Question Games are microstuttering on new build ?

[Davfred777]

Hi all,

I recently built my first high-end gaming PC. While I’m not new to PC gaming, this is my first time assembling a system myself. Unfortunately, I'm experiencing frequent microstuttering in games, despite having powerful hardware.

I’ve already tried several troubleshooting steps, including:

• Disabling Windows Game Bar
• Disabling Nvidia Game Filters
• Running sfc /scannow to check for corrupted system files
• Updating the BIOS
• Updating both Nvidia and AMD drivers
• Disabling all startup applications
• Closing unnecessary background processes
• Uninstalling MSI Afterburner
• Verifying GPU power cable connections

Despite all these attempts, the issue persists. I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions on what else I could try to resolve this.

My Specs are:
RTX 5080
AMD Ryzen 7 9800x3d
32GB Ram
2TB SSD
850W PSU
MSI MAG B650M Motherboard

 

[helpstar]

check SSD for firmware update and check it with its manufacturer's tool
which psu is it?
which ram and did you set it to the advertised speed with docp/xmp in bios?
run memtest
in which pcie slot is the gpu card installed?
in which slots the RAM?
was windows freshly installed with this hardware?
which BIOS version is currently installed?
how hot is the gpu and cpu getting wgile gaming?
how high are frequencies of gpu/cpu while stuttering?

 

[Davfred777]

Hi, Thanks for your response.

I have not done a firmware update for my SSD. I had no idea there is an update for SSD Firmware. I will do the update and post the results. thanks a lot

My PSU is Thermaltake Toughpower GT 850W 80+ GOLD ATX 3.1 FULLY MODULAR POWER SUPPLY

My RAM is CRUCIAL PRO OVERCLOCKING 32GB KIT (2 X 16GB) DDR5 6000MHZ UDIMM RAM - I haven't set it to advertised speed, I'll try that as well

I think I only have one slot for GPU which is the PCIe 4.0

Yes, I've installed Windows 11 freshly on this hardware

BIOS version is 3.7 - I've update it to the latest

I think the temps are very good, The GPU temp hasnt got past 65C and the CPU Temps around 60C as well.

 

[Davfred777]

Hi,

So, I have enabled the EXPO in BIOS and set my RAM Speed to 6000MHZ
I have also enabled x3d gaming which made no difference
The games are still micro stuttering. The stutter happens like every 3-5 minutes
Sometimes the stutter is very small like a jerk, while sometimes it's a major stutter where even sound pauses along with the frame like a robotic sound if that makes sense

Anything else I can do?

Thanks

 

[JayGau]

Hi,

So, I have enabled the EXPO in BIOS and set my RAM Speed to 6000MHZ
I have also enabled x3d gaming which made no difference
The games are still micro stuttering. The stutter happens like every 3-5 minutes
Sometimes the stutter is very small like a jerk, while sometimes it's a major stutter where even sound pauses along with the frame like a robotic sound if that makes sense

Anything else I can do?

Thanks

If even the sound glitches when it happens, then it's not micro-stuttering. Micro-stuttering is a sudden and very brief drop of fps that feels like you skipped a couple of frames. Some people don't even notice it. If the sound gets distorted then something else is going on.

Do you have any RGB on the computer? If you do, set some moving effects like a color wave and try to see if it also pauses when the glitch happens. If it does, it's likely a CPU instability issue (your entire computer freezes for a brief moment). I had a similar problem with CPU demanding games (like MS Flight 2024) right after I got my 9800x3d. I solved it by increasing my ram voltage to 1.4 V (EXPO was setting it to 1.35V because I did the mistake of buying an XMP kit, but AM5 is more stable at 1.4 V). Check the voltage and timing of your RAM (6000 MT/s is not a complete information, the CAS latency is also important).

You could try to run the AIDA64 stability test with both CPU and memory checked, and see if it holds for several minutes.

Also, if you haven't done it yet, it's very important to go to the AMD website and download and install the latest chipset driver for your motherboard. You should also use ddu to remove AMD graphics drivers and disable the integrated graphics in the BIOS.

By the way, Nvidia drivers for the 50 series are horrible. They cause plenty of problems and not only with graphics. People are reporting black screens, stability issues and even bricked computers. They released something like 13 versions since January (they usually release one every two or three months), so you could try different versions and see if you get more luck with one of them.

You should also monitor the temperature of all your components (drive and RAM included) with HWiNFO just to make sure nothing goes above its recommended max temp.

And keep in mind that occasional micro-stuttering is normal, even with the most powerful PCs and especially with games made with UE5. In an ideal world we would not have any but sadly we have to deal with it. But if it happens at a level that games are unplayable or even the sound glitches, then there's likely a problem.

 

[geofelt]

Stuttering is usually caused in a game by a temporary lack of a critical resource. Normally the cpu.
Disable any possible higher priority tasks that might interfere.
Does any app run a check to see if there is a more current version?
A HP printer, for example?

Install only the Nvidia driver, not the geforce experience.
If you think a more current version might help, find and install it yourself.

Is an email doing a send/receive every 5 minutes?

Are you running discord?

Check for malware once with the free version of malwarebytes.

Look for any unknown apps in your installed program list.

 

[Davfred777]

If even the sound glitches when it happens, then it's not micro-stuttering. Micro-stuttering is a sudden and very brief drop of fps that feels like you skipped a couple of frames. Some people don't even notice it. If the sound gets distorted then something else is going on.

Do you have any RGB on the computer? If you do, set some moving effects like a color wave and try to see if it also pauses when the glitch happens. If it does, it's likely a CPU instability issue (your entire computer freezes for a brief moment). I had a similar problem with CPU demanding games (like MS Flight 2024) right after I got my 9800x3d. I solved it by increasing my ram voltage to 1.4 V (EXPO was setting it to 1.35V because I did the mistake of buying an XMP kit, but AM5 is more stable at 1.4 V). Check the voltage and timing of your RAM (6000 MT/s is not a complete information, the CAS latency is also important).

You could try to run the AIDA64 stability test with both CPU and memory checked, and see if it holds for several minutes.

Also, if you haven't done it yet, it's very important to go to the AMD website and download and install the latest chipset driver for your motherboard. You should also use ddu to remove AMD graphics drivers and disable the integrated graphics in the BIOS.

By the way, Nvidia drivers for the 50 series are horrible. They cause plenty of problems and not only with graphics. People are reporting black screens, stability issues and even bricked computers. They released something like 13 versions since January (they usually release one every two or three months), so you could try different versions and see if you get more luck with one of them.

You should also monitor the temperature of all your components (drive and RAM included) with HWiNFO just to make sure nothing goes above its recommended max temp.

And keep in mind that occasional micro-stuttering is normal, even with the most powerful PCs and especially with games made with UE5. In an ideal world we would not have any but sadly we have to deal with it. But if it happens at a level that games are unplayable or even the sound glitches, then there's likely a problem.

Hi Jaygau,

Thanks for the info. I have installed the AMD chipset driver as you suggested. I had a laptop previously and I used to update drivers from the manufacturer site which had all drivers in one place. Having a PC seems like, I missed to install a few drivers.

I have also uninstalled both Nvidia and AMD drivers using ddu and installed both of them with a fresh install.

I haven't done much testing but I've played black myth wukong for a few mins and noticed that the duration between micro stutters has increased. Previously, it used to happen like for every 3-5 mins, Now I've noticed the stutter like every 15 mins which I think is normal as Wukong is an unoptimized game as well and also with the rocky 50 series launch.

I'll do more testing and post the results here. I'll try to keep an eye on my RGB to see if it freezes as well during the stutter.

 

[Davfred777]

Stuttering is usually caused in a game by a temporary lack of a critical resource. Normally the cpu.
Disable any possible higher priority tasks that might interfere.
Does any app run a check to see if there is a more current version?
A HP printer, for example?

Install only the Nvidia driver, not the geforce experience.
If you think a more current version might help, find and install it yourself.

Is an email doing a send/receive every 5 minutes?

Are you running discord?

Check for malware once with the free version of malwarebytes.

Look for any unknown apps in your installed program list.

Yeah, Thats what I initially did, uninstalled all unnecessary applications and closed unnecessary services and apps from task manager. Disabled all overlays. I've also disabled hardware acceleration on discord as I've heard it can cause some performance issues.

I am doing more testing now after installing chipset drivers which I havent done till now and also a fresh install of both AMD and Nvidia.

I'll post the results soon

 

[drivinfast247]

Yeah, Thats what I initially did, uninstalled all unnecessary applications and closed unnecessary services and apps from task manager. Disabled all overlays. I've also disabled hardware acceleration on discord as I've heard it can cause some performance issues.

I am doing more testing now after installing chipset drivers which I havent done till now and also a fresh install of both AMD and Nvidia.

I'll post the results soon

Why are you installing Nvidia and AMD?

 

[Davfred777]

Why are you installing Nvidia and AMD?

Nvidia for GPU and AMD for CPU
Just wanted to do a fresh install of both drivers as well

 

[drivinfast247]

Nvidia for GPU and AMD for CPU
Just wanted to do a fresh install of both drivers as well

Roger that!

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

When you updated the bios, did you clear CMOS afterward? If not, try that.

 

[JayGau]

I have also uninstalled both Nvidia and AMD drivers using ddu and installed both of them with a fresh install.

I haven't done much testing but I've played black myth wukong for a few mins and noticed that the duration between micro stutters has increased. Previously, it used to happen like for every 3-5 mins, Now I've noticed the stutter like every 15 mins which I think is normal as Wukong is an unoptimized game as well and also with the rocky 50 series launch.

What I meant was to remove AMD graphics drivers for good, not reinstalling them. You only need the chipset driver not the Radeon since you are using an Nvidia card. And you should also go in the BIOS and disable the AMD integrated graphics just t make sure only the discrete GPU is used.

And again, what kind of "stutter" are we talking about? A very short drop of frame rate or a freeze that also screw up the sound?

If you could also please edit your comment to write my username correctly it would be appreciated.

 

[Davfred777]

What I meant was to remove AMD graphics drivers for good, not reinstalling them. You only need the chipset driver not the Radeon since you are using an Nvidia card. And you should also go in the BIOS and disable the AMD integrated graphics just t make sure only the discrete GPU is used.

And again, what kind of "stutter" are we talking about? A very short drop of frame rate or a freeze that also screw up the sound?

If you could also please edit your comment to write my username correctly it would be appreciated.

Hi mate,

Sorry about the username, was a typo (I've edited it). I did not know that I dont need the AMD Radeon drivers if we use a Nvidia GPU. I always assumed I had to install them if we use the AMD processor, thanks for clarifying that for me. I'll remove the Radeon graphics driver.

I initially used to only have a drop of frame. But, recently I've noticed the freeze which screwed up the sound as well. I assume that is because I have set EXPO in BIOS to full speed which is (6000 MTS), I heard it can cause instability if set it to max speed. However, I've reduced that to 5800 MTS and it seems like I don't have the sound glitch now. I hope I don't get it again. I don't know what to do if I get it again.

With regards to the micro stutter, I feel its a bit more stable now after I have installed the chipset driver. I still get micro stutters but the duration between those stutters are larger now and I assume that is normal with these unoptimized games and with the rtx 50 series for now.

I also noticed that the stutters are more less frequent the longer I play the game if it makes sense.

I also wanna ask for advice if I need to turn on the X3D gaming mode in BIOS. Is it worth it? or will it cause instability. I cannot see a definite answer anywhere online.

 

[Davfred777]

When you updated the bios, did you clear CMOS afterward? If not, try that.

Hi mate, Thanks for the advice, I have not done that. I will do that ASAP.

 

[JayGau]

Hi mate,

Sorry about the username, was a typo (I've edited it). I did not know that I dont need the AMD Radeon drivers if we use a Nvidia GPU. I always assumed I had to install them if we use the AMD processor, thanks for clarifying that for me. I'll remove the Radeon graphics driver.

I initially used to only have a drop of frame. But, recently I've noticed the freeze which screwed up the sound as well. I assume that is because I have set EXPO in BIOS to full speed which is (6000 MTS), I heard it can cause instability if set it to max speed. However, I've reduced that to 5800 MTS and it seems like I don't have the sound glitch now. I hope I don't get it again. I don't know what to do if I get it again.

With regards to the micro stutter, I feel its a bit more stable now after I have installed the chipset driver. I still get micro stutters but the duration between those stutters are larger now and I assume that is normal with these unoptimized games and with the rtx 50 series for now.

I also noticed that the stutters are more less frequent the longer I play the game if it makes sense.

I also wanna ask for advice if I need to turn on the X3D gaming mode in BIOS. Is it worth it? or will it cause instability. I cannot see a definite answer anywhere online.

What is your RAM cas latency? Your system should be able to handle 6000 MT/s CL30 (the sweet spot for the 9800X3D), but you need to make sure the RAM is running at 1.4 v after enabling expo. If it runs at 1.35 it's likely an XMP kit (optimized for Intel motherboards) and might not be fully stable at 6000 MT/s. If it's the case, just crank up the voltage to 1.4 v and you should be fine.

As I understood, the X3D gaming mode disables the second non-X3D CCD during gaming, but this is completely useless for the 9800X3D since it only has one CCD (unlike the Ryzen 9 X3Ds that have two CCDs, but only one has access to the X3D V-cache).

I read that it also disables SMT (simultaneous multi-threading), which is a double edged blade: it can slightly increase performance in some games but will definitely cripple your multi-threadred performance. So, I don't think this mode helps much with the 9800X3D.

 

[Davfred777]

What is your RAM cas latency? Your system should be able to handle 6000 MT/s CL30 (the sweet spot for the 9800X3D), but you need to make sure the RAM is running at 1.4 v after enabling expo. If it runs at 1.35 it's likely an XMP kit (optimized for Intel motherboards) and might not be fully stable at 6000 MT/s. If it's the case, just crank up the voltage to 1.4 v and you should be fine.

As I understood, the X3D gaming mode disables the second non-X3D CCD during gaming, but this is completely useless for the 9800X3D since it only has one CCD (unlike the Ryzen 9 X3Ds that have two CCDs, but only one has access to the X3D V-cache).

I read that it also disables SMT (simultaneous multi-threading), which is a double edged blade: it can slightly increase performance in some games but will definitely cripple your multi-threadred performance. So, I don't think this mode helps much with the 9800X3D.

The RAM CAS Latency is CL 38. The manufacturer website lists that it is supported for both XMP and EXPO and lists voltage as 1.35V. Do you still think I need to increase the voltage to 1.4V?

 

[JayGau]

The RAM CAS Latency is CL 38. The manufacturer website lists that it is supported for both XMP and EXPO and lists voltage as 1.35V. Do you still think I need to increase the voltage to 1.4V?

If you have problems at 6000 MT/s then yes. 6000 MT/s CL38 should not cause any issues (CL38 is a pretty high latency for 6000 MT/s so it should not be hard to run).

I would enable EXPO, leave the clock at 6000 and increase the voltage to 1.4 v. See if it improves anything. If the sound glitch comes back then just go back to your previous settings.

 

[Davfred777]

Hi all,


I just wanted to thank everyone who responded and tried to help—seriously, you’ve all been amazing.

The microstutters have significantly reduced. In fact, I didn’t notice any stutter for about 40 minutes of gaming. It did happen briefly after that, but I guess that’s to be expected now and then.

For anyone else facing the same issue, here’s a summary of everything I did that helped:

• Uninstalled GPU drivers using DDU and installed fresh NVIDIA drivers
• Removed Radeon Graphics Drivers as I don't need them as I am using a Nvidia GPU
• Installed AMD chipset drivers
• Updated BIOS and cleared the CMOS
• Updated SSD firmware
• Disabled unnecessary startup applications via Task Manager
• Enabled EXPO in BIOS
• Disabled hardware acceleration in Discord
• Set Shader Cache to 10 GB in NVIDIA Global Settings using the NVIDIA App

Hope this helps someone else out there. Thanks again, everyone!

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

Good stuff. If there is anything else we can help with, just let us know 👍