FPS very low

[BlueGunk]

Hi folks

 

Having real problems with my FPS which is 6-15 and that’s it. I’m running a heavily modded (fully patched) Oblivion on an Acer Laptop, spec:

Pentium Dual Core CPU T4300 at 2.10GHz with 800MHz FSB, rated at 3.15 GHz; 4 GB RAM, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570 512MB card with max 2304 Hypermemory; Direct X 11; Pixel Shader 4.1; Vertex Shader 4.1; disk free – loads (250GB)

 

Technically this should run Oblivion well, although the CPU is a bit minimalist I agree. I know Oblivion fails to use dual core and I see “overclocking” mentioned as a fix, but I’d have no idea how to do that.

 

I’ve tried a zillion different graphics settings, dropping it down to medium level, and lower screen resolutions. I’ve tweaked the INI and all sorts of bits via various reams of advice I’ve read, including adding a couple of lines supposed to tweak dual core. Even when textures are running at 180MB (using TDT on Console), I see no improvement on FPS. It just won’t budge. I’d love to get up to 30FPS. I’ve also told AVG not to load-scan the Oblivion directory. I’ve used Gamebooster and cleared everything non-essential out. Sigh.

 

Please could someone look at my list of Mods? I have methodically worked through removing the texture based ones I’d expect to hit FPS but seen absolutely no improvement. With your knowledge, can anyone advise me if any mods on my list are known as FPS killers? You might save me some pain! I’ve generally tried to stick to trusted mods and been careful with Wrye Bash, etc. (although I’m not an expert user). I am aware of certain conflicts as overlaps but tried to keep them at an absolute minimum. I rarely get CTDs or real stuttering.

 

I do have some suspicion over OBGE – wondering if I have it installed right. Any tips on best installation for that?

 

Any help and advice *much* appreciated!

 

Thanks, Clive

Mods: (perhaps I have overdone it?! :unsure:

 

 

Active Mod Files:
00  Oblivion.esm
01  All Natural Base.esm  [Version 1.3]
02  Cobl Main.esm  [Version 01]
03  bookplacing.esm  [Version 01]
04  A_Bloody_Mess.esm
05  CM Partners.esm
06  Easy_Companion_Share.esm
07  DKImperials.esm
08  Portal.esm
09  HorseCombatMaster.esm
0A  ScreenEffects.esm
0B  IDKRRR_C_race_closed_mouth_version.esm
0C  AGC-TARDISMaster.esm
0D  TARDISMaster.esm
0E  DLCShiveringIsles.esp
0F  All Natural.esp  [Version 1.3]
**  All Natural - SI.esp  [Version 01]
10  Immersive Interiors.esp  [Version 0.7]
11  Immersive Interiors - Lights Addon.esp  [Version 0.7]
12  Realistic Water.esp
13  Better Bell Sounds.esp
14  Idle Dialogue.esp
++  Symphony of Violence.esp
15  AmbientTownSounds.esp
16  All Natural - Real Lights.esp  [Version 1.2.1]
17  WindowLightingSystem.esp
18  1em_GiveAGift.esp  [Version 01]
19  Book Jackets Oblivion - BP.esp
1A  Vanitycamlesswait.esp
1B  Better Clocks.esp
1C  Wasted.esp
++  Item interchange - Extraction.esp  [Version 01]
1D  Luchaire's Neck Seam Concealer.esp
1E  My Voice Extender.esp
1F  P1DseeYouSleep.esp
20  P-Froggys Wall Climbing EV.esp
21  PTFallingStars.esp
22  Crowded Cities 15.esp
23  DropLitTorchOBSE.esp  [Version 01]
24  Get Wet.esp
25  Get Wet Dark.esp
26  Note to Self.esp
27  Oblivion Graphics Extender Support.esp  [Version 0.42]
28  ScreenControls.esp
29  Quick Clothes and Spells.esp
**  HGEC_special_armor_repl.esp
2A  Aspiria.esp
2B  BWisteria.esp
2C  Chin CatSuit.esp
2D  DFSL Leathery 4.esp
2E  Gothic Fetish Outfit.esp
2F  Hentai_Hana_Dress.esp
30  Hentai Compilation.esp
31  IvyArmor_Full.esp
32  Joe's Energy Bow.esp
33  KatanasMod.esp
34  KohdiAnduril.esp
35  SaberCloth.esp
36  Slof's Boners! v5_DV.esp
37  Elegance_HGEC.esp
38  JB Catsuit Variants.esp  [Version 01]
39  JB Catsuit Weapons.esp  [Version 01]
3A  R18PN - Amy Armor Set.esp
3B  R18PN - Lingeries.esp
3C  Dark_Mistress.esp
3D  Slof's Horses Base.esp
3E  Slof's Extra Horses.esp
3F  Cobl Glue.esp  [Version 01]
40  Cobl Si.esp  [Version 01]
++  Cobl Tweaks.esp  [Version 01]
41  OBSE-Storms & Sound SI.esp
42  EM_CompInnsleeping.esp  [Version 01]
43  AkaviriSamuraiShop.esp
44  Vaernlor Manor.esp
++  SYS Patch-Vaernlor Manor.esp
45  AleswellHomeQuest.esp
46  Amen'thalas.esp
47  Amen'thalas - AN Patch.esp
48  Better Benirus Manor - Helping Hands.esp
49  Better Benirus Manor.esp
4A  Better Benirus Manor - AN Patch - Natural.esp
++  Better Benirus Manor - SYS Patch.esp
4B  Dwemer_Skyship_1_1_0.esp
4C  EM_RedRoseManor.esp  [Version 01]
4D  Abriael_Human.esp
4E  GoldenCrest.esp
4F  GoldenCrest Vwalk.esp
50  ImpeREAL City Unique Districts - All the Districts - Merged.esp
51  ImpeREAL City Unique Districts - All the Districts Visible From Cyrodiil.esp
52  ICTalosPlazaHome.esp
53  LakesideHome.esp
54  MountainShackR121.esp
++  SYS Patch-Abandoned Mountain Shack.esp
55  Mondstein - female Companion.esp
56  Naughty_Joana_01.esp
57  Side's Sailing Ships.esp  [Version 0.93.5]
++  Side's Sailing Ships (COBL).esp  [Version 1.2]
58  SMChorrol.esp
59  SN_Skingrad_Villa.esp
++  SYS Patch- Skingrad Villa.esp
5A  Apachii_Goddess_Store.esp
5B  WaterlilyCottage1.esp  [Version 01]
5C  Tamriel.esp
5D  ElsweyrAnequina.esp
5E  ElsweyrAnequina Vwalk.esp
5F  xuldarkforest.esp  [Version 01]
60  xulStendarrValley.esp  [Version 01]
61  xulTheHeath.esp
62  XulEntiusGorge.esp
63  xulFallenleafEverglade.esp
64  xulColovianHighlands_EV.esp  [Version 01]
65  xulChorrolHinterland.esp  [Version 01]
66  xulChorrolHinterland Vwalk.esp
67  xulBeachesOfCyrodiilLostCoast.esp  [Version 01]
68  xulBravilBarrowfields.esp
69  xulBravilBarrowfields Vwalk.esp
6A  xulLushWoodlands.esp  [Version 01]
6B  xulAncientYews.esp  [Version 01]
6C  WaterlilyCottage-AncientYews patch.esp  [Version 01]
6D  xulAncientRedwoods.esp  [Version 01]
6E  xulCloudtopMountains.esp  [Version 01]
6F  xulArriusCreek.esp  [Version 01]
70  xulPatch_AY_AC.esp  [Version 01]
71  Amen'thalasWellHouse-ArriusCreek patch.esp
72  Amen'thalasWellHouse-xulPatch_AY_AC patch.esp
73  xulRollingHills_EV.esp  [Version 01]
74  xulRollingHills_EV Vwalk.esp
75  xulPantherRiver.esp
76  xulRiverEthe.esp  [Version 01]
77  xulBrenaRiverRavine.esp  [Version 01]
78  xulBrenaRiverRavine Vwalk.esp
79  xulImperialIsle.esp
7A  xulImperialIsle Vwalk.esp
7B  xulBlackwoodForest.esp  [Version 01]
7C  xulCheydinhalFalls.esp  [Version 01]
7D  xulAspenWood.esp  [Version 01]
7E  xulAspenWood Vwalk.esp
7F  xulSkingradOutskirts.esp
80  xulSkingradOutskirts Vwalk.esp
81  xulSnowdale.esp
82  xulSilverfishRiverValley.esp  [Version 01]
83  Castle_Seaview.esp
84  CastleSeaview+LostCoast Patch.esp  [Version 01]
++  SYS Patch-Castle Seaview.esp
85  Salmo the Baker, Cobl.esp  [Version 01]
86  A Bloody Mess - Bloody Fights.esp
87  CBScryingv1.esp  [Version 01]
88  HUD Status Bars.esp  [Version 01]
89  Sexdarkness.esp
8A  talkwithyourhands2.esp
8B  RealisticFatigue.esp
8C  RealSleepExtended.esp  [Version 01]
8D  CompanionRepair.esp
8E  Enhanced Grabbing.esp  [Version 01]
8F  GrabCompanion.esp
90  Unequip Broken Armor.esp
91  CTAddPose_Gaff_01.esp
92  CTAddPose_Gaff_02.esp
++  SW01.esp
93  SeductiveIdles.esp
94  Chain it!.esp
95  geechan_SimplePose.esp
96  zzEstrus.esp
97  babehair_EV.esp
98  idkrrr_sarameyesNhairs4originalrace.esp
99  CM Partners.esp
9A  Moonshadow Elves - Sc.esp
9B  Tabaxi Race 2.0.esp  [Version 2.0-01]
9C  IDKRRR_C_race.esp
9D  IDKRRR_C_race_closed_mouth_version.esp
9E  idkrrr_sarams_race.esp
9F  DKImperials.esp
A0  eyja.esp
A1  ahtata Ork.esp
A2  Synx.esp
A3  CM Partners Vwalk.esp
A4  CM Partners Special NPCs.esp
A5  CM Partners Special NPCs Vwalk.esp
A6  CM Partners NPC.esp
A7  CM Partners NPC Vwalk.esp
A8  CM Partners More NPCs.esp
A9  CM Partners More NPCs Vwalk.esp
AA  CM Partners Marker NPCs.esp
AB  CM Partners Marker NPCs Vwalk.esp
AC  CM Partners Extra NPCs.esp
AD  CM Partners Extra NPCs Vwalk.esp
AE  1em_Vilja.esp  [Version 01]
AF  1em_Vilja_Coolhair59.esp
B0  Companion Neeshka.esp
B1  Companion Neeshka Vwalk.esp
B2  GGValeria2_0.esp
B3  Saerileth.esp
B4  Sonia.esp
B5  Sonia Vwalk.esp
B6  DAJadeAmberSheevaTabaxi.esp
B7  SMHighImperial.esp
++  AMB.esp
++  EyelashesVannilaRaces.esp
B8  KT_CustomRaceFix.esp
B9  Duke Patricks - BASIC Script Effect Silencer.esp
BA  Duke Patricks - BASIC Script Effect Silencer NIF REMOVED.esp
BB  Companion Compatibility.esp
BC  Cobl Silent Equip Misc.esp  [Version 01]
**  All Natural - Indoor Weather Filter For Mods.esp  [Version 1.3]
BD  TWMP_Tamriel_Ingame_ Map.esp
BE  Oblivion Vwalk.esp
BF  Younger Hotter NPC's v1.0 Vwalk.esp
----> Delinquent MASTER: Younger Hotter NPC's v1.0.esp
C0  DLCShiveringIsles Vwalk.esp
C1  DLCShiveringIsles Vwalk DG_DS.esp
C2  Crowded Cities 15 Vwalk.esp
C3  Apachii_Goddess_Store Vwalk.esp
C4  eyja Vwalk.esp
C5  Colourwheels sexy companion.esp
C6  Aspiria_EV.esp
C7  Weapon Holder.esp
C8  Colourwheels Sexy & extremely short dress.esp
C9  Blank.esp
CA  Sexy Ghost Armor.esp
CB  Lockpicks money and repair hammer spells.esp
CC  Improved 3rdPerson Camaera.esp  [Version 01]
CD  NoMaaM_BBB.esp
CE  CM-High Imperial Isabelle.esp
CF  Fingernails For HGEC.esp
D0  CrimsonECHcup.esp
D1  FemaleAdoringFan.esp
D2  CB Elegant Dress.esp
D3  TARDIS by Drekmoor.esp
D4  Hentai_Seraphim_Blade.esp
D5  CM Angelina Jolie.esp
D6  AnnabelleCM.esp
D7  Chun_Li_CM.esp
D8  Woman's Move - Animation Replacer.esp
D9  Malus-Pumila Mansion.esp
DA  CM Partner Isabell.esp
DB  CM Partner Destara.esp
**  Younger Hotter NPC's v1.0.esp  [Version 1.0-01]
DC  CM-Synx_Nina.esp
DD  Cobl Races.esp  [Version 01]
DE  RavenMain2.esp
DF  Seirei_No_Hitokiri.esp
++  Cobl Filter Late MERGE ONLY.esp  [Version 01]
++  Item interchange - Placement.esp  [Version 01]
E0  Bashed Patch, 0.esp
E1  Deadly Reflex 5 - Timed Block and 250% damage.esp
E2  DeadlyReflex 5 - Combat Moves.esp
E3  Streamline 3.1.esp
E4  MergedMaps.esp

 

[suzypike]

I apologize because this is off topic, but I've tried and tried to figure out how to tell AVG not to load scan Oblivion. How did you do it? I have AVG Full.

Thanks so much!

suzy

[MarkInMKUK]

OK, you've got plenty of frame-rate killers in there, so there's a fair bit of room for tinkering.

 

Firstly - Streamline - that CAN reduce FPS more than it helps on some rigs - did you add it after you had a problem to try to fix it, or before? If before, try disabling it and adjusting the ini file back to default settings, as it adjusts the ini dynamically to even out performance, NOT to "make it faster" as some people claim.

 

Secondly - Unique Landscapes IS a frame-rate killer. In particular, there's an area of wheat which would bring a Cray supercomputer down to the speed of an abacus in the Barrowfields area from memory. Look for FPS patches for any xUL mods.

 

ImperREAL City will also slug the fps somewhat in that area.

 

You mention AVG. Have you set it to NOT do "on file access" scans? Oblivion accesses dozens of files on the fly, and a virus scan as it opens every one can cripple the game. If you can exclude processes from the on access scan, exclude Oblivion.exe along with OBSE, OBGE and the OBSE Loader.

 

Defrag - I use defraggler and it speeded my game up a little - the basic Windows Defrag is pretty rudimentary.

 

You have lots of companion mods - are they all together someplace, or are they spread out through Cyrodiil? If they are all together you may get a performance hit when the CPU has to handle all of their AI packages at once.

 

Check for any mod clashes too - for example #B9 and #BA look, to me, like maybe only one should be installed. things like that can slow the PC down as it then effectively runs the associated script twice. BOSS should tell you in the comments next to each file if that is the case.

 

Then, of course, there are the "hidden" mods which have no ESP, like (for example) QTP3. Try the Reduced and Redimized version for very much the same effect with less load on the system.

 

But I think, fundamentally, you have a slower CPU (2.1GHz) and will therefore struggle a bit. Something closer to 3GHz basic clock speed would make quite a difference.

Edited June 1, 2011 by MarkInMKUK

[BlueGunk]

I apologize because this is off topic, but I've tried and tried to figure out how to tell AVG not to load scan Oblivion. How did you do it? I have AVG Full.

Thanks so much!

suzy

 

Hi Suzy

 

Happy to help if I can! I'm using AVG Free 10.0.1375 (latest). I'm not 100% sure this is right but I went to Tools / Advanced Settings, and in the box that pops up I selected "Resident Shield, Excluded Items" from the list in the left pane and added my Oblivion Directory to the right pane using the "Add Path" button. I'm now assuming AVG will ignore the Oblivion directory and its contents as they are picked up and used by the game. Sadly it won't stop scanning stuff that's floating around the caches but I thought it might be better than nothing.

 

If you think I've done it all wrong - please don't hesitate to say so! :happy: I could not see any other way of blocking Oblivion on load scan.

 

Clive

[MarkInMKUK]

That looks like the correct approach to me - the Microsoft Security Essentials interface gives you a little more control and allows exclusion of specific processes, which is one of the reasons I switched to it from AVG.

 

Item #BF on the list - you need to adjust the BOSS sorting order to move the delinquent esp file back in front of the VWalk esp. That shouldn't kill frame rate, but the VWalk bits won't behave til you do it.

Edited June 1, 2011 by MarkInMKUK

[BlueGunk]

:sad:

OK, you've got plenty of frame-rate killers in there, so there's a fair bit of room for tinkering.

 

Firstly - Streamline - that CAN reduce FPS more than it helps on some rigs - did you add it after you had a problem to try to fix it, or before? If before, try disabling it and adjusting the ini file back to default settings, as it adjusts the ini dynamically to even out performance, NOT to "make it faster" as some people claim.

 

Secondly - Unique Landscapes IS a frame-rate killer. In particular, there's an area of wheat which would bring a Cray supercomputer down to the speed of an abacus in the Barrowfields area from memory. Look for FPS patches for any xUL mods.

 

ImperREAL City will also slug the fps somewhat in that area.

 

You mention AVG. Have you set it to NOT do "on file access" scans? Oblivion accesses dozens of files on the fly, and a virus scan as it opens every one can cripple the game. If you can exclude processes from the on access scan, exclude Oblivion.exe along with OBSE, OBGE and the OBSE Loader.

 

Defrag - I use defraggler and it speeded my game up a little - the basic Windows Defrag is pretty rudimentary.

 

You have lots of companion mods - are they all together someplace, or are they spread out through Cyrodiil? If they are all together you may get a performance hit when the CPU has to handle all of their AI packages at once.

 

Check for any mod clashes too - for example #B9 and #BA look, to me, like maybe only one should be installed. things like that can slow the PC down as it then effectively runs the associated script twice. BOSS should tell you in the comments next to each file if that is the case.

 

Then, of course, there are the "hidden" mods which have no ESP, like (for example) QTP3. Try the Reduced and Redimized version for very much the same effect with less load on the system.

 

But I think, fundamentally, you have a slower CPU (2.1GHz) and will therefore struggle a bit. Something closer to 3GHz basic clock speed would make quite a difference.

 

Hi

 

Thanks for your very helpful reply. Yes, there are a number of things you quote I've done, defragging (but I'll try defraggler), cutting AVG load scanning, etc. I avoided Qarl's texture packs as they are too heavy, but interesting thought about unlisted mods - will investigate. I've also unloaded a number of my other texture packs to see if they were the culprits. All my not-in-use companion mods are holed up having a holiday inside Emma's Red Rose Manor (can be a bit jerk-o-vision going in there!) and I'm using at most two companions. I'm already considering dumping a few of them anyway! I took Streamline out but it made no difference.

 

But I'll certainly take a look at the B9 BA clash and the XUL files. Maybe I'm just placing too much strain on my cpu.... :sad: I need to take a long hard look at BOSS, coming to think about it. I might be missing clues!

 

I'll report back how I get on.

 

Thanks! Clive

[MarkInMKUK]

Streamline doesn't resent the ini if you uninstall it, you may need to manually readjust it to raise settings again

[MichikoUnknownFox]

Try running in a different resolution. There are times when running at a higher resolution will give a better overall FPS (especially the native resolution).

 

If you're not stuttering, it's less likely to be the cause of mods with ESP files. It seems like some straight up hardware settings (or even Oblivion.ini settings).

 

Some of the biggest FPS killers are things like shadows and reflections. Try turning those off. Also check your settings in Catalyst, in case it's forcing AA/AF on Oblivion, because those can kill FPS too. If you run at somewhat higher resolutions (1280 and up) you can probably survive without any AA, or maybe 4x AA at most if you're really picky.

 

And yeah I can verify that Streamline is a bad idea on some systems, mine included. Get rid of it, because it'll force your FPS down when it notices that you're spiking up (because it's trying to maintain a particular level of "playable" FPS). Streamline was built with older PCs in mind, especially those still running AGP cards.

[Ghoulz]

Defrag - I use defraggler and it speeded my game up a little - the basic Windows Defrag is pretty rudimentary.

 

Where you get that from?

[MichikoUnknownFox]

Google it lol. It comes up immediately as the first result on Google. It's a free download too.