Spotty FPS performance and low 3dMark scores (6860)

I've been reading the forums for the last couple days and following some of the advice for updating video drivers, among a few others, in order maximize my new 6860. All updates have been performed successfully, but I just haven't had any luck improving the laptop's performance. My 3dmark (free version) scores (stock system, T5550) are always under 5k, with my most recent test (using 177.41 drivers) landing at 4414. I've disabled the Startup apps that I recognize, and try to keep things relatively simple when I'm gaming (typically World of Warcraft). I understand this isn't the best game to test due to all the variables, but the FPS are just all over the place and I have to turn most settings close to Low in order to maintain 30 FPS in almost every environment, but cities and raids are unbearably low (10-15). It just seems contrary to what I read from others, even right out of the box. I plan to install Battlefield 2 (about the only other recent game I have) to see how offline games go as well, but it's late.

Before I go about doing a clean install, I thought I'd get the community's opinion. Here is some more basic info, I'm not sure what is useful.

WEI: 4.5
Processor: 4.8
RAM: 4.5
Graphics: 5.9
Gaming Graphics: 5.8
HDD: 5.3

3DMark (Basic free version): 4414 3DMarks
SM 2.0 Score: 1903
SM 3.0 Score: 2413
CPU Score: 870

Again, this is 100% stock out of the box configuration, except for the 177.41 drivers and Windows updates/suggested updates found on this website. No overclocking.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

uhmmm....be sure to set your laptop on "performance" mode. i sometimes bang my head when gaming on "power save" mode which gives me less than half of my usual FPS.

 

Thanks for the tip, I moved down from Quality to Performance and noticed a slight increase (+3 or 5) FPS.

 

Nooooo. Not the Nvidia performance option. The battery control option, so's it doesnt underclock your cpu and gpu.

 

I think I'm brain dead, I completely overlooked the power options. Changed that to Performance, changed vid card back to Quality and re-ran 3DMark for a more respectable 6383. Game ran better as well, even with settings adjusted much higher. Any other tips to get this score closer to 7k?

Btw, thanks for the help, folks, it's much appreciated.

Question: In the "Adjust image settings with preview" area, which option is best to use? 1) Let 3d app decide, 2) Use advanced 3d image settings, or 3) use my performance emphasizing: Quality

 

6383 still seems low to me for a 6860 but i dont own one so im not sure.

 

I don't have any numbers to back this up (as I'm not entirely certain what all it changes) but I prefer to leave it set on "Let the 3D App Decide."

 

yep i let application decide.
then if you want better control over certain game, set special setting for it, test how it goes and decide if you want to keep it.

 

3DMark wants a heafty CPU, so that is the cause for the lower score. Toss a bigger CPU in there, and your looking at the lower 8,000's.

 

If memory serves, many out of the box scores have been around 6800+, so it does seem a bit low if that is indeed the case. I am running default settings in the Nvidia control panel currently.

 

Out of curiosity I just ran 3DM06 on mine with default settings. Other than the RAID config, I'm still stock, including the Gateway provided nVidia drivers and scored 7372. I keep my power settings in Balanced, albeit a bit modified to my liking, and have never had an issue. I'd say something weird is going on behind the scenes in your situation, but you've done everything I would recommend, so i don't know.

 

If you are okay with it, and don't mind voiding your warranty. check your cpu/gpu out inside, make sure of connections, etc. Drivers, are full you say, maybe try plugging it on, no battery reliance. Last thing I can think of is a faulty 8800M GTS .

 

Yep it's almost always plugged in. I'll go back in and make sure default settings (not drivers, sticking with 177.41) are all in place and give it another go when I get home this evening. I might also go in and clean up some other apps that were removed but seem like they are still lingering.

 

I'm not to positive on this assessment so I would look further into it but from reading numerous posts about this driver 177.41 its appears to give lower 3D mark scores than the default Gateway driver. That said, the actual in-game experience appears to be better. For example, AoC will not run with the Gateway driver but with the 177.41 it will and for me in the mid 40 fps.

 

The only thing that isn't quite clear on the benchmarking test is if people are setting the nVidia CP to Performance or leaving it on Quality (I wish I would have written my scores down from my last run). I believe I left it on Quality when I got the 6383.

 

My first 3dmark06 that I did on my P6860 was in the low 7000's. I did this before I did a clean install or really anything so 6383 in 3dmark06 sounds very low to me for that laptop.
Seanno

 

Did you have Aero on when you ran it?

 

3DMark06 pops Vista back to Basic mode, so that shouldnt be the problem.

 

I have to agree, Set your Nvidea control back to aplication controled, redoo 3dmark06 and see if it improves.
Seanno

 

Last test: 6824 3DMarks
SM 2.0: 3138
SM 3.0: 3148
CPU: 1564

 

Much better.

 

177.41 didn't show me the best 3DMark score, but in AoC and Crysis I got great performance. I'm going to try some new drivers today. (Really like 175.19 on my Sony)