Question:
Help please? Sudden slowdowns.
Hi everyone,
I have a new Compaq v4000t. pentium m 740 1.73 ghz, ati x700 128 mb graphics. I love it so far but have run into an issue with the BF2 demo.
After about 2-5 minutes of play, my fps drops from an average of about 50-60 to low 20's-high teens. I'm assuming this is my processor stepping down or something but don't know how to keep it from doing this. High teens fps makes the game choppy and no fun. How can if fix this?
I always make sure my fan isn't blocked when I play. Is it getting too hot?
Also, I'm running only the demo and only in singleplayer mode so far...could that make a difference? Thanks again,
-Winterymix
Answer:
Re: Help please? Sudden slowdowns.
Well, there are a bunch of factors that could lead to this. How much RAM do you have?
Also, I recommend downloading and installing the latest video drivers - the Mobility Catalyst 6.2's There's a link in the software forum to d/l.
Answer:
Re: Help please? Sudden slowdowns.
I have 1.25 gb of ram. Also, the installer says the newest ati drivers won't work with my system. I saw somewhere that i have to use the ATI drivers supplied on Compaq's website because they modify them in some way. But I do have the newest on from there...which came out in Oct 05. I get great fps for the first several minutes I play, it's after that I'll get a sudden drop and they stay low.
Answer:
Re: Help please? Sudden slowdowns.
You need to download the Mobility Catalyst drivers - the regular ones are for desktops, and will not install unless you crack them. It is easier to just get the Mobility Drivers. Check the direct link to download in the hardware section, or in the News Bits from Monday, which are on the front page.
Answer:
Re: Help please? Sudden slowdowns.
The mobility drivers are what i tried. It downloads a utility to check your systems compatibility first, it said it wasn't compatable with my system and to check the manufacterer's website. I started checking around and found a post from someone saying compaq modifies the ati drivers somehow for the presario laptops and you have to download them from compaq's site. Is there any chance this could be heat related?
-Winterymix
Answer:
Re: Help please? Sudden slowdowns.
Yes. Speedstep will throttle your CPU's frequency when things get to hot. DL speedfan or something to check your temp. You should be able to check what throtthling speed is enabled in your bios. Your knee temperatues might be there too, not sure.
Answer:
Re: Help please? Sudden slowdowns.
try lowering the resolution in the in-game settings and run the game on low detail settings and see if it still runs slow at low settings.
Try using on a cool desk as well. Also, check out this site for mot information on overheating: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/143
Answer:
Re: Help please? Sudden slowdowns.
Don't know if this is a solution for you, but whenever I play WoW with ac AND battery connected, I get temporary slowdown after about an hour.
It has never happened with the battery disconnected.
If it is heat related, the best solution would probably be to get a laptop cooler.
Answer:
Re: Help please? Sudden slowdowns.
HP/Compaq's drivers are special in that they allow your computer to wake up from standby (literally, they turn the LCD on).
This is why i am still stuck with the ones shipped with my laptop instead of using the latest Mobility Catalyst because I need that functionality.
Darn HP!!
Answer:
Re: Help please? Sudden slowdowns.
The drivers on hp's support page are probably newer than the ones that came with your computer.
I'm in the same boat. I wish I could use more recent drivers but dealing with compatibility issues isn't worth a few fps to me.