Low FPS on some Steam games.

[WorldPhoenix]

Lately, I've been having a problem. The FPS of some of my Steam games is very low. It wasn't always like this either. I have a solid computer that can normally handle pretty much any game with any graphics setting (Even games known for being harsh on your framerate in high settings, like ARK). But after I came back from a 3 week trip, all of the sudden this issue pops up.

My Steam games include:
ARK: Survival Evolved (Suddenly runs at 1-10 fps)
Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition (Works fine)
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin (Works fine)
Dark Souls III (Running only slightly better than ARK)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Slightly lower fps than usual, but still playable)
Evolve Stage 2 (Same as Skyrim)
Feed and Grow: Fish (Works fine)
The Isle (Gets maybe 10-20 fps)
Natural Selection 2 (Works fine)

As one can imagine, this is quite a problem. Turning off the in-game Steam overlay did nothing to help, and none of my non-Steam games have this fps problem. I have no idea how to fix it.

[WorldPhoenix]

Ah yes. I'm not sure where to check those.

[***void]

Your PC isn't possibly new enough to run the games. Without specs, I'm really lost.
If it can handle FO4 on High settings, or BF4 on high settings. It can genuinely run anything.

[WorldPhoenix]

Well consulting with a friend, I've opened Device Manager to check my specs, but I still don't know what I'm looking for.

[The Giving One]

Originally posted by EmperorGricer:

Well consulting with a friend, I've opened Device Manager to check my specs, but I still don't know what I'm looking for.

Since you don't know this, it surely can suggest that you also have not checked your official manufacturer for hardware driver updates or BIOS updates where BIOS updates may apply.

GPU driver updates should be downloaded from their official source only, as in Nvidia or AMD, for example. Never use Windows update to update your drivers unless you have no other choice.

Post the operating system always. That should always be included in your spec.
Also, post if that operating system is 32 or 64 bit. They go hand in hand with each other.

Post the model and model number of the computer. If it is custom built, post the exact motherboard that you have.

[WorldPhoenix]

I'm using a GT80 2QE TITAN SLI. As far as I am aware, my specs should match those on the official site (https://www.msi.com/Laptop/GT80-2QE-Titan-SLI.html#hero-specification), with the exception of my OS, which is Windows 8.1 with 64 bit. Just tell me if you need more.

[The Giving One]

Originally posted by EmperorGricer:

I'm using a GT80 2QE TITAN SLI. As far as I am aware, my specs should match those on the official site (https://www.msi.com/Laptop/GT80-2QE-Titan-SLI.html#hero-specification), with the exception of my OS, which is Windows 8.1 with 64 bit. Just tell me if you need more.

Please don't put links in parenthesis like that. It breaks them. When I click on "service" for that laptop, I am directed to this page...

https://www.msi.com/Laptop/support/GT80-2QE-Titan-SLI.html

So you need to verify that infomation, please. And that official site is where you need to check for motherboard/system driver updates.

Also, by chance do you have the Killer Network Access Manager installed on that computer ?

[WorldPhoenix]

Originally posted by The Giving One:

Originally posted by EmperorGricer:

I'm using a GT80 2QE TITAN SLI. As far as I am aware, my specs should match those on the official site (https://www.msi.com/Laptop/GT80-2QE-Titan-SLI.html#hero-specification), with the exception of my OS, which is Windows 8.1 with 64 bit. Just tell me if you need more.

Please don't put links in parenthesis like that. It breaks them. When I click on "service" for that laptop, I am directed to this page...

https://www.msi.com/Laptop/support/GT80-2QE-Titan-SLI.html

So you need to verify that infomation, please. And that official site is where you need to check for motherboard/system driver updates.

Also, by chance do you have the Killer Network Access Manager installed on that computer ?

Alright, I did not know that.

I possess the 5th generation processor.

Assuming you mean Killer Network Manager, yes, I have it installed.

[The Giving One]

Originally posted by EmperorGricer:

Assuming you mean Killer Network Manager, yes, I have it installed.

Then I highly suggest you uninstall that and restart your computer and install the driver ONLY, available from that MSI site.

Killer Network Access Manager, in the past, has been known to conflict with Steam. I "think" it is mostly associated with connectivity or download issues with Steam, but you don't need that anyway. All you need is the driver only.

Go to that MSI site then and download all other updates for drivers for that computer, but not the GPU. Get the GPU drivers from Nvidia/AMD official site, depending on what you have.

Make sure you are getting the right driver for the right device in that computer and for your OS, Windows 8.1.

While there, read up on any critical BIOS updates as well, or highly recommended ones also.

Do you have any other software installed on that computer that is listed here ?

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9828-SFLZ-9289

[WorldPhoenix]

Hi The Giving One,

"EmperorGricer" called upon his (real life) father as he is not too savvy on "the internals" of computers :-)
First off: thank you for your help!

I'll try to tackle things in a sensible order, so I first made a clone of the OS volume... just in case...
Next I flashed an update of the BIOS to the latest version via the BIOS setup utility. At first it seemed to work but after rebooting, the MSI skips the setup-finalisation and just boots Win8.1.
I tried a couple of times but nothing changes: the old BIOS remains.
So, for now, I will skip this and proceed with the drivers.
Meanwhile I give you an overview of the system. Maybe you'll notice something interesting.
Thanks,

IggyBlue

------------------
System Information
------------------
Serial Number: 9S7181212263ZF5000043
Product Name: GT80 2QE
OS: Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit
Windows Product Key: M4FWQ
HDI Build: ZS7-1812BM4-CS2 3.TC0.A23.9.0.1
BIOS Version: E1812IMS.10F
BIOS Release Date: 2015/05/08
EC Version: 1812EMS1 Ver1.06, 05/08/2015
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-5950HQ CPU @ 2.90GHz
Memory: 24 GB @ 800 MHz
- 8192 MB, -1600, Hynix/Hyundai HMT41GS6BFR8A-PB
- 8192 MB, -1600, Hynix/Hyundai HMT41GS6BFR8A-PB
- 8192 MB, -1600, Hynix/Hyundai HMT41GS6BFR8A-PB
Graphics: Intel(R) Iris(TM) Pro Graphics 6200, 1024 MB
VBIOS Version: N/A
Drive: SSD, Intel Raid 0 Volume, 238.48 GB
Drive: HDD, HGST HTS721010A9E630, 931.51 GB
Drive: HDD, SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0, 115.69 GB
Network: Killer Wireless-n/a/ac 1525 Wireless Network Adapter
Network: Killer e2200 Gigabit Ethernet Controller (NDIS 6.30)

---------------------
Programs and Features
---------------------
Discord , 0.0.296
KB9X Radio Switch Driver , 1.1.0.0
Nexus Mod Manager , 0.61.23
7-Zip 15.14 (x64) , 15.14
AutoHotkey 1.1.24.01 , 1.1.24.01
Windows Driver Package - dji-innovations inc. (usbser) Ports (12/06/2012 5.1.2600.5512) , 12/06/2012 5.1.2600.5512
MSI True Color , 1.1.441
SteelSeries Engine 3.3.6.1 , 3.3.6.1
Synaptics Pointing Device Driver , 18.1.29.7
Vulkan Run Time Libraries 1.0.8.0 , 1.0.8.0
Intel(R) ME UninstallLegacy , 1.0.1.0
NahimicSettingsConfigurator , 1.1.201
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x64 Redistributable - 10.0.40219 , 10.0.40219
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology , 13.5.0.1056
Qualcomm Atheros Network Manager , 1.1.48.1060
UE4 Prerequisites (x64) , 1.0.11.0
Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 x64 Additional Runtime - 11.0.61030 , 11.0.61030
Qualcomm Atheros 11AC Drivers , 1.1.48.1060
Intel(R) Chipset Device Software , 10.0.25
MAGIX MX Suite , 1.13.0.121
Qualcomm Atheros Killer E220x Drivers , 1.1.48.1060
Intel® Trusted Connect Service Client , 1.39.141.0
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x64 9.0.30729.6161 , 9.0.30729.6161
Qualcomm Atheros 61x4 Bluetooth Suite (64) , 3.0.0.432
Intel(R) Management Engine Components , 10.0.39.1003
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (x64) , 8.0.59192
Bonjour , 3.0.0.10
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 x64 Minimum Runtime - 14.0.23918 , 14.0.23918
Qualcomm Atheros Bandwidth Control Filter Driver , 1.1.48.1060
Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 x64 Additional Runtime - 12.0.21005 , 12.0.21005
Microsoft Application Error Reporting , 12.0.6015.5000
Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 x64 Minimum Runtime - 12.0.21005 , 12.0.21005
Nahimic for MSI , 1.1.201
NVIDIA 3D Vision Driver 347.77 , 347.77
NVIDIA Control Panel 347.77 , 347.77
NVIDIA Graphics Driver 347.77 , 347.77
NVIDIA GeForce Experience 2.2.2 , 2.2.2
NVIDIA PhysX System Software 9.14.0702 , 9.14.0702
NVIDIA Update 17.12.8 , 17.12.8
NVIDIA LED Visualizer 1.0 , 1.0
SHIELD Streaming , 4.0.1000
NVIDIA GeForce Experience Service , 17.12.8
NVIDIA HD Audio Driver 1.3.33.0 , 1.3.33.0
NVIDIA Install Application , 2.1002.173.1392
NVIDIA Miracast Virtual Audio 347.77 , 347.77
NVIDIA Network Service , 2.2
NVIDIA ShadowPlay 17.12.8 , 17.12.8
SHIELD Wireless Controller Driver , 17.12.8
NVIDIA Update Core , 17.12.8
NVIDIA Virtual Audio 1.2.27 , 1.2.27
SCM , 13.015.04132
WinZip 17.5 , 17.5.10562
Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 x64 Minimum Runtime - 11.0.61030 , 11.0.61030
Blender , 2.76.1
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 x64 Additional Runtime - 14.0.23918 , 14.0.23918
MSVCRT110_amd64 , 16.4.1109.0912
Adobe Flash Player 10 Plugin , 10.3.183.90
Google Chrome , 52.0.2743.116
MSI Remind Manager , 1.0.1412.1801
Help Desk , 1.0.1604.0701
BurnRecovery , 4.0.1502.501
Dragon Gaming Center , 1.0.1501.2801
Jurassic Park Operation Genesis , 1.00.0000
CyberLink PowerDVD 10 , 10.0.5509.52
Sizing Options , 2.0.1412.1501
Norton Internet Security , 22.7.1.32
NVIDIA Stereoscopic 3D Driver , 7.17.12.6514
Origin , 9.2.1.4399
Steam , 2.10.91.91
Windows Live UX Platform , 16.4.3528.0331
Windows Live Essentials , 16.4.3528.0331
Windows Live UX Platform Language Pack , 16.4.3528.0331
Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x64) - 12.0.30501 , 12.0.30501.0
MSI Interceptor DS100 Gaming Mouse , 1.1
Photo Gallery , 16.4.3528.0331
Movie Maker , 16.4.3528.0331
Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 x86 Minimum Runtime - 12.0.21005 , 12.0.21005
Galería de fotos , 16.4.3528.0331
Windows Live Photo Common , 16.4.3528.0331
Acronis True Image , 20.0.5534
Windows Live 软件包 , 16.4.3528.0331
Photo Common , 16.4.3528.0331
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x86) - 14.0.23918 , 14.0.23918.0
Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (x86) - 11.0.61030 , 11.0.61030.0
HiPatch , 5.0.3.9
Smite , 3.16.3600.1
Hi-Rez Studios Authenticate and Update Service , 3.0.0.0
Fotogalerie , 16.4.3528.0331
Windows Live Communications Platform , 16.4.3528.0331
Galerie de photos , 16.4.3528.0331
Epic Games Launcher , 1.1.60.0
Boot Configure , 20.014.12127
Realtek Card Reader , 6.3.9600.21258
Nahimic APO , 1.1.201
Google Update Helper , 1.3.31.5
Battery Calibration , 1.0.1405.0701
SPORE™ Galactic Adventures , 1.01.0001
Windows Live Installer , 16.4.3528.0331
사진 갤러리 , 16.4.3528.0331
MSI Social Media Collection , 1.14.2251
SUPER CHARGER , 1.2.024
Windows Live 程式集 , 16.4.3528.0331
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable , 8.0.59193
Intel(R) Update Manager , 2.4.3
MSVCRT , 15.4.2862.0708
MSVCRT110 , 16.4.1108.0727
Microsoft Office , 15.0.4641.1005
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.17 , 9.0.30729
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.6161 , 9.0.30729.6161
SPORE™ , 1.05.0001
Galeria de Fotos , 16.4.3528.0331
Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 x86 Additional Runtime - 11.0.61030 , 11.0.61030
Windows Live PIMT Platform , 16.4.3528.0331
NVIDIA PhysX , 9.14.0702
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 x86 Minimum Runtime - 14.0.23918 , 14.0.23918
Windows Live , 16.4.3528.0331
Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 x86 Minimum Runtime - 11.0.61030 , 11.0.61030
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 x86 Additional Runtime - 14.0.23918 , 14.0.23918
SPORE™ Creepy & Cute Parts Pack , 1.00.0000
Launcher Prerequisites (x64) , 1.0.0.0
Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (x64) - 11.0.61030 , 11.0.61030.0
XSplit Gamecaster , 1.9.1409.2316
Windows Live SOXE , 16.4.3528.0331
معرض الصور , 16.4.3528.0331
Windows Live SOXE Definitions , 16.4.3528.0331
影像中心 , 16.4.3528.0331
フォト ギャラリー , 16.4.3528.0331
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64) - 14.0.23918 , 14.0.23918.0
D3DX10 , 15.4.2368.0902
Qualcomm Atheros Killer Performance Suite , 1.1.48.1060
League of Legends , 4.1.2
照片库 , 16.4.3528.0331
ParaWorld , 1.00
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition [ENU] , 3.1.0000
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x86 Redistributable - 10.0.40219 , 10.0.40219
Intel(R) Processor Graphics , 10.18.14.4206
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver , 6.0.1.7496
Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x86) - 12.0.30501 , 12.0.30501.0
Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 x86 Additional Runtime - 12.0.21005 , 12.0.21005
Windows Live 필수 패키지 , 16.4.3528.0331
Skype™ 7.26 , 7.26.101
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.21022 , 9.0.21022

-------------
OS Activation
-------------

Name: Windows(R), Core edition
Description: Windows(R) Operating System, OEM_DM channel
Partial Product Key: M4FWQ
License Status: Licensed

I think the GeForce GTX 980M card is fried. That would make sense I guess.

[The Giving One]

Wow, no wonder you have performance issues. You have all that installed on that computer and much of it is surely running in the background when you game. Service managers, program managers, update managers.....all that junk should just go away or at the very least for now, be disabled.

It would have helped to put the list in alphabetical order, but we will have a look anyway.

First thing I noticed is that you are still running on 347.xx Nvidia drivers. Those need to be updated for sure. Go to Nvidia for that.

Next...THIS one can possibly be a major issue....Norton.

Norton Internet Security , 22.7.1.32
And then Skype.
Those are on the list I linked for you above.

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9828-SFLZ-9289

Not even going to second guess Norton. If that was my computer, Norton would be uninstalled ASAP. As I said, you have much software there running in the background and that all needs to be cleaned up if you want to ensure better performance.

Anything with "manager" or "updater service" in it is probably ok to disable but you have to be careful what you do disable.

Click start in Windows and type msconfig and run that. Go to the services tab. Check the box to "hide all Microsoft services" and see what is left.

Further help on hardware and OS issues such as this are really better handled in the hardware and OS forum here. If we try to get into suggesting each and every program there for you to disable/uninstall, that is going to get way out of scope for this forum as that is not really Steam related.

EDIT. In the hardware and OS forum they can help you flash your BIOS update also.