Framerate Drop post 4GB fix

[JAST 13]

I've returned to Skyrim after a break since December, and have updated everything (both the game and drivers) to the latest versions. Now I'm aware that the 4GB RAM fix was integrated in 1.4 or so, which eliminated the need for the unofficial mod I had to use before.

 

The problem is that I'm noticing much more lag in the open world: even more than when the unoffical 4GB mod was in use. I've done the manual v-sync disable, used the Nvidia panel to override game options (AA and AF are at 0 for Skyrim and Nvidia), removed all mods, and lowered both texture and shadow settings, yet still get lag after a few minutes of play.

 

I'm running this off of an Alienware m15x laptop (I'll add complete specs when I get the chance), but feel that this problem shouldn't be occuring since I'm able to play Fallout, Oblivion, and other recent games on high/ultra settings.

 

What could possibly be causing such a drop in performance for Skyrim only, especially after it ran fine awhile back? I'll post my specs as soon as possible since they should be the biggest help.

[xlcr]

@JAST 13, hi, since Fallout/Oblivion are running ok your Skyrim lag issues might be hard to troubleshoot,

here is a random list of suggestions (my brainfart lol) you might want to look at:

 

Mods? post the contents of your DLCList.txt or plugins.txt here (search for one of these in your systemdrive).

Possible issues with patch v1.5 after you reach level 20?

Laptop overheating, dust in the vents/fans? are your temps over 90-degrees Celsius?

CPU throttling, make sure stealth mode isn't active, check BIOS if EIST option activated (speedstep technology).

Older BIOS version not optimized for the new graphics driver version?

Corrupt graphics driver install? Maybe rollback to a previous version?

Have you verified the integrity of the game cache?

Drive fragmented or getting too full?

How large is your savegame.ess file? is it over 20mb?

DLC high-res texture pack installed/enabled?

When the game begins to lag, try alt+tab to desktop, then alt+tab back to the game.

Windows update installed some new service?

You reinstalled Skyrim into an existing installation of Skyrim (old mod files still there).

Try running Skyrim in offline mode.

Try launching Skyrim as local administrator.

Is VSync enabled/disabled?

Have you configured your GPU game program settings? is AA or AF or FXAA enabled?

Tweak your INI's (skyrimprefs.ini) and set shadows to medium or low resolutions, what are your settings for:

[Display]

iBlurDeferredShadowMask= (is it over 3?)

iShadowMapResolution= (is it over 1024?)

Edited June 9, 2012 by xlcr