Low Framrate

[lloydmaster122]

Hello, all.

 

I've been experiencing some anomalies in my Skyrim game for quite some time now, where the fps will range from 20-50, and I suspect that y hardware is the cause. This is highly irregular as I have a rather nice gaming laptop; its specs are listed below.

 

Alienware M17x R4:

• Intel® Core i7-3630QM CPU @2.40 GHz
• RAM: 5.88 (useable) GB
• 64 bit OS
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660M

 

I would like the best performance possible, not specifically for Skyrim, but for Skyrim as one on the list. My Windows Experience Index rates my Processor and RAM both at a 7.6 (7.9 being the max rating), but rates my Graphics at a 5.5. This suggests that I need to purchase a new graphics card?

 

My NVIDIA 660M is nice and all, as it can pump out Ultra graphics, 1k textures (not quite 2k), and over maybe 20 mods that alter visuals within the game. A 770 would be a dream to buy and implement; however, by chatting with experts from Dell, it wouldn't physically fit in my computer. Can anyone confirm? A 670 or 760 would physically fit in my system (using this site http://www.nvidia.com/content/HelpMeChoose/fx2/HelpMeChoose.asp?lang=en-us); would either of these help boost performance to keep a steady 50-60 fps?

 

Also, to add to my case, a copy of my latest Performance Monitor logs is attached as an MSpaint doc. If a load order is required for the solving of this, I am more than happy to attach another file to the top and subsequent post. But as far as I know, the visual mods that I have installed are:

• aMidianborn: Book of Silence + subsequent textures unadded to Book
• Climates of Tamriel
• Skyrim 2k Textures (Lite)
• W.A.T.E.R.
• Enhanced Snow Textures
• Enhanced Distant Land 1 + 2

Thanks so much to anyone who can answer this. I am not the best when it comes to computers, let alone the insides of them, but i try my best.

Edited September 15, 2013 by lloydmaster122

[Rennn]

A 660m is slower than a stock 660, which is slower than a 660 GC. I have a 660 GC, and I keep a solid 50-60 fps on ultra settings.

 

You're probably getting normal performance for a 660m. I'd recommend a 2GB 760 TI or a 2GB 760 GC, if it'll fit and you can replace your video card.

Edited September 15, 2013 by Rennn

[lloydmaster122]

Oh wow, I never realized that the 660M was different than the 660. Now the M stands for mini, what's the dimensions of that card? A 760 probably wouldn't even fit now...

[Erik005]

The m stands for mobile and it is highly unlikely that you can successfully replace a laptop graphics card

[lloydmaster122]

 

 

The m stands for mobile and it is highly unlikely that you can successfully replace a laptop graphics card

 

 

What if I were to employ the service of a professional? Such as Geek Squad, Dell, etc..

Edited September 15, 2013 by lloydmaster122

[RitualBlack]

Alienware and Sager/Clevo laptops are not bad for changing hardware. If you called dell or maybe a company like eurocom they would give you a quote on the replacement card.

 

Mobile cards have very specific heat sinks so make sure you do some research whether it will fit or not, and don't forget to pick up some thermal paste because you probably will not want to take it apart a second time.

 

Also, there is really no point in upgrading a laptop card every generation. They cost a LOT more than desktop cards and a 660m will let you still play most games on high settings. I would try compairing a 3d mark or unigine benchmark to others that people have to see if you card is underperforming. If it is run a program like hwinfo64 to check your temps (under 80*C under load isn't a concern for a laptop). Also make sure you clean out the fans often with computer duster or something.

[kalikka]

GTX 660m performance is around HD7750/GTX650. You can't really compare laptop and desktop hardware as desktop always wins in price/power. Edited September 16, 2013 by kalikka

[lloydmaster122]

 

 

Alienware and Sager/Clevo laptops are not bad for changing hardware. If you called dell or maybe a company like eurocom they would give you a quote on the replacement card.

 

This is what I had in mind when purchasing the laptop itself a while back. Now, the greater question is: How should I go about implementing this card if it all works out and fits, and is compatible. Should I take it to a third party to put it in for me?

[spz2]

This is some stuff that i use.

 

1) Disable Hardisk Caches. These features are generally on by default and their main use is for video editing, they cause lag in many games.Open "my computer" - right click a partition-properties-hardware tab- (here you will see you harddisks) select the hardisk - properties - policies - then you will see the cache boxes enabled by defuault , thick them( they should be blank !).

 

2)Throttle down sound acceleration, causes minor lag .Open Start button - Run... - "dxdiag" - Sound - move the slider to "basic acceleration" then close it

 

3)D3D Overrider, removes lag , and quite eficiently . This tool is part of the Rivatunner utility , download the latest version 224 oc edition , open the folder of its instalation , open "tools" folder and there it is . A wonderful tool . Use "start on windows- on" and on global profile make sure you have "application detection level - High" , "force tripple buffering-ON" , "force vsync -ON " and that's it. Make sure tripple buffering is enabled via ur driver settings otherwise it wont work and you will get a fps reduction, but this is generally enabled by default so no need to worry if you havent messed with the Forceware settings. Even with tripple buffering disabled which i recomend when Fps is not an issue you will get improved mouse/keyboard response and Vsync will smoth out framerates. This has compatibility issues with windows 8 as i have read.

 

Also make the pagefile "minimum" and "maximum" the same size if you still have time :D. Google it , it's quite easy to do .

 

As for in-game settings when having a stronger CPU you can make it take the bigger load by using a higher resolution to smooth out object edges and Disable Anti-Aliasing which does the same but uses the GPU, which in ur case , is weaker than the CPU .

 

I do not recomend overclocking gpus or cpus for that matter on laptops , especially if you're a beginner. You will definetly see a diference in gameplay lag if you do all of these correctly and they are easy to do, though i have to tell you Fps will remain the same , mind you 20 - 50 fps is very acceptable for a single player rpg :smile: . Gl .

Edited September 17, 2013 by spz2

[spz2]

Also i wouldn't consider upgrating anythhing on your laptop because it is quite balanced, the CPU is a little stronger than the GPU (graphics card) but then again GPUs are much more expensive and you can always even out the odds by making the CPU take the bigger load. Maybe later a few more ram should be added as it is and becoming even more dirt cheap.