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    Why the drop in frame rate?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by nick2124, Mar 25, 2008.

  1. nick2124

    nick2124 Notebook Consultant

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    I'm now using my dad's laptop until my other is fixed.

    It has a 8400 GS, I go to play FEAR on medium and it gives me 60-80 fps...GREAT !

    After 5-10 minutes it suddenly drops to 15-30, why is this? I tried getting the latest drivers, but made no difference.

    Please advise !
     
    nick2124, Mar 25, 2008
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  2. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    What drivers are you using now?

    the drivers might be downclocking to save battery life
     
    flipfire, Mar 25, 2008
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  3. moon angel

    moon angel Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    It could be downclocking to reduce heat output. I'd try monitoring your gpu temps.
     
    moon angel, Mar 25, 2008
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  4. nick2124

    nick2124 Notebook Consultant

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    How can I stop it from downclocking?

    Vista - 169.04

    I also have Vista power options set to "high performance". So am not sure of the cause...
     
    nick2124, Mar 25, 2008
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  5. Waveblade

    Waveblade Notebook Deity

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    Sounds like your laptop is overheating. I'd get it checked :O
     
    Waveblade, Mar 25, 2008
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  6. nick2124

    nick2124 Notebook Consultant

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    It's a brand new HP !

    practically the same specs as vostro 1400, but with 1.83 ghz.

    I'll monitor the temps and report back.

    Downloaded Nvidia ntunes and it tell me GPU1 temp: 58 celcius - idle.
    I played fear for 10 mins, the fps dropped massively suddenly and the temp was only 70 C.

    Interesting... ?
     
    nick2124, Mar 25, 2008
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  7. nick2124

    nick2124 Notebook Consultant

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    Am bumping this topic in hope of a solution ! =)
     
    nick2124, Mar 26, 2008
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  8. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Your temps look fine.. try playing for at least 20mins though and check the temps again.

    Have you tried changing your drivers? 169.09 seems to be the most stable
     
    flipfire, Mar 26, 2008
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  9. nick2124

    nick2124 Notebook Consultant

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    Ok, will do.
     
    nick2124, Mar 26, 2008
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  10. nick2124

    nick2124 Notebook Consultant

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    Well, I installed 169.09.

    And played for about 10 minutes, again the fps took a dive. I looked at the temp: 70 cels.

    I continued gaming with a poor frame rate for another 10 minutes, looked at the temp and it was 59 cels! Practically idle temp.

    Any clue as to why this is? Or what I can do to fix this?
     
    nick2124, Mar 27, 2008
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  11. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Your GPU is underclocking. Most likely to save power/battery

    Check your Advanced power settings. Make sure you disable screensavers, powersavers and stuff that kicks in after 10mins or so
     
    flipfire, Mar 27, 2008
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  12. guigz

    guigz Notebook Consultant

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    i have same problem.....dunno how to fix this.
     
    guigz, Mar 28, 2008
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  13. nick2124

    nick2124 Notebook Consultant

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    thanks for ur help flipsfire.

    but I'm pretty sure it's a FEAR issue as other vista users have reported the same problem. I've played other games and it's been fine.

    Try calling ur manufacturer for help guigz.
     
    nick2124, Mar 30, 2008
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  14. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    I dont remember facing that issue when i played it.

    Have you tried updating to the latest patch of FEAR?
     
    flipfire, Mar 30, 2008
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  15. nick2124

    nick2124 Notebook Consultant

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    I only play FEAR demo.

    Have been playing A LOT of company of heroes lately, frame rate is smooth for hours at a time ... no problems there.
     
    nick2124, Apr 1, 2008
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  16. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Your answer is there then.. FEAR demo will be buggy
     
    flipfire, Apr 1, 2008
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  17. nick2124

    nick2124 Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks flipfire. Any idea why my mic works on my XP notebook but not my Vista notebook? =/
     
    nick2124, Apr 2, 2008
    #17