Freezing every 5 seconds...... I have a gtx 970

[Inkanator]

Idk what to do anymore.

[psykoteky]

If this thread gets locked<---click


There are multiple problems since the patch (mid Dec-ish), multiple fixes~
You can't follow some of these exactly- may need to experiment.
There are 3 sections - for 3 different stutter/lag issues. tl;dr at bottom.
( I will try to keep list updated as patch/dlcs hit - no guarantees)

SECTION 1 )

***SUPPOSEDLY fixed*** Mar2016 - You can also google an old drivers to manually install. Those with no issues probably never used "generic" win10 drivers.

For controller problems (currently *fixed - still worth testing in some case)
Test this first- turn off steam overlay, try gtav ** If it doesn't work - continue~
Using a controller? Unplug it - try gtav. (plug in after its open)
(unplug any other usb devices besides kb/mouse - yes all)
(Some say they simply changed USB port - YMMV -.-)

Edit - in 2018,19,20,21 where this/variations of updates/versions still a cause.

SECTION 2 )

*TL;DR? Go to very BOTTOM of post.

For hdmi conflict - audio driver/software issues-- CONSISTANTLY TIMED STUTTER.
Changed settings to low with no results? Do this. Timed lag/stutter/audio cuts? Do this.
Sometimes also causes world to load improperly / keeps game lagging behind. Do it.
*Sept2016+ -- also similar symptoms with conflicting softwares (in instructions below)

Re-wrote this section as 50%+ of those it is given to - failed to do half/any. I only list major offenders - offbrands/software devices/mixers can cause this too. Because of this - don't ignore anything - is all suspect/part of tests/elimination.

This post assumes you've already DDU safemode / uninstalled/reinstalled your gpu drivers.
(Sometimes, new drivers cause problems and rollback/downgrading are worth testing)
Preferably custom install without *hd audio drivers.
Also assumed- you verified cache in the last 30 minutes.
And aren't using default windows audio drivers/update to ones your device uses.
Unplug any/all usb devices that are not keyboard or mouse.

- - - Step 1 - - -
Always first - open my docs / rockstar games / gtav - delete settings.xml
(rename if you truly can't redo the settings -.- idea is reset perms/gpu/other issues)
(too many new gpu upgrades choking on this alone - do it)
Lets start narrowing it down and verify you do have the problem/conflict ----
Open start/run - devmgmt.msc - open sound, video, and game controllers.
(This is in system/device manager ---- NOT playback devices from systray speaker)
Rightclick any nvidia, razer, amd hd audio in there - disable them.
Try gtav. Works without issues? Great! -----> Go to step 3.
------- Didn't work?---> Keep going.
Go back to devmanager / disable ALL devices in sound/vid/gamecontrollers. Test gtav again.
(Yes your sound will/might disappear - not the point - run the test)
Did it work this time with everything disabled? Great! ---> Go to step 3.
---- Didn't work?---> Go to step 2.

- - - Step 2 - - -
Are you using an inline mixer or something related to your headphones/stereo? Unplug it. Using mods / or used them? Check to be sure they are removed entirely also. You should also check even if you think you haven't used mods- siblings, forgot, didn't clean -
(For mods- open gtav folder- delete any that is NOT a folder, and NOT a .RPF file- verify cache) (View file extensions if necessary) Link has pic/directions for mod cleaning -
https://steamcommunity.com/app/271590/discussions/0/1499000547495596089/#c1499000547495630914
Open task manager, start closing software/services based on brand. Test gtav between each brand. Any razer, any nvidia, any logitech software, even iCUE. Then, ANYTHING with overlays (steam overlay too), ANYTHING related to audio in any form (including skype/discord/vent/etc). Also includes services--->

Start/run - services.msc - scroll to nvidia and razer - and stop/disable them all - EXCEPT the nvidia display driver and R* library service. Also check startup tab for related programs/disable. (easiest to reboot pc afterwards for a "clean boot"). Test gtav. Did it work? Great ---> Go to step 4.
Didn't work? ---> Unplug every usb device except keyboard/mouse --->
First time getting this far? Then go back to step 1 - Go through the instructions again.
Are you here a second time? --->Go read Notes 1, then back to step 1.
Don't disable R* games library service.

- - - Step 3 - - -
You SHOULD still have sound at this point. If you do not - establish sound first.
Enable 1 device - test gtav. No sound? Disable it, try the next.
Do this until you have sound and no lag. Got sound? No lag? Great! --->
Now, enable ONLY 1 of the leftover disabled devices. Test gtav again. Do this until you know which one(s) is/are causing problems. Now that you have names -- Great! Go play.
Wait, you say you want to use this software/device that is disabled? Go to step 4.

- - - Step 4 - - -
Is nvidia hd audio causing the problem? Leave it disabled if you don't use it.
If you do use it - some have had success uninstalling / reinstalling it.
Also be aware that most automatic gpu driver upgrades/installs will reinstall this.
Use custom install and uncheck it if you intend on not using it or don't want it installed.
Test again with your working sound device and nvidia hd audio.

Is the device razer based? Try uninstalling any and all razer software and reinstall new version. Some had success doing this / to keep using their razer software. If you don't care - leave it disabled / or uninstall it. If you know specifically which program/service is the issue from step 2 - you can also stop/disable that again.

Is it some other strange software like Virtual Audio Cable or something else unnamed?
I can only suggest uninstalling / reinstalling - or get used to enabling/disabling it. You can do this in device manager - or read below.


- - - Ending - - -
If you want to keep these problem devices installed/able to be used - you can try:
Re-enable all the problem devices/services (after you reinstall them).
Run GTAV. Hit alt-enter for windowed. Rightclick systray speaker - playback devices.
(Some users are also disabling the recording devices for external mixers/soundcards)
Rightclick the window - show disabled/disconnected devices.
Manually disable any devices you aren't currently using. You should be able to hear gtav audio in the background and it should be affected as you test the devices.
Try to narrow it down to your working sound device + 1 extra. You'll need to experiment to see just how many/what works together. This ultimately may/may not work for you - sorry.
*See Note2.

- - - - - NOTES - - - - -
Note1- Depending on the system/drivers - sometimes disabling nvidia and razer devices isn't enough and you need to uninstall them (Feel free to try uninstall/update/reinstall) There may even be more - as logitech has also been problematic (and others).

Note2- Some are having success simply disabling EVERYTHING in playback devices and renabling it all -ymmv (rightclick speaker in systray - playback devices)

- - - - Bonus - - - -
ONLY seen this work in a few rare cases - Go to properties of current playback device - rightclick - properties - advanced tab - change playback to 24bit, 44100hz~

ONLY seen this work in a few rare cases - Check the gtav dir for dsound.dll and the dll's passed around as a map fix for AMD gpus. If there - remove them from gtav dir.

Been suggested, but not seen personally except for causing crashes -
Disable spatial sound / windows sonic for headphones.

- - - - Super Ultra Mega Bonus for Speed Scanners~ - - - -
If you got this far without doing anything because it all sounds stupid and dumb -
Go buy a console - or... Go back to step 1. Yes yes, we shouldn't have to do this- blahblah.

SECTION 3 )

--- Below for less drastic fps drops --- like.. 60 to 40... 30 etc.
--- Especially useful after dlc/patches or GPU upgrades.
--- Worth trying if you consistantly crash/lag/degredation after 5-10-30 minutes of playing.

Restart the pc. Some programs if run/closed before gtav- can leave things in memory or cause problems. Restart, be clean.

Going over 150fps 'could' cause issues. Try vsync, fps limit, increase eye candy to force your fps downward. (includes stuttering, fps loss, spikes in menus, issues at high speed, etc) Gtav performance should not be compared with other games. Both nvidia/amd have options to limit fps.

**With the new launcher, a few have mentioned results by going to settings, and configuring it to hibernate. I haven't seen it useful firsthand, but there are 12394723 configs of pc/apps/settings.

Exit game to test this one.
Open my documents / rockstar games / gtav. Delete settings.xml.
(rename if you can't redo the settings -.- idea is reset perms/gpu/other issues)
(many new gpu upgrades choking right on this alone)
(Can also try renaming the rockstar games folder to something (to retain saves))
(There are circumstances that 'defaulting settings' - doesn't fix - includes permissions, not saving settings, incorrect gpu, commandlines interfering with creation/modification of it)
*Also NOTE - you may need to do this a few times as you test.
Or simply uninstall/disable anything that is "optimizing your settings -
(looking GeforceExperience, forced commandline.txt / entries, and even being sure you are in the correct location regarding onedrive/etc)
(if you manually disabled shadows - you need to do it again)
*Some claim good results using GFE to optimize.

Unplug any USB devices, except keyboard and mouse. (You could test without those too)
If this helps- usb and mobo drivers may need update/reinstall.

Obviously temps - everyone checks this.. right?.. >_>

You can/should use DDU (from guru3d) to load safemode and clean uninstall your gpu drivers. Then reinstall/update. Use this also to install older versions if these issues began "after" a OS, driver, or game update. RESTART THE COMPUTER after you install drivers. Sometimes automatic driver updates cause issues. Purge and install clean/fresh - this includes custom profile settings for games. Back them up if you must, but nuke all that back to default settings while you sort the fps loss.
http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/display-driver-uninstaller-download.html

Verify you aren't using onboard gpu. If you're on a laptop - you may be able to choose which gpu you use for which application (or all the time usage). Also worth a test if using multiple monitors - unplug/disable all but 1.

Some users had success disabling xbox/game dvr in win10 - YMMV~
Or for Win10 Creator - enable/disable the game mode stuff..
windowskey+G (might need to go to window mode)
(google it)

Also in Win10 - test disabling full screen optimization on the gtav .exe's.
Rightclick/properties/compatability tab - disable fullscreen optimization.
Some have had success, others not - YMMV.
Others have had success matching windows desktop res to game res.

Others are seeing immediate results by turning down particles.
(or ambient occlusion.. seems to vary per driver update)
Same for grass and advanced settings (try half, 1/4th's,etc -.-)
PostFX quality has potential as well.

Some other users have reported success enabling/disabling shader cache.
(in gpu control panel~ (gains might vary based on gpu/ram/cache drive speed))

In some cases - yes - leftover mods/files can cause performance issues-
(for steam version- Open gtav folder - enable viewing of file extensions)
(Delete ANYTHING that is not a folder AND is not .RPF file)
(VERIFY CACHE)

For mods on R* / Non-steam version --- Middle of the post.

Have nvidia gpu or using razer software?
Start/run (winkey+R) - services.msc - scroll down to nvidia / razer.
You "should"/can disable ALL of them if you want to be more thorough in testing.
KEEP the nvidia display driver enabled.
Yes, this "should"/can include outright uninstalling nvidia / razer softwares.
(preference to outright removal - as clean update/reinstalls have proven track record)

Some cases - other programs/services running can give issues. Open msconfig - services tab - hide microsoft services. Disable EVERYTHING except R* related. Open startup tab - or startup in task manager. Same thing - disable it ALL. Restart pc (this step is generally reserved for crashes)
If you see results with this clean boot - slowly enable stuff / restart til you find the problem.

Doublecheck your gpu is set for performance in the gpu driver control panel.
Check in windows powermanagement to see if you are set for peformance as well.
Try opening taskmanager and setting priority of gta5.exe to high.
Laptops can also alter performance based on outlet or battery power.

Install/repair vcredists/directxain - located in:
(vcredistx86, vcredistx64, and dxsetup.exe)
*location has changed to steam/steamapps/common/steamworks_shared
Since release- additional releases/use of vcredists - may be easier to use an AIO tool to uninstall/clean/reinstall these.

Use this .bat to remove a bunch of directx files. ---download / run as admin (edit to see what it does) Hit space to continue through it - when complete it should open 2 windows to the folder/files it moved - and there "should" be 90 files in each ---> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rJvafaYjKDOZia5IBMeeIOU5sVZPfzKW/view )
Reinstall directx with websetup (run it as admin as well) - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35

Using antivirus/security program with realtime scanning/protection? Add gtav folder to exceptions. If you mod - I wouldn't suggest this unless you are SAFE about it.
*A couple users experienced stutter/lag - and fixed it by cleaning virus/malware/adware.
Adwcleaner from toolslib is decent in cleaning some. Other reputable software works too.

Only use vsync in 1 location - preferably from the gpu control panel, but feel free to test. Turn it off ingame. Tab'n'in/out after start can also affect things.
(while using adaptive - just don't use half, it does what it says unless you are specifically configuring to half your fps...). Others also have supposed success by turning off vsync everywhere and using a frame limiter to cap their fps instead. 30.. 60.. 59/58..
(nvidia inspector.. dxtory.. msi.. gpu drivers.. so on) - Above 144 can be flaky.
Can also test fullscreen vs borderless here.

Check in gpu control panel for pre-rendered frames - try setting it at 1.
*Untested/unseen - some "reported" better results changing physx from auto to gpu.

Check virtual memory settings in windows. I usually suggest matching to doubling your ram if you have 8gb and under. 16gb seems to work with less (from my experience)
Others have had success letting windows manage the size - on a NON-gtav-hdd.
http://www.mcci.com/mcci-v5/support/howtos4.html
Also be sure you have available drive space for the pagefile size to fluctuate if not hard set.

Can disable pause on loss of focus in case you tab'n out to see other stats. Also semi-relevant if using software that auto increases performance based on running applications. Some can work improperly by not detecting the launcher/game transitions and not correctly ramping.

Disable steam overlay (or any overlays... ALL of them).
(You can go a step further, and delete gameoverlayrenderer64.dll from steam directory-
Make sure steam is running already - it should/will redownload it on restart -
This fixed an issue in dec2015 where "disabling" the overlay - was NOT enough -
til steam fixed the problem)

Potential problems/solutions in BIOS / YMMV-
cpu/gpu clocking over/under / downclocking / throttling (iCUE <_<)/ some turn hyperthreading on/off / etc. (adding XMP because too vague for some). Others adjust processor affinity in taskman - disabling some/half cores (requires testing)

Self radio also known to cause issues - quit using while testing.
(yes, remove the music)

** Also possible for video emulation/devices to cause probs. Citrix is one example to cause probs. You can uninstall/test, or google/you may find methods to temp disable, or install without problem components. An example -
https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/1/1743358239830363122/

NEW- Import/export - some having success messing around with soft shadows.
(and with the snow - turn particles down)

NEW- Import/export update having issues saving settings, saving certain settings, or settings being reverted. Running as admin, or changing/saving settings while in storymode is working for some.

OLD (perhaps relevant for updates) - (Dec24,2015), multiple friends had Win10 autoupdate their gpu and audio drivers. This caused fps issues for them in every game. Rolled back the driver or clean reinstalled them to fix. You CAN set win10 to not update drivers - it will block all drivers. Preferably - do not use default win10 drivers for gpu/audio if you don't like it updating them on you.

To disable-System - Advanced system settings - hardware tab - device installation settings.

TL;DR~

Uninstall all razer, msi, riva, geforce experience softwares, nvidia hd audio, amd hd audio, logitech (there may be others), all mods - and close discord -.-;; (and every other app you have open) - unplug all usb that are not kb/mouse - test gtav between each. Once you find the problem, you can attempt update/reinstalls/custom installs.

You can also hit winkey+R - type devmgmt.msc - hit ok.
Open sound/video/game controllers - disable EVERYTHING - try gtav.
If it works as it should - you can enable them 1 at a time to find issue.
Section 2 explains the process more.

*Note - this is shortened (duh) - more indepth lists are in section 2.

Yes, I can teamviewer/look when I have time. This is only valid if you did sections 2 and 3 - TL;DR doesn't count.

*OS, game, driver, other apps / updates, and new hardware/changes in the future can be responsible for variety of problems not explicitly named. -.-

[Gabriel]

Originally posted by psykoteky:

First - exit the game...
How many audio devices do you have? razer? realtek? nvidia? Some have had success rightclicking speaker in systemtray - playback devices - rightclick the window - show all hidden/disabled devices - and manually disable any you aren't using. Try narrowing it down to 1 specific device. Like razer on, realtek off, etc.

Using razer products? Close razer synapse or razer surround - programs and services.
This might be a solution if the above paragraph juggling around audio devices doesn't help.

Verified multiple times now (if this is your problem - doesn't mean ONLY problem)
You can try setting your sound quality on your playback device(s) to (44100hz CD quality)
Tests with both Razer and Realtek audio have worked. Others might may work too...

Others are having success deleting my documents\rockstar games\gtav\settings.xml.

If none of that works, some other stuff could be suspect - software with overlays, extra audio software, logitech software, realtek software, clean/dirty gpu driver installs. You'll have to experiment closing down programs. Only you can do this unless you post a list of running processes.

That kinda looks like a copypaste.

[Inkanator]

Thank you bro!

[SoupGod™]

how would turning off audio help?

[trek554]

Originally posted by Thyamat:

Originally posted by psykoteky:

First - exit the game...
How many audio devices do you have? razer? realtek? nvidia? Some have had success rightclicking speaker in systemtray - playback devices - rightclick the window - show all hidden/disabled devices - and manually disable any you aren't using. Try narrowing it down to 1 specific device. Like razer on, realtek off, etc.

Using razer products? Close razer synapse or razer surround - programs and services.
This might be a solution if the above paragraph juggling around audio devices doesn't help.

Verified multiple times now (if this is your problem - doesn't mean ONLY problem)
You can try setting your sound quality on your playback device(s) to (44100hz CD quality)
Tests with both Razer and Realtek audio have worked. Others might may work too...

Others are having success deleting my documents\rockstar games\gtav\settings.xml.

If none of that works, some other stuff could be suspect - software with overlays, extra audio software, logitech software, realtek software, clean/dirty gpu driver installs. You'll have to experiment closing down programs. Only you can do this unless you post a list of running processes.

That kinda looks like a copypaste.

yes and he has to paste it quite a bit since most people dont have enough sense to search...

[Brown Tea]

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ YOU ARE A GOD...
but seriously bro

can i suck you off?

[Technocchi]

same issue here
fix this. rockstar

[fwenk wassle]

probably a result of only having 3.5 gigs vram

[nmb005h]

Originally posted by Scorch:

probably a result of only having 3.5 gigs vram

"only" I have seen 2 gig cards run this game great.

[Bum nut plus +]

Originally posted by Scorch:

probably a result of only having 3.5 gigs vram

cant really use that as evidence since im using a 2gb card and running medium high with 45 fps

[nmb005h]

Originally posted by Tangerine:

Originally posted by Scorch:

probably a result of only having 3.5 gigs vram

cant really use that as evidence since im using a 2gb card and running medium high with 45 fps

What card?

[Bum nut plus +]

Originally posted by ☁ Ice.☁:

Originally posted by Tangerine:

cant really use that as evidence since im using a 2gb card and running medium high with 45 fps

What card?

r7 265

[nmb005h]

Originally posted by Tangerine:

Originally posted by ☁ Ice.☁:

What card?

r7 265

Must have a bland processor. That's a pretty decent card.

[JP]

Originally posted by Scorch:

probably a result of only having 3.5 gigs vram

my brother uses a gtx 960 and get 60fps on high

[Bum nut plus +]

Originally posted by ☁ Ice.☁:

Originally posted by Tangerine:

r7 265

Must have a bland processor. That's a pretty decent card.

an fx 6300. i can run the game on higher settings i just decide not to