Low FPS on $3900 overkill computer?

[CrystalArcane]

Hi all,

I recently purchased my 'dream' machine (she's not quite done just yet) and I've installed Windows 64-bit, drivers, updates a million times over. I starting playing my League of Legends on it, noticing that with default settings, I was getting quite good FPS 70s-80s and thinking it could handle it, bumbped it up to the highest settings possible. Massive drop in FPS probably lucky to get 40s-50s atleast at a stable rate.

Thinking it was my ping, ISP etc. I updated some drivers and made sure that my ethernet cable was not the problem (atleast I hope). Nothing. I began playing Skyrim a few days ago and, again, thinking it could handle the highest settings, bumped it up to Ultra, since most good quality $1500-$2000 computers can run Skyrim no sweat. Same answer.

Low, jittery FPS and this time I was certain that my computer is the problem, as Skyrim does not connect online. I successfully (I think, first time overclocking) OC'd my CPU from 3.4 to 4.5Ghz, which was rated lowest by WEI (even though that means nothing).

I'm beginning to think that my Graphics card cannot handle the games I am playing however it is a very new model designed to take things to the max. This is my build so far, if you have any comments or questions that could help me out, that'd be great! I just want my dream computer to run how it should!

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CPU: 1 x Intel Core i7 4930K Processor @4.5Ghx (From 3.4Ghz)
MoBo: ASUS P9X79 WS LGA 2011 Intel X79 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0
RAM/Memory: Corsair CML16GX3M2A1600C10B Corsair 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3, 1600MHz, 10-10-10-27
SSD: Samsung 256GB 2.5-inch SSD 840 Pro Series
HDD: Seagate Constellation CS ST3000NC000 3.5" 3TB Enterprise
GPU: ASUS GTX780 OC Edition (GTX780-DC2OC-3GD5)
Cooling: Corsair Hydro Series H100i Extreme Performance CPU Cooler
PSU: Seasonic 1250w Power Supply Unit

And not that it matters:
SC: Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D THX PCIE Fatal1ty Pro Sound Card
CC: NZXT Phantom 820 White Steel/Plastic ATX Full Tower
CD/DVD Drive: Liteon 24X SATA Dual Layer DVD-Rewriter - BLACK - OEM With Nero
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It'd be great if I could get an expert(s) opinion on what may be bottlenecking my computer or why it is not running how it should. I can try out more games if anybody thinks that those particular games are the problem. Before any questions on why I bought such an expensive computer it's because I have had strings of terrible computers in the past and wanted to be able to do anything at the highest quality with great frames without a problem. Seems that didn't work out now did it? Anyway, I would greatly appreciate any information to help me out. Thanks.

 

[superfreestyleer]

What resolution are you playing these games at and what operating system are you using?

 

[CrystalArcane]

What resolution are you playing these games at and what operating system are you using?

Each of these are at 1920x1080 (Native Resolution) and I'm running Windows 7 64-bit

 

[bystander]

What is your resolution?

A single GPU, even a 780, isn't going to get extremely good FPS on max settings in most games. You spent a lot of money on bells and whistles, but you are still with a single GPU core, there is only so much you can expect.

The first setting that is usually too high, when people do as you do, is AA. Drop it down to something reasonable, like MSAA x4.

 

[CrystalArcane]

What is your resolution?

A single GPU, even a 780, isn't going to get extremely good FPS on max settings in most games. You spent a lot of money on bells and whistles, but you are still with a single GPU core, there is only so much you can expect.

The first setting that is usually too high, when people do as you do, is AA. Drop it down to something reasonable, like MSAA x4.

Fair enough. I would not know the first thing about altering my AA, or enabling/diabling MSAA.

 

[superfreestyleer]

Those are in game settings that you can usually change within the same menu as changing the resolution

 

[CrystalArcane]

Those are in game settings that you can usually change within the same menu as changing the resolution

Skyrim does not have the option to enable/disable Anti Aliasing and from LoL's perspective, I have tried with/without AA and with/without V-sync to no avail.So, from what I've gathered so far: My GPU is bottlenecking my computer, should I overclock it? Would that help?

 

[bystander]

Skyrim has an option to change AA from the launcher before you enter the game, assuming you are getting that screen, if not, go to the folder and run skyrimlauncher.exe. From there you can adjust the settings. Another issue with Skyrim is it forces v-sync on, so you are limited to 60 FPS if your monitor is a typical 60hz monitor. You have to go into the Nvidia Control panel to force v-sync off, if you want to do that.

 

[CrystalArcane]

Skyrim has an option to change AA from the launcher before you enter the game, assuming you are getting that screen, if not, go to the folder and run skyrimlauncher.exe. From there you can adjust the settings. Another issue with Skyrim is it forces v-sync on, so you are limited to 60 FPS if your monitor is a typical 60hz monitor. You have to go into the Nvidia Control panel to force v-sync off, if you want to do that.

Me jumping to conclusions, I disabled AA in the advanced settings and I'm still getting low fps and lag on Ultra.

 

[CommentariesAnd More]

1. Run Game at settings you are finding low FPS.
2. Run Fraps while gaming.
3. Give it 4-5 runs on different scenarios and maps.
4. Try Steps 1 , 2 , 3 on multiple games.
5. If results are below 30FPS , try dropping AA as it wont change the game , and retry Step 4.
6. If results are below 45 FPS , try OCing the GPU as much as you can and retry Step 4.

If the above don't work , try the GeForce Experience. It will set stuff right for the latest games and give you considerable FPS.
Also what Output are you using for the monitor ? It ought to be HDMI ( best ) or DVI. D-Sub or VGA will also cause troubles as it might drop the frames.
Also update to latest *NVIDIA* drivers instead of ASUS Drivers. It may cause issues as well.

links -
GeForce Experience - http://www.nvidia.com/geforce-experience/
NVIDIA Driver - http://www.geforce.com/drivers/results/68799 ; all driver - http://www.geforce.com/drivers
Fraps - http://www.fraps.com/download.php

 

[CommentariesAnd More]

Give me a sec , is something underclocking the GPU ? Remember , did ya use ASUS's crap GPU Tweak or something like a OCing Software or did you tweak something in the BIOS. Anything ?
Also on which slot of the motherboard is the GPU connected. It has to be the 3.0x16 slot of the mobo.

 

[CrystalArcane]

1. Run Game at settings you are finding low FPS.
2. Run Fraps while gaming.
3. Give it 4-5 runs on different scenarios and maps.
4. Try Steps 1 , 2 , 3 on multiple games.
5. If results are below 30FPS , try dropping AA as it wont change the game , and retry Step 4.
6. If results are below 45 FPS , try OCing the GPU as much as you can and retry Step 4.


If the above don't work , try the GeForce Experience. It will set stuff right for the latest games and give you considerable FPS.
Also what Output are you using for the monitor ? It ought to be HDMI ( best ) or DVI. D-Sub or VGA will also cause troubles as it might drop the frames.
Also update to latest *NVIDIA* drivers instead of ASUS Drivers. It may cause issues as well.

links -
GeForce Experience - http://www.nvidia.com/geforce-experience/
NVIDIA Driver - http://www.geforce.com/drivers/results/68799 ; all driver - http://www.geforce.com/drivers
Fraps - http://www.fraps.com/download.php

I have forced disable of AA and V-sync through Nvidia Control Panel. For the rest: will do. I will update the thread ASAP with results.

 

[CrystalArcane]

Give me a sec , is something underclocking the GPU ? Remember , did ya use ASUS's crap GPU Tweak or something like a OCing Software or did you tweak something in the BIOS. Anything ?
Also on which slot of the motherboard is the GPU connected. It has to be the 3.0x16 slot of the mobo.

I haven't used GPU tweak (other than disabling it at startup) but I did overclock my CPU through the BIOS from 3.4 to 4.5 Ghz. Regarding the slot, I am certain that the CPU is plugged into the correct slot.

 

[CommentariesAnd More]

I said GPU. CPU can be putted only one way , right ? Unless your in mood to break your pin.......

Anyways another possibility is that you disable HT while OCing the CPU which can cause a drop the frames. But considering you had tried it later , it might not just be the case. Try seating the GPU in every one of the PCI-e 3.0x16/8 slot. A defective slot can cause reduced speed or performance drop.

If you want to check GPU clock and OC them try EVGA Precision X or MSI Afterburner.

links -
EVGA Precision X - http://www.evga.com/precision/
MSI Afterburner - http://event.msi.com/vga/afterburner/download.htm

 

[bystander]

With the CPU he has, HT will not effect the games he mentioned, even if he had the standard quad i7, it wouldn't be an issue with Skyrim (he has a hexacore i7).

Can you find out what your FPS are in Skyrim? Skyrim has had issues with mouse lag, not related to FPS.

 

[photonboy]

Hi,
I think you do have an issue. I have a GTX680 OC'd and I never drop below 60FPS in Skyrim with everything max, the Official HD texture pack as well as FXAA anti-aliasing forced in the NCP.

I can even maintain 60FPS at 2560x1440 most of the time but it stutters a bit.

A few questions/comments:

1) For now, click "XMP" in your mobo BIOS and use the stock CPU and RAM settings.

2) run MEMTEST for at least one hour www.memtest.org

3) update your mobo BIOS if an update exists (maybe do this FIRST as you'll need to redo some settings).

4) Drivers. Just confirming which ones you installed:
- MAIN CHIPSET (motherboard)
- SATA and other (motherboard)
- audio software (shouldn't matter)
- NVidia from their main site.
*For drivers, the most important is the MAIN CHIPSET for the motherboard and the NVidia drivers.

5) I own 3DMark Vantage. There's a DEMO on Steam so if you get that and post results I'll compare to my PC which you should easily beat.

I'll think a little more on the issue.

 

[CrystalArcane]

I said GPU. CPU can be putted only one way , right ? Unless your in mood to break your pin.......

Anyways another possibility is that you disable HT while OCing the CPU which can cause a drop the frames. But considering you had tried it later , it might not just be the case. Try seating the GPU in every one of the PCI-e 3.0x16/8 slot. A defective slot can cause reduced speed or performance drop.

If you want to check GPU clock and OC them try EVGA Precision X or MSI Afterburner.

links -
EVGA Precision X - http://www.evga.com/precision/
MSI Afterburner - http://event.msi.com/vga/afterburner/download.htm

Apologies, I did mean GPU. Forgive my lack of knowledge when it comes to GPUs, what is HT? I wil OC my GPU if need be.

 

[photonboy]

Skyrim:
I thought you implied less than 60FPS in Skyrim so I assumed you'd disabled VSync. Maybe I'm confused.

How to disable VSync if game shows no option:
1) Open NVidia Control Panel
2) click "manage 3D settings" then "ADD" and Skyrim should be a choice if you just launched it
3) once added, scroll down to VSYNC settings, turn it OFF and click APPLY

Now start FRAPS, Skryim and report the frame rate you see. Have Skyrim set to EVERYTHING MAXED.

 

[CrystalArcane]

With the CPU he has, HT will not effect the games he mentioned, even if he had the standard quad i7, it wouldn't be an issue with Skyrim (he has a hexacore i7).

Can you find out what your FPS are in Skyrim? Skyrim has had issues with mouse lag, not related to FPS.

I just did a quick run through with Skyrim, focusing on subjects that, although moving, are away from everything else (e.g. looking into running water) will give me 30-35 fps, while moving about (e.g. from the exit of the starting cave to Riverwood) while give 15-20 fps i'f I'm lucky. Inside small buildings gives great fps (60-85) and larger ones (such as the riverwood inn) yields around 45-60 fps. Definitely not mouse lag, I'm using fraps.

 

[CrystalArcane]

Skyrim:
I thought you implied less than 60FPS in Skyrim so I assumed you'd disabled VSync. Maybe I'm confused.

How to disable VSync if game shows no option:
1) Open NVidia Control Panel
2) click "manage 3D settings" then "ADD" and Skyrim should be a choice if you just launched it
3) once added, scroll down to VSYNC settings, turn it OFF and click APPLY

Now start FRAPS, Skryim and report the frame rate you see. Have Skyrim set to EVERYTHING MAXED.

I have done this, results are above in reply to bystander.

 

[photonboy]

SKYRIM RESULTS:

Riverwood-> 120FPS average (89FPS lowest)
*I just ran around Riverwood as that's near the start of the game.

I have everything at MAXIMUM, 1920x1080, and the Official HD texture Pack which drops performance a small amount.
(FXAA isn't force on and oddly I can't anymore. Whatever.)

My system:
GTX680
i7-3770K @4.1GHz
16GB DDR3 @2133MHz

Your 780 should average 20% faster than mine. Your CPU is better and RAM won't really matter.

**It almost sounds like your graphics card is stuck in 2D mode. See what happens if you set Skyrim to "prefer maximum performance" in the NCP.

You can MONITOR your GPU frequency by downloading the proper Asus software (Asus GPU Tweak). If it shows 1000MHz or whatever your clock is supposed to be then that's not the issue. If it shows under 600MHz you have a problem with the card.

*careful with monitoring. If you Alt-Tab out of a game it might default to 2D mode however you'll see a HISTORY. Play for a few minutes then just CLOSE the game with Asus GPU Tweak already running and look at the GPU frequency history.

My IDLE clock is 324MHz, when I game it jumps to 1201MHz.

 

[CrystalArcane]

@photonboy

Are you referring to Boost Clock or Memory Clock because there is no GPU Frequency (I scrolled down)

 

[CrystalArcane]

MSI Afterburner just crashed my computer and skyrim fps is no better (or worse). Where can I go from here? Where should I OC my GPU to using MSI? Did I go too far? I can't remember what I OC'd it to but it was high.

 

[CommentariesAnd More]

What did you OC ? Core Speed or Memory Speed ?
What Voltage was given ? What was the Fan Speed ?
How did it crash ? Freezed, BSODed , or hanged up or just went down ?

 

[CrystalArcane]

What did you OC ? Core Speed or Memory Speed ?
What Voltage was given ? What was the Fan Speed ?
How did it crash ? Freezed, BSODed , or hanged up or just went down ?

A good way to answer that is basically I moved everyhting to half way and clicked apply, it didn't BSOD, but both my monitors went blue with no text or anythign and I restarted the computer and now it's fine. I OC'd my GPU using MSI. I OC'd both core and memory speed, assuming a did something incorrectly. I just really wish that my computer would run as best as possible. I don't see how this guy with worse specifications gets a better FPS than I do...