AboutBobbert Expertise I can answer technical questions about installation, use, and maintinence of most 3D Graphics hardware, and software. I can offer assistance with overclocking (while I do not suggest overclocking while under warranty) and I can give assistance with more complicated problems to the full extent of my abilities.
Experience I have been into computer hardware, especially 3D graphics and the hardware that drives them, for a number of years. I have knowledge in installation, use, troubleshooting, purchase suggestions and over clocking.
Expert: Bobbert Date: 5/11/2008 Subject: unexpected video lag
Question I have an issue with Team Fortress 2, and really, any other program or game that uses some advanced 3D imagery in real time. I'm thinking it's the video card, because it doesn't matter what I use, there's lag. --But only after about 2 minutes or more of activity. So in other words, everything works swell on full settings, then about 2 minutes later it's crashing like a kid coming off an energy drink. To resolve the issue I have already done the following:
un-installed and re-installed everything game related, just to be sure.
Virus scans and spyware scans (which had results, but apparently unrelated)
I have run DXDiag, and passed all tests.
I have run several stress tests, and passed all, EXCEPT using rthdribl (real time high dynamic range image based lighting) to try and force my system further, which worked for about 5 minutes, then lagged horridly.
I have updated all drivers in my system, and the BIOS, and I have even taken the steps to remove all residual driver data for my video card, then installing the newest driver to avoid data crossovers or whatever confusion comes from that.
I've got nothing. As of two weeks ago, the system worked fine, and now, it only works fine for 2 or so minutes. Steam support (the standard help for the game) was of no use, and just led me to several FAQs on how to turn the game settings down. It would make sense to me to do that if my video card wasn't capable of it in the first place, but it was for several months.
I am completely out of ideas, and very frustrated at this point. If you could give me any ideas as to what is wrong with my video card, or to any other problem I might be overlooking, I would be thoroughly grateful.
I'm running a Nvidia GeForce 7600GS, with 512mb VRAM. The rest of my system, just in case the info would help: Win XP, Intel Core2Quad processor, and 4 Gb of RAM.
Thanks again.
Answer 7600GS won't really run games like TF2 at full maximum, so thats where I'm seeing the problem, as far as HDR enabled, due to the architecture of the 7600, you basically have to pick, HDR or AA (unless we're talking games based on Source, in which case it can do both, but don't expect playable framerates in most cases).
The lag is likely the game just slowing down after enough models enter the scene or you move from a low detail region to a high detail region (inside to outside, etc). Try turning the game settings down (as Steam has suggested). Additionally, is your system spyware/virus/malware/worm/trojan/etc free? Do you have a massive background load? Do you have Enhanced Intel Speedstep Technology (EIST) enabled? What size monitor are you running on? (and have you upgraded monitors recently?).
