Frame rate drop with controller use

[I Fail]

Hello,

I am having a pretty frustrating hardware issue. I've searched around and found other people with similar problems, but haven't come across any solutions as of yet.

My issue is that once I plug in my Xbox 360 (not the "Windows" branded one) wired controller to my PC, my frame rates drop to unplayable rates. No matter hat game is being played, the same thing always happens.
At first the game plays flawlessly, but after a few minutes my fps drops from 120+ average to ... 15 :/. If I pause the game for a minute, the issue is resolved for about 30 seconds than starts up again. Also, while the frame rate drops, if I swap to my mouse/kb my frame rate instantly shoots back up.

Normally I would just say f-it, and just use my Bluetooth kb/mouse, but I enjoy playing PC games on my 60" plasma from my couch, and kb/mouse really isn't an ideal setup for that. I mostly want to use the controller for single player games and/or racing games.

- I've tried using different USB ports, does not change anything.
- Tried reinstalling video and controller drivers, no difference.
- Tried disconnected my other 2 monitors just in case that had anything to do with it, nope.
- Tried a 2nd controller, same issue

I thought about just buying a PS3 or dedicated PC controller, but I have a feeling I would end up with the same problem and just waste money.

Any info on how to go about fixing this would be great.

If it helps, here are my PC specs:

AMD FX8350 @ 5.2Ghz water cooled
Asus Sabertooth 990FX Rev. 2
32 GB G.Skill DDR3-1866 @ 2166Mhz
2x OCZ Vertex Agility 4 SSD in Raid0
2x EVGA GTX680 SC'd and OC'd
Windows 7 SP1

[Tidefighter]

HAve you updated controller drivers?

[I Fail]

I am currently using version 2.1.0.1349 , which I believe is the last time there was an official driver release for the xbox controller.

[I Fail]

Not really a solution to the problem, but I went and purchased the wireless 360 controller for windows today. The wireless controller works flawlessly, so I assume it is an issue with the usb drivers.

So if someone has the same problem, hopefully the almighty Google will direct them to this post to let them know to try the wireless controller instead.

Please note that for wireless, you need to either buy the receiver online of buy the controller bundled with it.

[NicZob]

Hi, I have exactly the same problem, playing The Witcher 2 and Darksiders 2, fps drastically drops to 5 fps after a couple of minutes.
If I push any key of the keyboard, it comes back in seconds. I tried lots of fixes (drivers etc..) but nothing seems to affect it... I don't know what to do :/

[NicZob]

Recently I wrote an application that simulates keystroke during game. It solves the problem for me.
If your interested, juste tell me !

[Your Majesty Padded Gamer]

I use a PS3 Controller not only does it work USB no wireless BS that you have to buy a ton of fancy stuff with it. I've also never had a lagg spike or frame drop at all with it I've had it for at least a year you should get one. it's called a aftergrow PS3 Controller I think You also need motioninJoy or it won't work

[_I_]

the wireless 360 with reciever works exactly like the wired controller
its the same driver for both
with the wireless reciever, it uses 1 usb port and can sync 4 controllers

if your getting huge frame drops, odds are something else is going on in the background
check if steam went to big picture mode or what else is running

[NicZob]

It happens even in non-Steam games.

[Apozor]

I have the same problem with my 360 controller. A temporary fix, for me, is to use the windowed mode.

But I would prefer to play in fullscreen...

[NicZob]

The windowed mode didn't work for me ... I continue to use my application that send keystroke to the game process, works fine.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

@What?

You said u've tried various drivers and all; did you ensure to update your AMD Chipset Drivers? As those include a "USB Filter Driver" which is an essential part of AMD Chipsets, something the OS is not going to have already built-in. And if it does, it would be out-dated.

Go here for AMD 9-series Chipset Drivers.
http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/Pages/raid_windows.aspx#2

And if u get input device lagg in a game, try turning off VSync in-game and ensure it's either set to Disabled or Application Preferred within NVIDIA Control Panel.

[NicZob]

Hi again,
I finally found what causes my fps drop.
The CCC.exe process was trying to connect to internet, and each time it tryed, some of my games's fps dropped. I killed CCC.exe process and now it works, finally !

CCC.exe is the program manager for AMD Catalyst drivers (I have a radeon HD 7850 2Go). That's weird because your symptoms are the same and you've got a different graphic card. Try explore this way, it could be the same issue for you. Mine was completely related with internet connection.
Hope this helps !

[[UFO] rad87gn]

I think your OS is jacked up and need to be reinstalled. You have a ton of power. And with a clean system is never an issue. Just my 2 cents.

I have a lot of experience with computers. And my system alone that I built and did is a great example of a non-hacked or jacked system. Don't mess with much but always 100% patched and up to date (video drivers give or take). If the system is clean and done well there are almost ZERO issues ever. Even run 24/7 like my own.

Hand done patches, fixes, hacks and whatever is not necessary if done right and has had minimal messing with is the grail. Don't get caught in that loop.

99.99% of all attachments are autodetect with Win.

[rubrik88]

Originally posted by NicZob:

Hi, I have exactly the same problem, playing The Witcher 2 and Darksiders 2, fps drastically drops to 5 fps after a couple of minutes.
If I push any key of the keyboard, it comes back in seconds. I tried lots of fixes (drivers etc..) but nothing seems to affect it... I don't know what to do :/

I have exactly the same problem you used to have. I tried uninstalling catalyst control center but the issue remains. Do you have any suggestion. It drives me crazy and you are the only one i found on internet with the same issue as mine.

[NicZob]

Hello, if I remember, the problem came from an internet connection, established by catalyst control center. I had internet access with a wifi usb key, and when I unplugged the usb key the problem disappeared. So, I blocked catalyst control center with my firewall and that solves my problem.
I hope it helps ...