definite fix.

-Ok I just did a quick search on BF2 frame skipping. It seems there's a bug with the ATI Catalyst drivers so that doesn't apply to us. Someone also noted that changing the Vsync prerender limit to 2 fixed the problem.

Are you hitting enter on performance and saving the changes before you exit the BIOS? It's not enough just to select it with the arrow.

If this doesn't solve your issue let me know. I'll try and help you find a fix. I'm not going to bed lol... staying up until walmart opens so I can buy Halo 3. Am I pathetic or what!?

EDIT: Are you on XP or Vista?

 

Hi Odin5578,

I'll re-check the BIOS when I restart next time (in use atm)
I am running Vista - that could be the problem or maybe i should adjust the page file? (complete noob at that)

thanks for your help so far - much appreciated.

 

No problem. I still got 45 minutes until Halo 3 is released here lol. I do recommend you set up your page file. This is one of those things that will help you in almost everything that you do, not only gaming. This is pretty straight forward so don't worry. I'm using XP so I'll give you XP instructions, though there shouldn't be any difference.

Start - RIght Click My Computer - Advanced - Performance(Settings) - Advanced(Change) - Set Initial Page File according to formula.

According to yoru sig you have 2GB of ram so you need to set it to, 3069, hit apply and close.

EDIT: Vista could be causing your stuttering. Have you noticed it in other games or just BF2? At the moment Vista is not the number one choice for gamers, but don't get discouraged SP1 will be released Q1 of 08" just a couple of months away. We're hoping that all of our problems will be solved. Then I'll be switching back to Vista as well . Have you tried the Vsync setting and the Negative LOD fix above? I really think one of those may help you.

 

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/121/untitledua0.jpg

Ok which box do I enter '3069'mb into?

in other words what should I set the inital and max paging file?

 

type 3067 in the Initial Size box. don't set system managed or no paging, then hit apply .

 

one last thing..

so 3067 for initial size box
and 3069 for maximum size box?

 

no no that probably wouldn't be to good lol. 3067 for initial size since from your screenshot that's what Vista is recommending. and I'd say 4092 as your maximum.

 

Well I have been getting stuttering issues in other games such as Quake Wars and Company of Heroes but it's not so bad compared to BF2. Right now I've been tweaking and experimenting on a few things including triple buffering and I just found out that on my nVidia control panel the default setting was multi display mode performance so I reverted it back to single. I'll let you know how things pan out and I'll try those Vsync settings and the Negative LOD fix as mentioned

lol Ok. thanks

 

Multi display setting in the Nvidia Control Panel has been causing FPS issues in Quake Wars. I really hope the Vsync works and the Negative LOD fix has helped alot of people. Just let me know how it all turns out when you get it all tested.

I'm gonna start getting dressed now. Halo3 is released in 20 minutes here. 15 minute drive to town lol. HALO 3 HERE I COME!

 

OK cya later. Have fun with Halo 3

thanks for helping me out - repped!

 

Good news.

Modifying the paging file didn't fully fix the problem but it did help minimize it. It happens less often now. In the end, I can only blame my CPU

Thanks again for your help.

 

Great topic, has some nice suggestions listed

 

Thanks for the guide! My oblivion has less stutter now! (Still will skip some frame when i turn 180 degree quickly but, oh well)

 

You're in the same boat as me. If I figure out how to get rid of the stuttering I'll definitly let you know. Using Vsync on the video card and turning it off in the game is what really helped me.

 

I tried to set the paging files for vista but when i put it in and click ok it doesn't change the setting. It still says 2345 mb. I restarted and it still didn't work.

 

On the window where you set the paging file (I'm going to assume you already know how to get there ), Make sure you select the button that says Custom size then type in Initial Size - 3069 (assuming you have 2GB of RAM) then in the Maximum type 4092, then click Apply then click close.

So:
-Custom Size
-Initial Size = 3069
-Maximum Size = 4092
-Apply
-Close

 

I did that but it just goes back to the default for some reason. Heres what i put:

 

Try hitting Set beside System Managed but don't select it. Your HD is showing that the page file is currently system managed so take that off and hit set.

 

LOL!! I forgot to hit set. thanks for the help.

 

No problem! Glad you got it worked out.

 

Update: I just added more Vista patches. I recommend everyone download these if you havn't already.

 

hey is there anyway of changing the AGP Aperture size on Dell Inspiron notebooks?

 

how where to?

 

Odin's first post... Scroll down to under a heading : Windows Vista updates

 

So essentially with the forced v-sync it is enabling v-sync for all my games? So if one game I need it and other I don't I have to change the setting back to auto?

Also didn't read through the whole thread sorry but how do you set up the page file in vista?

 

If you need V-sync for one and don't need it for another game you will have to manually change the settings before playing that particular game. OR I do believe Nvidia has a game profile setup and you can just setup all of your games, have one set to run Vsync and another not to run it. I'll check it out and see if that's what it actually does though.

To setup the pagefile in Vista you need to right click My Computer, Go to Properties, Go to Advanced, Go to Performance, Go to Advanced and in the section that says Virtual Memory click Change, Click the radio button that says Custom Size, enter in your page file the formula is 1.5 * RAM = pagefile, and in the maximum size I just add another gig which i believe is 1024. Make sure system managed size or no paging file is set, then hit set, and ok and apply if need so.

These instructions may be a little hard to understand, if so tell me and I'll try to simplify them.

 

No you were way too quick on the uptake I figured it out with the page file.

New question about the rivatuner v-sync prerender limit. What are we actually changing? I'm not questioning the integrity of doing it but want to know exactly what I'm changining. Also I guess if you don't answer it what the difference between having it at 2,1, 0?

Thanks! Can't give you more rep tell I give others rep.

 

When it comes to the technical mumbo jumbo I'm not too smart lol. I know what works and what doesn't .

However, from what I understand when you have Vsync enabled the computer will render frames "ahead" so if you have it set to 3 then it will render 3 frames ahead of time, if you have it at 2 it will render 2 frames ahead of time and so forth.

Lol, thanks .

 

I haven't said anything previously, because this is primarily a graphics tweaking thread and not an overall system performance thread, but setting your pagefile to 1.5 times your amount of RAM is not necessarily advised. The topic is covered extensively in the Tweak Guide's Tweaking Companion (page 56 or so I believe), and in their forums, and there's a good guide here as well.


@Forerunner: This is from another post:

 

I'll correct the Virtual memory error then, and Odin .... (the other odin) has a better explanation than mine on the prerender limit. Well his is correct lol.

Btw: I added some video helps for setting the Virtual Memory and Defragmenting your computer. I plan to add more but now I'm going to go eat.

 

Thx Odin errr Odins. Rep for the odin I didn't give rep to.

 

Great guide. I would suggest, however, that you set the initial and maximum pagefile size at the same amount. This makes it so your hard drive won't have to expand it and cause fragmentation. This is assuming your pagefile will ever even reach the initial limit which is highly unlikely, especially when set 1.5x to the amount of physical RAM you have. As long as you don't set it below the amount of RAM you have, you'll be fine. I've used 2768-2768 on 2gb of RAM for a couple years now without any problems.

 

I will look into correcting some errors maybe tomorrow night or even monday. I have midterms this week EWWWWWWW.

 

Wow, the VSync tip totally removed all stuttering in Homeworld2! Thanks a lot Odin .

And... about midterms... haha, I feel you man. Just had one last week and I'm going to have another one this coming Tuesday. Bleh.

 

I'm glad your stuttering is gone . Good thing is I don't have midterms in all of my classes so that's a relief!

 

WOW! THe nvidia forced v-sync is amazing. Before in game team fortress with 2 aa, max everything and 1680 x 1050 with v-sync would be very choppy. Now with nvidia v-sync I get max everything, 1680 x 1050 and 4 aa and runs beautifully.

 

, I picked that little tip up from reading a tweak guide and while playing Oblivion.

 

By the way, Triple buffering helps a lot as well!

Even with Force V-sync, Warcraft 3 still stutters, but with Triple buffering, it doesn't! SWEET! Now I can micro my units properly!

One thing you might want to add, you don't need a third party app to utilize Triple buffering, the nVidia control panel (under Manage 3D Settings) allows you to turn on "Force Triple buffering" .

 

Wow, it does! I'll edit that then. Can't do it now waiting on my "ex" pastor to bring his dog lol. Thanks for letting me know. That's a lot easier than starting up the Riva tool.

 

Does triple buffering cause an overall hit on performance though in terms of fps?

 

I havn't noticed a hit to the FPS but I can't tell you for sure. Soemone who knows more about Triple Buffering will have to take this question. Sorry.

 

I can't say whether it will affect your FPS, however it will inherently increase the average time between entering a command with your input device (mouse or keyboard) and the game responding to that. Depending on the implementation on your card and the game, it may or may not be noticeable.

 

i'll try them out

 

Just changed my HDD to performance mode. What are the drawbacks to doing this? Will this severely hurt my battery life?

I noticed my computer is definitely louder with this option.