[SOLVED] Frametime spikes/Stutters/FPS drops in all games.

[bbacks26]

Hello,

I am experiencing stuttering / frame time spikes in every game I play. I have spent days trying to diagnose what could be causing them but to no success. This same problem was happening on my old PC that I fully upgraded 2 weeks ago and the issue is still occurring. PLEASE if you have any input/suggestions let me know because I am losing my mind over this issue.
MY SPECS:

• -i7 9700k (not OC)
• -EVGA Geforce RTX 2080ti XC Hybrid (not OC)
• -Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO 32GB DDR4 3200mhz
• -ASUS Prime Z390-A
• -Corsair RMX 750x WATT PSU
• -Samsung 970 EVO 500gb M.2 SSD
• -6TB WD Blue 5400RPM HDD-1TB WD BLUE 7200RPM HDD-TP Link TL-WDN4800 PCIe Wifi Adapter
• -Primary Monitor: ASUS PG279Q (1440p 165hz Gsync)
• -Secondary Monitor: ASUS VG248QG (1080p, 165hz, Gsync)

MY SITUATION:

In every game I play there are frame time spikes which cause my fps to drop slightly. These spikes + small fps drops result in a very noticeable stutter. I cap my fps at 162 because that is what the Blur Buster G SYNC Guide Recommends: (https://blurbusters.com/gsync/gsync101-input-lag-tests-and-settings/14/) ------ In my case, since I have a 165hz monitor, I set my fps cap at 162 (3fps below displays maximum refresh rate) and I also Enabled V Sync in NVIDIA Control Panel and Disabled it in games. I use Rivatuner to cap the fps. During games my framerate will be at 162 yet randomly will drop very slightly to sometimes 161, 160, 159 fps, etc and the stutter is very noticeable. I noticed that these frame stutters happen more often for example when I am moving around the map in CSGO rather than just standing still. My rig is very capable so these frame drops in CSGO make zero sense. These frame time spikes occur in both online/offline games.

Here is an example of what I'm experiencing: This is a 5 minute play session of CSGO. As I said, the frame rate only drops about 1-5 frames yet the stutter is very noticeable. Notice how the frame rate drops are in sync with the frame-time spikes. (You might have to zoom in to see the small dips in frames)

HERES ACTUAL GAME FOOTAGE:

------ This footage does not capture the actual stutters as I see them, maybe this is something related to my issue?

This issue was happening to me before I upgraded my PC 2 weeks ago, and for some bizarre reason is still occurring. I swapped every single component CPU, GPU, MOBO, SSD, PSU). The only part I did not change is my Wifi Adapter but I wanted to make sure so I removed it from PC, played games in offline mode, and stutters still occur so cant be the issue.

WHAT I'VE DONE:

• SWAPPED EVERY SINGLE COMPONENT IN MY PC (GPU, CPU, MOBO)
• Reinstalled Windows Multiple Times (Even on New SSD)Reinstalled GPU drivers (Used DDU for clean install without Geforce Experience)
• -Updated Bios/ MOBO Drivers (Audio/LAN/Chipset)
• -Disabled All In-Game Overlays
• -XMP On/Off - No difference
• -Closed all unessessary background processes
• -Turned on High Performance Power Plan in Windows
• -Turned on Prefer max performance in NVCP
• -Messed with every combination of Enabling/Disabling Gsync and Vsync - stutter still occurs in any configuration
• -Tried capping fps at lower values (144, 120, 60) - stutter still occurs
• -Disabled HPET
• -Disabled C States
• -Disabled Speed Step/ Disabled Speed Shift
• -Created an Empty Standby List Task that runs every 5 mins
• -Tested on Other 165hz monitor - no difference
• -Used different Display port - no diff
• -Turned game settings all low - no effect
• -Play games in Offline mode - no effect
• -Ran Memtest86 - no errors found
• -Disabled Game DVR
• -Plugged PC into different wall outlet in case this is somehow a power issue. Had no effect.

NOTES:

• Temperatures are all normal
• I have bench marked GPU, CPU and both are performing normally
• No overclocks
• I have searched countless other forums about this issue, none had a fix
• There has got to be some underlying cause for this, it can't just be a random occurrence. So PLEASE, if you have ANY and I mean ANY sort of advice, guidance, etc please let me know.

Thanks

 

[Decryptor009]

162FPS in CSGO, is this capped?

 

[bbacks26]

162FPS in CSGO, is this capped?

Yes, my FPS is capped at 162fps as I am following the Blur Buster Gsync Guide: https://blurbusters.com/gsync/gsync101-input-lag-tests-and-settings/14/

 

[Decryptor009]

Yes, my FPS is capped at 162fps as I am following the Blur Buster Gsync Guide: https://blurbusters.com/gsync/gsync101-input-lag-tests-and-settings/14/

Thanks, i will use this myself, handy guide!

 

[Toothless]

How's HDD usage? Is it maxed?

 

[Rahnak]

Where is CSGO running off of, SDD or HDD?

 

[Chomiq]

Could it be down to game engine? I mean, you've eliminated most of the options so what's left is the game engine itself.

 

[bbacks26]

Where is CSGO running off of, SDD or HDD?

CSGO is running off of SSD. However this issue still occurs on games installed on my HDDS aswell

How's HDD usage? Is it maxed?

CSGO is running on SSD

 

[Rahnak]

You said you've tried capping at other framerates, what about running uncapped and without G-Sync or any v-sync?

 

[phanbuey]

9600/9700K does this with some mobos, as does the 9900K and 10700K when disabling HT.

Disable spectre/meltdown mitigation or roll back to and old bios and see if that helps...

 

[P4-630]

Stutters still occur in any configuration. I am starting to think this might be a power issue related to how I have my PCIe connections setup. I chose to daisy chain my GPU. Could this possibly be related?View attachment 159434

 

[Toothless]

Possible? I went from chaining to using both connecters and was able to keep a better overclock on my card. Can't hurt to try.

 

[bbacks26]

Possible? I went from chaining to using both connecters and was able to keep a better overclock on my card. Can't hurt to try.

Unfortunately it did not fix my problem...

9600/9700K does this with some mobos, as does the 9900K and 10700K when disabling HT.

Disable spectre/meltdown mitigation or roll back to and old bios and see if that helps...

gonna give this a try

9600/9700K does this with some mobos, as does the 9900K and 10700K when disabling HT.

Disable spectre/meltdown mitigation or roll back to and old bios and see if that helps...

Unfortunately, neither of these helped.

 

[Yesno]

So I have a 9900k and a 2080ti and I am having the same issue that you are except after a certain amount of time I randomly drop to 15fps and back up. Let me know if you find the fix

 

[Vya Domus]

Yes, my FPS is capped at 162fps as I am following the Blur Buster Gsync Guide: https://blurbusters.com/gsync/gsync101-input-lag-tests-and-settings/14/

You tried capping the game at lower framerates but it's inevitable that this is going to cause some stutters. How about not capping the game at all and not enabling any form of sync, V-sync or G-sync ?

The game cannot always render exactly 162 frames at equal distances in time between them for varying reasons, that will definitely cause some intermittent stutters.

 

[bbacks26]

So I have a 9900k and a 2080ti and I am having the same issue that you are except after a certain amount of time I randomly drop to 15fps and back up. Let me know if you find the fix

Sorry to hear that man. This is still happening to me and really is taking the fun out of gaming for me. I just ordered a new display port cable to see if that somehow fixes it. If not i'm gonna test with a different Power supply. I'll let you know if I ever end up fixing this.

You tried capping the game at lower framerates but it's inevitable that this is going to cause some stutters. How about not capping the game at all and not enabling any form of sync, V-sync or G-sync ?

The game cannot always render exactly 162 frames at equal distances in time between them for varying reasons, that will definitely cause some intermittent stutters.

I tried doing this yet the stutter still occurs. In fact I have messed with every form of gsync, vsync, frame cap combination and they all still exhibit these frametime stutters.

 

[Yesno]

I found some interesting settings today, even when I turned g sync off my moniter was acting weird and under Nvidia control panel I found monitor type (or something similar) and I was able to play without g sync for the first time and it not be horrible and it took away my 15 fps fps drops. But not buttery smooth anymore.

Also I looked into updating my firmware going to look more into it tonight on my moniter, I have a acre predator xb2 27”

Okay so the tab was called "moniter technology" however with it on fixed refreshed (i dont think its suppose to lock in game frames) i experience almost no major dips! but if i set my moniter to 120 my frames in game would be set to 120 as well. G sync is off, v sync in nvcp is off, and v sync in game is off, no other frame limiters (that i know of ) were on either. felt weird to me. best of luck with your display cable i have 2 and ive tried both and didnt do anything for me.

firmware update was a no go as welll =[

 

[daveman00]

Hello i would like to add on to the convo and im very curious about this thread. I am having a very similar issue with my setup even tho i have older parts.

Pc:
i7 7700k 4.8ghz
GTX 1080 SC
Gigabyte z270 Ultra Gaming
8 gb dual channel XMP 3000 mhz ram
EVGA 850W Bronze PSU

I was thinking the samething about my power supply. I have an old EVGA 850w B2 bronze powersupply that is 6 years old and when using the GTX 1080 i noticed fluctuations in power percentage in Msi Afterburner. Bouncing around and dropping from 70%. When you get another power supply and install it please give us an update
I will also post here when i change my power supply. Im glad i found this because i am seriously going through the same odd micro stutter and frametime spikings. This started happening right at the same time as u for some odd reason.
Edit: Id like to add that my framerate will be high aswell utilization of gpu at 99% ofcourse just fine. But frametiming and stuttering for some reason

 

[bbacks26]

Hello i would like to add on to the convo and im very curious about this thread. I am having a very similar issue with my setup even tho i have older parts.

Pc:
i7 7700k 4.8ghz
GTX 1080 SC
Gigabyte z270 Ultra Gaming
8 gb dual channel XMP 3000 mhz ram
EVGA 850W Bronze PSU

I was thinking the samething about my power supply. I have an old EVGA 850w B2 bronze powersupply that is 6 years old and when using the GTX 1080 i noticed fluctuations in power percentage in Msi Afterburner. Bouncing around and dropping from 70%. When you get another power supply and install it please give us an update
I will also post here when i change my power supply. Im glad i found this because i am seriously going through the same odd micro stutter and frametime spikings. This started happening right at the same time as u for some odd reason.
Edit: Id like to add that my framerate will be high aswell utilization of gpu at 99% ofcourse just fine. But frametiming and stuttering for some reason

Hey man, sucks that you're going thru this issue as well. After researching/troubleshooting more and more I've basically narrowed it down to being power related. I noticed that you said you see your GPU Power percentage drops and fluctuates a lot. I also experience that exact thing in MSI Afterburner, my GPU Power will be in the 90's and then for a brief second drop to like 30 or 40 and then shoot right back up. And it's exactly during these power drops that I get frametime spikes so I mean it kinda speaks for itself. I should add that I have tested this on multiple PC's in my house and it occurs on both of them. I found on some other forum a guy having this exact problem: https://forums.blurbusters.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6064&sid=1f5c6300576d60d4e193305cbfe37f98 ---- Turns out it was his solar panels giving him frametime spikes, very bizarre but it has been found that the power that runs thru the walls of your house can contribute to strange fluctuations that ultimately result in power disruption which create these frametime spikes. Considering I have troubleshooted everything imaginable, this is the only thing left to test. So, I bought a Power Conditioner (UPS) as recommended by that site administrator(Chief Blur Buster), due to the fact he is very knowledgeable on this particular subject. So yeah man I have a new 850 Watt PSU and this power conditioner being delivered this week. I hope to god this fixes my issue and I will let you know if I have any success. Please keep in touch if somehow you find any new info either. Peace.

 

[Shiroy]

Hey man, sucks that you're going thru this issue as well. After researching/troubleshooting more and more I've basically narrowed it down to being power related. I noticed that you said you see your GPU Power percentage drops and fluctuates a lot. I also experience that exact thing in MSI Afterburner, my GPU Power will be in the 90's and then for a brief second drop to like 30 or 40 and then shoot right back up. And it's exactly during these power drops that I get frametime spikes so I mean it kinda speaks for itself. I should add that I have tested this on multiple PC's in my house and it occurs on both of them. I found on some other forum a guy having this exact problem: https://forums.blurbusters.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6064&sid=1f5c6300576d60d4e193305cbfe37f98 ---- Turns out it was his solar panels giving him frametime spikes, very bizarre but it has been found that the power that runs thru the walls of your house can contribute to strange fluctuations that ultimately result in power disruption which create these frametime spikes. Considering I have troubleshooted everything imaginable, this is the only thing left to test. So, I bought a Power Conditioner (UPS) as recommended by that site administrator(Chief Blur Buster), due to the fact he is very knowledgeable on this particular subject. So yeah man I have a new 850 Watt PSU and this power conditioner being delivered this week. I hope to god this fixes my issue and I will let you know if I have any success. Please keep in touch if somehow you find any new info either. Peace.

Hello, I have been having a similar problem as you do for about a year now. I saw the post in the blurbusters' forum you mentioned before, and I don't know about the situation he had (he hadn't mentioned it), but I think the stutter we have mostly happened when loading something new (maps, textures).

And I also bought an on-line UPS, but I connected UPS's both input (to the wall) and output (to PC) sockets, the issue still existed. And then I forgot to test it by only using the battery in the UPS before refunding it.

 

[bbacks26]

Hello, I have been having a similar problem as you do for about a year now. I saw the post in the blurbusters' forum you mentioned before, and I don't know about the situation he had (he hadn't mentioned it), but I think the stutter we have mostly happened when loading something new (maps, textures).

And I also bought an on-line UPS, but I connected UPS's both input (to the wall) and output (to PC) sockets, the issue still existed. And then I forgot to test it by only using the battery in the UPS before refunding it.

Sorry to hear you are also experiencing this. I wanna ask though do you notice stuttering just in games or do you experience it on your desktop, on chrome, etc. I have recently begun to realize that it is my entire pc that stutters, not just in games. Also, do you remember what the name of the UPS you bought was?

 

[jarza]

Here is a link to program that shows your system DPC latency https://www.resplendence.com/latencymon . If there are constant red spikes you have an issue. On drivers tab you see what driver is causing it.

 

[Shiroy]

Sorry to hear you are also experiencing this. I wanna ask though do you notice stuttering just in games or do you experience it on your desktop, on chrome, etc. I have recently begun to realize that it is my entire pc that stutters, not just in games. Also, do you remember what the name of the UPS you bought was?

The UPS I bought was some unknown brand in where I live.
I think every kind of program stutter in some ways, but besides games, other software isn't very noticeable to me. I used to see a post, the guy has a similar problem, but his situation was way worse than mine.

 

[bbacks26]

Here is a link to program that shows your system DPC latency https://www.resplendence.com/latencymon . If there are constant red spikes you have an issue. On drivers tab you see what driver is causing it.

I have tried that program before, but never got any red spikes. Highest spike was to about 700.

 

[Yesno]

I have tried that program before, but never got any red spikes. Highest spike was to about 700.

Do you have discord on? While your gaming normally