How to fix stuttering in BF3, Dues Ex, Metro2033.... etc

I found the solution to this problem (at least it worked for me) and I like to share this so I hope this can help other people too.

Apparently, this is not an isolated problem for me. I was stuck using the stock Clevo driver, 302.92. Using any other driver will cause stuttering with Battlefield. Anyone of you playing Deus Ex Human Revolution will definitely notice the terrible stuttering as well.

The stuttering problem has something to do with the LCD refresh rate, Vsync and the huge drop and increase in FPS. Turning off Vsync will stop the stuttering, but you get screen tearing instead. It feels like choosing the lesser of 2 evil, and you are force to pick between a problem that annoys you less.

The solution to this problem, limit the FPS to 59 or less. I don't exactly know why, but after researching online, people explained stuttering happens when the FPS is not in sync with the refresh rate of the LCD monitor, particular with the 60 Hz monitor. I also heard setting Vsync limits the FPS to 65 (not sure if that is true), but still exceeding the capability of the LCD monitor.

I used Afterburner to limit the FPS to 59.
First, start Afterburner.
Enable OSD (On Screen Display).
Restart Afterburner.
Afterburner will run an APP call Riva Tuner in your System tray, that will be located at the bottom right corner of your Windows screen. This a Purple thingy icon with the number 60 on it.
Double click on the Purple icon (Riva Tuner) and it will open the APP.
Click on the WRENCH that is on Riva Tuner.
Set the FPS limiter to 59.

Now, the stuttering problem is gone. Now I can move beyond the stock Clevo driver and have not problems with BF3. This also solved the stuttering problems for my Metro2033, and Deus Ex. There are other programs you can use to limit the FPS. Use whatever that floats your boat.


I did try setting the FPS to 55. Personally, I cannot tell any difference between 55 FPS to 59 FPS.

 

Vsync makes things NEVER go above the refresh rate. Limiting FPS manually limits it a little bit higher than what it is set to limit to, if I remember right. I.E. a 120fps limiter ends up limiting somewhere around 124-125 fps. A 60fps limiter limits somewhere near 62-63 fps. That might be why it's different; it isn't tied to vsync but it is limiting the fps very near what your refresh rate is, canceling vsync.

As a thoughtful note, did you try adaptive vsync with it? And I haven't heard of anyone else who has had that issue yet, by the way.

 

Huh. I don't get that problem. Also note that you can use nVidia Inspector to limit FPS.