20fps in Fallout 4 with a GTX 980 Ti, help improve my FPS

[Brian from Maine]

Hi all, after many attempts at changing vsync settings, adding tweaks to the .ini file, and messing around with game settings, I still can't get much more than 20fps in Fallout 4 with the following computer build:

CPU: Intel 4790k @ 4 to 4.4GHz (not overclocked)
GPU: MSI GTX 980 Ti
Acer XB270HU 27” 2560x1440p, 144Hz monitor
MSI MPower O.C. Series Z97 mobo
Corsair 16GB DDR3 @ 1600
game saved on a Crucial 250GB SSD

I currently have the game at 2560x1440p resolution, with a mixture of settings between low and ultra. Changing game settings doesn't seem to improve average FPS. Using GPU-Z I see my GPU load never goes much higher than 30-40% load.

For a comparison, Crysis 3 runs 60-70 fps with similar settings.

Please help improve my FPS. Thanks!

 

[jsgrant31]

Does this happen in other games?

Have you disabled integrated graphics from the CPU?

Can you report temperatures and usage of all your components? You may have to stress test CPU/GPU/RAM.

Have you tried a clean install of the GPU drivers (with free software Display Driver Uninstaller)?

Verified files or a clean install of the game?

Malwarebytes or similar for malware?

 

[Wayfall]

Hmm this is interesting.

I have very similar specs to yours:
CPU: Intel Devil's Canyon Quad Core 8-Threaded i7 4790K 4.0GHZ - Boost 4.4GHZ
COOLER: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 (Noctua NF-A9 92mm PWM Fan)
GPU: NVidia GeForce MSI GTX 970 4GB
RAM: Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600Mhz 2x4GB Dual Channel 8GB Kit
MOBO: ASRock Z97 Anniversary (Socket 1150)
PSU: EVGA SuperNova G2 550W 80Plus Gold Rated Modular
SDD: Samsung 850 EVO 250GB
HDD: Western Caviar Digital Blue 1TB
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium OEM
MONITOR: LG ISP 1920*1080
CASE: Corsair Obsidian 750D Windowed Full Tower
FANS: 1xCorsair SP140mm back exhaust fan (need replacing), 2xNoctua Redux 120mm top exhaust, 2xCorsair SP140mm front intake (need replacing), 1xNoctua Redux 120mm bottom intake

I play high settings, TXAA and with textures ultra, I get about 60-70% usage on my GPU, my CPU doesn't even work hard. I get constant 60fps 1080p with CPU at 63C (TX3 EVO cooler) and GPU at 60-69.

As the person above asked what is your temps?
What driver do you have?
Have you disable integrated graphics (http://smallbusiness.chron.com/disable-onboard-video-install-video-card-69176.html)

Regards

 

[Brian from Maine]

Does this happen in other games?

Have you disabled integrated graphics from the CPU?

Can you report temperatures and usage of all your components? You may have to stress test CPU/GPU/RAM.

Have you tried a clean install of the GPU drivers (with free software Display Driver Uninstaller)?

Verified files or a clean install of the game?

Malwarebytes or similar for malware?

Thanks for the response. My temps are fine. I have my CPU under water, and it hangs around 59-62 degrees under load. I haven't stress tested it, but do keep an eye on the temp while gaming. As for the GPU, since it never really goes over 35-45% load, the temp never goes above 57 degrees, and the fan only hits about 25%

These numbers are recorded after playing Fallout 4 for over two hours last night. I did notice that the GPU load did reach 99% for a very brief moment during a dialogue sequence that lasted about 40 seconds. So it's possible for the GPU to reach full load, but only during dialogue? This is strange.

I will try a clean install of the GPU drivers. I want to avoid reinstalling the game, since my internet speed here is painfully slow, and it takes me literally three days to download Fallout 4.

The other games I play occasionally are Crysis 3, Warframe, and Star Citizen. Crysis and WF both play fine, between 50-70 fps, but Star Citizen has been either fantastic, or terrible, depending on their current beta version. The last time I played was when they released the multi-crew ship patch and I was getting 2-4 fps. I haven't tried that game again for nearly 5 months now.

I will also disable integrated graphics for the CPU and download and run Malwarebytes. I currently use Panda anti-virus, but I also have used MWB in the past.

I have some screen shots of GPU-Z that I can share. I'll post them online somewhere and get back to you with a link.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Brian from Maine]

Below is a link to some screen shots I took of CPU-Z and the Resource Monitor while playing Fallout 4.

http://imgur.com/a/XE6v5

NOTE: The first image is a comparison of my GPU-Z on the RIGHT vs Gameranx GPU-Z on the LEFT. Clearly my GPU load should be close to 99% but isn't.

 

[Brian from Maine]

Short update, still no solution.

Apparently I have a motherboard that automatically disables integrated graphics. My MPower Z97 automatically switches to any GPU in the PCIE slot.

I updated my graphics drivers, currently running 368.39, still no improvement.

I then realized that I hadn't properly set my memory clock speed. Task Manager says it's running at 1600 MHz, but after installing and running CPU-Z it said 666 MHz, so enter BIOS, enter correct clock speeds, reboot, CPU-Z reads 2400MHz, still no improvement to game FPS. Task Manager still reads 1600MHZ, why the discrepancy?

Also noticed that the loading screen gets GPU load up to 55-60% load, and FPS is an impressive 300+ fps, yes, I know my monitor is capped at 144HZ. Then once the game loads and I am standing in character, GPU load drops to 30-40% and FPS drops to 17-20 FPS.

 

[k4izer]

have you tried to turn off msi gaming apps in game fps and resource display?

 

[D4ni3l]

Are you running any mods? Ive experienced a similar problem with fallout while running mods.

 

[Wayfall]

Does this happen in other games?

Have you disabled integrated graphics from the CPU?

Can you report temperatures and usage of all your components? You may have to stress test CPU/GPU/RAM.

Have you tried a clean install of the GPU drivers (with free software Display Driver Uninstaller)?

Verified files or a clean install of the game?

Malwarebytes or similar for malware?

Thanks for the response. My temps are fine. I have my CPU under water, and it hangs around 59-62 degrees under load. I haven't stress tested it, but do keep an eye on the temp while gaming. As for the GPU, since it never really goes over 35-45% load, the temp never goes above 57 degrees, and the fan only hits about 25%

These numbers are recorded after playing Fallout 4 for over two hours last night. I did notice that the GPU load did reach 99% for a very brief moment during a dialogue sequence that lasted about 40 seconds. So it's possible for the GPU to reach full load, but only during dialogue? This is strange.

I will try a clean install of the GPU drivers. I want to avoid reinstalling the game, since my internet speed here is painfully slow, and it takes me literally three days to download Fallout 4.

The other games I play occasionally are Crysis 3, Warframe, and Star Citizen. Crysis and WF both play fine, between 50-70 fps, but Star Citizen has been either fantastic, or terrible, depending on their current beta version. The last time I played was when they released the multi-crew ship patch and I was getting 2-4 fps. I haven't tried that game again for nearly 5 months now.

I will also disable integrated graphics for the CPU and download and run Malwarebytes. I currently use Panda anti-virus, but I also have used MWB in the past.

I have some screen shots of GPU-Z that I can share. I'll post them online somewhere and get back to you with a link.

Thanks for your help.

Short update, still no solution.

Apparently I have a motherboard that automatically disables integrated graphics. My MPower Z97 automatically switches to any GPU in the PCIE slot.

I updated my graphics drivers, currently running 368.39, still no improvement.

I then realized that I hadn't properly set my memory clock speed. Task Manager says it's running at 1600 MHz, but after installing and running CPU-Z it said 666 MHz, so enter BIOS, enter correct clock speeds, reboot, CPU-Z reads 2400MHz, still no improvement to game FPS. Task Manager still reads 1600MHZ, why the discrepancy?

Also noticed that the loading screen gets GPU load up to 55-60% load, and FPS is an impressive 300+ fps, yes, I know my monitor is capped at 144HZ. Then once the game loads and I am standing in character, GPU load drops to 30-40% and FPS drops to 17-20 FPS.

I'm mostly wondering why you are getting such low usage... as I get 50-80% load at everything high and textures ultra and I never go near 90% but I get a constant 60fps with maybe the odd drop under the huge tower next to the town good neighbour.
I have the latest driver.

What is your PSU by the way?

 

[jsgrant31]

Short update, still no solution.

Apparently I have a motherboard that automatically disables integrated graphics. My MPower Z97 automatically switches to any GPU in the PCIE slot.

I updated my graphics drivers, currently running 368.39, still no improvement.

I then realized that I hadn't properly set my memory clock speed. Task Manager says it's running at 1600 MHz, but after installing and running CPU-Z it said 666 MHz, so enter BIOS, enter correct clock speeds, reboot, CPU-Z reads 2400MHz, still no improvement to game FPS. Task Manager still reads 1600MHZ, why the discrepancy?

Also noticed that the loading screen gets GPU load up to 55-60% load, and FPS is an impressive 300+ fps, yes, I know my monitor is capped at 144HZ. Then once the game loads and I am standing in character, GPU load drops to 30-40% and FPS drops to 17-20 FPS.

I think most mobos will default to the GPU. I disable my IG anyway. If you poke around here enough you'll find threads where IG is the problem.

So you did use Display Driver Uninstaller for the new driver installation? If not try it again with that. It's available from Guru3D or Wagnard is the original developer.

Did you verify the files in Steam?

Not sure about the RAM speed. I set mine to its correct 1600 MHz in the BIOS and never looked back. I don't think that's your issue but I could be wrong.

I forgot about mods until an above poster asked about them. Whether you're running vanilla or not is very important as some mods can obviously tank your fps.

Your PSU is also relevant here as Wayfall asked. As is disabling any background apps as kaizer mentioned.

Wayfall also mentioned your usage being low. I don't know if 30-40% is acceptable, but you have a 980 Ti so your usage should almost certainly be lower than his. But he's getting 60 fps.

Any luck with running Malwarebytes or similar?

I'll post back if I think of anything else. I think it may be to the point where you should consider reinstalling the game and maybe stress testing.

 

[Wayfall]

Ye I still find it really weird how I have a GTX 970 and im getting a clean 60fps while you have a GTX 980TI and are tanking down to 20fps.

What fps do you get on the pre-sets?
-Low
-Medium
-High
-Ultra

With texture filtering and AA off.

 

[Brian from Maine]

Hi all,

My PSU is a EVGA 750W G2 Supernova Gold.

I've scanned all three hard drives. Nothing detected (looks like I've been a good boy?) Regarding hard drives, my OS is on a SSD, and the game is saved on a separate SSD, in case that's relevant to this problem.

The game is modded, but I'm not using any major graphic texture overhaul mods. I will try running with all mods off, but I still have trouble believing a mod is keeping my GPU load so low. I did run the game vanilla for the first few weeks, and experienced the same low FPS, but mostly ignored it and have just now decided to dive into this issue. I expected that I could have improved the fps by now on my own. My point is that I haven't experienced any drastic FPS drop after installing mods, but then again it's always been 20-30 fps average, with the exception of loading screens and very small rooms. Small rooms I can get 40-50 fps, but the GPU load doesn't go above 40%.

I'll log into the game tonight at the different graphics presets like Wayfall suggested, and report back gpu loads and FPS before and after I disable my game mods.

I have not yet used Display Driver Uninstaller, but will get on it tonight.

I have verified game files through Steam.

I'm not sure (yet) how to disable all background apps. I'll look into that. Any easy tips? I'm using Win 10 in case I hadn't yet mentioned that.

Thanks again, I really appreciate it.

 

[Brian from Maine]

Update: NO SOLUTION

Since my last post, I have changed the game to LOW graphics settings, booted into Far Harbor, at the Exterior Neculous location, which shoudlnt be vrey graphically demanding, to 15-30 fps, GPU load 25% max.

Then exited game, disabled all mods in Nexus mod manager, restarted computer, double-checked nexus mod manager has disabled all mods, started game on LOW graphics settings, still terrible frame rte and now the game looks like crap, no mods, traveled to the COMMONWEALTH, game still runs at 20-40 FPS, GPU load average 25%

I am now installing and running Display Driver Uninstaller, and will re-install GPU drivers. Stand by for update.

Thanks again!!

 

[Wayfall]

If a driver install does not fix it I recommend you put your save files safe (location: USERNAME/Documents/Games/Fallout4/Saves) then completely wipe Fallout 4 and then use Ccleaner to get rid of the left over rubbish then reinstall.

 

[Brian from Maine]

Update: STILL NO SOLUTION

I have entered Safe Mode, uninstalled video drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller, and deleted GeForce Experience. Reinstalled GeForce Experience, and downloaded latest drivers, entered game, settings on LOW, and switched to 1080p just for fun, loaded game, and still no improvement. I hit 140 fps during the loading screen, then dropped to 15-20 fps once in game. No mods are engaged, brand new fresh GPU drivers, game files are validated, I just ran the validation process again after updating drivers.

See screenshots of computer performance below. Notice the FPS jumps up while in loading screen, then drops to pathetic levels once game loads, and note that the GPU load never climbs above 35-40%

http://imgur.com/KUD8QyD

I really don't want to have to re-download Fallout 4. It will literally take 3 days to download. I want to exhaust every other possibility before I get to that point. I have contacted Bethesda and Nvidia to see if they have any solutions.

 

[Mercian]

Is it a Fallout 4 specific problem?

 

[Brian from Maine]

Mercian, I suppose it's possible, but I have also experienced wildly low framerate with Star Citizen, but that could be entirely their fault considering the game is highly unoptimized and in development. While trying to troubleshoot that issue a few months ago, there were several other people with high end GPU's that experienced similar issues, yet others with the same build could play it with no problem.

Crysis 3 plays very smoothly, 50-70 fps on high settings at 1440p. Warframe plays at around 40-60 fps.

 

[Brian from Maine]

UPDATE: Conditions worsen.

I've contacted Nvidia and ended up uninstalling the drivers again, and reinstalling an older driver on their recommendation. We first changed a bunch of settings in Nvidia Control Panel. They had me download driver 362.00 and then I booted the game from an old save, before any modding or game experience, with all mods off, all settings default, graphic settings on HIGH, godrays off, 1440p res, and my frame rates are still low, and I have a new micro stutter. Every second, the frame briefly freezes. I expect this is due to the old drivers.

Linked is a screen shot of my monitoring programs as I start the game, it loads, and then runs. Notice the bump in performance during the loading screen. The GPU load reached 60-80% load, and FPS was 300+ then once game loads, performance tanks, and frame rate is terrible.

http://imgur.com/v7izBQi

 

[Mercian]

Seems like a problem with the game files, re downloading may be the only option. If you have the storage space back up the files once done.