Laptop lags while playing games on battery mode

[KMH 92]

Dear Tom,

I bought a new laptop (Toshiba PORTEGE M900 Core i5) 5 days ago and I have some problems
with the system. The problem is i can play any games on my laptop while the battery is charging but when i unplug the adapter (Online games or Install games) become lag. Should i go to the Service Center of Toshiba?

 

[Lmeow]

I don't think you'll need to go to the Toshiba service center. This is the most probably explanation why your computer lags when you unplug it from the wall.

When it is plugged to the wall, the laptop would probably either be on High Performance, Balanced or Toshiba Recommended power mode. These modes allow the CPU to be maxed to its potential, i.e. clock up to its maximum limit. However when you unplug it, the laptop goes to Power Saver mode, and thus, the CPU undervolts itself a bit and downclocks the CPU - which is why your games are lagging, because your CPU is too slow.

If this is your problem, while you're unplugged from the charger at the wall socket, click the battery icon and select the 'High Performance' power plan.

 

[KMH 92]

I tried high performance plan already but it is still lagging. Every time when i restart my computer or shut it down, there always are two virus sticking to one of the Toshiba software. I removed with Norton and it was disappear again. When i restart my computer, i make a quick scan and still find the same virus.

 

[strangestranger]

Yes, it is power saving modes, these can be overridden but say goodbye to battery life.

Even then with something like ati's powerplay unless you specifically disable powerplay or set it to maximum battery it will stay in a low clocking mode.

So even if you set a general power scheme to maximum performance you may have to toggle things like graphics individually.

 

[KMH 92]

Every time when i want to play online games or install games, i will have to use AC power to play games.

 

[strangestranger]

No, you just need to find the settings that control the power and adjust it so that battery saving options are not enabled.

 

[KMH 92]

Could you please tell me how change the battery settings?

 

[strangestranger]

Well, either toshiba will have a utility for it or you can go into control panel under power options. I do not know what gfx card you have if any so perhaps you coudl mention.

I do not own a toshiba product so am speaking in general terms.

 

[KMH 92]

I tried already but it is lagging. Do you think is it because of the virus?

 

[KMH 92]

Or is it because of the Direct X problem?

 

[KMH 92]

Manufacturer TOSHIBA
Model PORTEGE M900
Total amount of system memory 4.00 GB RAM
System type 32-bit operating system
Number of processor cores 2
64-bit capable Yes

Storage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total size of hard disk(s) 453 GB
Disk partition (C 408 GB Free (453 GB Total)
Media drive (D CD/DVD

Graphics
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Display adapter type NVIDIA GeForce 310M
Total available graphics memory 1785 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 512 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 1273 MB
Display adapter driver version 8.16.11.8798
Primary monitor resolution 1280x800
DirectX version DirectX 10

 

[strangestranger]

If it plays better plugged in then I think you can rule out a virus.

All I can say is that it sounds like a power saving function and that you will need to explore your machine to find the option to disable it.

Sorry but I can be of no more help.

 

[KMH 92]

Any idea what i should?

 

[pomato]

i have the same problem too KMH 92, im still seeking for help on the official site of my product ASUS-N61J.
my situation is probably the same as yours, take this as an example,
running battlefield bad company 2 on highest possible video setting, with battery mode the game lags so bad, can hardly move but once i connect the ac mode "during" the game, the game immediately works fine, no lag at all, as well as when i remove the ac after 1 sec i connect, the game still runs smooth.

So, Programs will lag if start without AC mode.
Connect AC mode in the middle works and even pull the AC off works as well as long i dont

 

[KMH92]

So is this because of the window 7? OR battery problem?

 

[KMH92]

i have the same problem too KMH 92, im still seeking for help on the official site of my product ASUS-N61J.
my situation is probably the same as yours, take this as an example,
running battlefield bad company 2 on highest possible video setting, with battery mode the game lags so bad, can hardly move but once i connect the ac mode "during" the game, the game immediately works fine, no lag at all, as well as when i remove the ac after 1 sec i connect, the game still runs smooth.

So, Programs will lag if start without AC mode.
Connect AC mode in the middle works and even pull the AC off works as well as long i dont

So what did the service centre reply to you?

 

[MetCashflow]

Uhhh, the problem has nothing to do with virus or the power plan... The thing is, when you plug out the charger, your computer will change from nvidia graphics card to integrated graphics (witch is in your processor). The integrated graphics has much lower performance than nvida. I have the same problem with my Alienware m14x, it runs everything smooth with charger, but when i plug it out many games will start lagging. EVEN if i use high performance as my power plan. because the system automatically changes to integrated graphics after plugging out the charger.

I have still not solved the problem, i have only found it. But im getting closer. 😀

Sorry for bad English.

 

[Wajahatx2]

I have XPS M1730 with no intel GFX
But on battery mode the games lag.It's because of the GFX is set to go on power saving mode while on battery and there is no way to fix it.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey