Mouse microstuttering in SOME Source-based games

[Jodeth]

Here's a problem that just concerned me tonight. When I try to do a complete slow 360 degree spin in HL2, HL2:Ep1, HL2:Ep2, HL2:DM, Portal 1, it is impossible without any weird hiccup or jitter! It's odd that tonight I just noticed it. My framerate is vsynced at 75 fps solid. No lag at all when strafing left & right on the keyboard. It's not my mouse's fault since I've tested others like Bioshock Infinite, Metro Last Light, TF2, Killing Floor, Portal 2, and L4D2. Very smooth 360 spins, using 1600 DPI. I don't understand why HL2 and its episodes do this. Two other non-Valve games I found that do this is Amnesia and Minecraft. Actually it was Minecraft that started my concern of this problem, which is how I found HL2 and Portal 1 having it, too. It's quite annoying. Vsync disabled does not fix it. I hope that someone will help me fix it before my fiancee decides to start on the HL2 series. Aim stutter can make bad first impressions. I also tried Garry's Mod. No hiccups, but not 100% smooth aim either. This may just be engine version-dependant. Different versions of Source screwing with mouse input. Portal 2 doesn't do it. Portal 1 does. That's gotta mean something. -_-

[Lord Tony]

bump

[Jodeth]

I fixed it! Here's what I did: Set a frame-rate cap of +2 over the refresh rate (e.g. 77 fps on 75hz with vsync). You can make a value like this easily in Nvidia Inspector (reply if you need help doing this). Weird how this is the solution... but I'm glad it works. Now I see why pretty much all Unreal Engine games have their frame-rates capped at 62, cause it's for that +2 headroom on 60hz monitors to kill off the microstuttering. Sorry I should've replied sooner. Thanks Lord Tony for commenting which reminded me.

[SmileAndWave]

how can i set that? the cap ?

[Jodeth]

Easiest way is to download Dxtory (trial version will work), wait a few seconds to open it, click the tab that has a picture of a green chip, see the bottom that says Limit Video FPS, set it to +2 above your monitor refresh rate, open a game and Dxtory will make a new profile for that game automatically. Be sure to click Exit before you turn off your pc or your settings will be erased.

[SmileAndWave]

thanks for the answer jodeth, but im on a mac.. i managed to do it in game with the console.. i first disconnected from server in the main menu (via console, what this did was stop the live animation background) then used the console again to type the comand maxframerate 60, or something like that.. but again still the stuttering... damn you stuttering!!!!!!!!1

[Jodeth]

Oh no.. not a Mac!! lol. Try maxframerate 62.

[i!!]

hi

[SmileAndWave]

ok thanks :)

[FX]

doesn't work for me... this is really annoying, this game runs smoother on my macbook pro (on a higher resolution too) than it does on my gaming rig...

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