Rptd: Sudden FPS drops (mostly top tier jets AirRB)

[Ein79 5,748]

# I have:

• Restarted the game: yes

• Cleared the cache: yes

• Checked game integrity: yes

• Disabled custom content: yes (didn't have one)

# Game version

My game version: 2.9.0.56

# Description

FPS rate is very unstable to me, and the drops reach as high amplitude as from 140 FPS to 30 FPS (!). Most the time it takes a second or two, causing temporary stuttering but sometimes it lasts longer, e.g. it appears in the 10th minute of the match and lasts until its end, making it barely playable.

I notice two kinds of correlations:

 

1. This shows up mostly during jets matches, mostly from BR 9.0 up.
2. Some maps as Ruhr and City appear to be more likely to trigger FPS drops.

 

# Steps to reproduce the issue

Play random AirRB matches flying top tier jets.

# Affected vehicles

Aircraft in AirRB in general, mostly top tier jets.

 

# Files

You must attach these files:

• Screenshots taken using the in-game functionality [Windows, Linux, Mac]

• Replay or link to server replay (.wrpl or URL) with timestamp [All platforms

• Client log (.clog) [Windows, Linux, Mac]

• DirectX diagnostic file (dxdiag) [Windows] 

• Performance profiler log [Windows, Linux, Mac]

 

 

OK, I documented two of such cases recently:

1. [Operation] Ruhr, 26 September 2021 - 10:07

Server replay link: https://warthunder.com/en/tournament/replay/148986595820113703
Client log with performance profiler turned on attached: 2021_09_26_11_54_14__3092_Ruhr_map_fps-drop.clog

Start. 140 FPS:

Spoiler

 

Climbing, 123 FPS ...(prophetic discussion on chat, never mind the misspelled "beginning" ):

Spoiler

 

Massive drop to 27 FPS and no comeback to higher values:

Spoiler

 

 

2. [Operation] Ruhr 25 September 2021 - 16:28

 

Server replay link: https://warthunder.com/en/tournament/replay/148713560453962173

Client log with performance profiler turned on attached: 2021_09_25_18_25_29__4796_Ruhr_map_fps-drop.clog

 

Screenshots:

...144 FPS:

Spoiler

Massive drop to 53 FPS and no comeback to higher values:
 

Spoiler

 

 

 

Similar stories are happening on the City map, but here's only screenshot:

Spoiler

My typical summary of temperatures and frequencies during playing WarThunder including this gaming session with massive drops - as you can see, nothing special, just well cooled:

 

2021_09_26_11_54_14__3092_Ruhr_map_fps-drop.clog 2021_09_25_18_25_29__4796_Ruhr_map_fps-drop.clog

DxDiag_fps-drops.txt

Edited October 3, 2021 by Ein79

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

Did you run the FPS tool for this report?

 

Can you play a few games with the Profiler on and also carry out some tracert's while this is happening.

 

Can you also run a Trace Route please

    Click the Windows Icon (bottom left hand side of screen)  This will display the Menu options.
    Choose Run
    Type cmd  (this will open a command shell window)
    Type - tracert warthunder.com
    Press Enter
    Please screenshot and include the path result.

 

I take it that you did use DDU in Safe Mode and completely uninstall then reinstall the driver?

 

[Ein79 5,748]

14 hours ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

Did you run the FPS tool for this report?

 

Can you play a few games with the Profiler on and also carry out some tracert's while this is happening.

 

Yes, that's what I did already.
 

On 26/09/2021 at 13:07, Ein79 said:

1. [Operation] Ruhr, 26 September 2021 - 10:07

Server replay link: https://warthunder.com/en/tournament/replay/148986595820113703
Client log with performance profiler turned on attached: 2021_09_26_11_54_14__3092_Ruhr_map_fps-drop.clog

[...]

2. [Operation] Ruhr 25 September 2021 - 16:28

 

Server replay link: https://warthunder.com/en/tournament/replay/148713560453962173

Client log with performance profiler turned on attached: 2021_09_25_18_25_29__4796_Ruhr_map_fps-drop.clog

 

 

Additionally: 

[Operation] Ruhr, 27 September 2021 - 19:01

Server replay link: https://warthunder.com/en/tournament/replay/149495257387254243
Client log with performance profiler turned on attached:
2021_09_27_20_54_53__4924_RUHR_ju288.clog


Screenshot: FPS drop to 47 (from 130-140 I'm getting most the time):

Spoiler

 

After that, I'm pretty sure some maps are extremely poorly optimized after rearranging them and adding new objects as modern SPAA. At least for NVIDIA RTX 3060 series and it's drivers....and I hope you are not going to tell me, that I need much better GPU to handle such banal 3D scene as single SPAA vs bomber gunner in WarThunder gameplay. BTW this GPU is much better than "recommended" for WarThunder.

 

14 hours ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

Can you also run a Trace Route please

Will do.

 

14 hours ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

I take it that you did use DDU in Safe Mode and completely uninstall then reinstall the driver?

 

 

Yes, I did as follow few days before report:

1. Download DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller)
2. Download latest GPU drivers
3. Go into safe mode and run DDU.
4. Uninstall the GPU drivers
5. Restart to safe mode
6. Install downloaded drivers.

 

 

 

 

 

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

Thanks, I will wait for the tracert results.

[Ein79 5,748]

1 hour ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

Thanks, I will wait for the tracert results.

(same screenshot as below with IPs visible I sent you already as private message, feel free to attach it for Devs to look at)

 

My usual packet loss is 0%-1% with short spikes to 2% (except when Gaijin server hamsters have a global problem and everyone experiences the lag issue in the match).

 

The ping during the random AirRB matches I have is as follow:
 

EU server: around 50-60 ms
RU server: around 70-80 ms
US server: around 150-160 ms 

 

I have never had such gameplay problems as hit registration / massive sparks and so on despite when I started WarThunder in 2016 I had even worse internet connection than now. Even on US server, where my ping is really high, all is OK regarding dogfights, interaction with players, AI and the rest of the environment.

So I highly doubt the ping is the cause of the issue with FPS drops.

 

 

Edited September 30, 2021 by Ein79

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

Thanks

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

Do you still have this issue after the recent updates?

[Ein79 5,748]

18 hours ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

Do you still have this issue after the recent updates?

Yes, especially on the AirRB Ruhr map, most likely thx to such objects as modern SPAA with detailed 3D and advanced damage model - still drops from 140 fps to 40 fps, which is mind blowing absurd and makes it unplayable to me thx to unbearable stutter. I'm going to quit every match when I draw this map...

 

[yes, I'm really mad about this issue and I'm not going to spend another 1000€ for better GPU just to see same drops on buggy maps].

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

Thanks for answering that.

 

Your graphics driver is not the latest.

Quote

Driver Date/Size: 13.09.2021 02:00:00, 1056296 bytes   Driver Version: 30.0.14.7212

Latest NVIDIA driver is:  Driver Version: 30.0.14.9613  Driver Date/Size: 6/10/2021 10:00:00 AM, 1056280 bytes

 

Can you please remove the current graphics driver using DDU (or similar). https://www.wagnardsoft.com/

Please ensure that you follow the instructions and use Safe Mode.

Then re-install/install the latest driver and re-test.

 

Thanks

 

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

No further contact from OP.  Task Closed. 

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

Re-opened after PM.

[Ein79 5,748]

16 minutes ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

Re-opened after PM.

Thanks, unfortunately I didn't get any notice before, apparently just writing "in a thread" doesn't trigger my profile notifications like a quote or tag.

 

 

On 20/10/2021 at 00:47, KnightoftheAbyss said:

Thanks for answering that.

 

Your graphics driver is not the latest.

Latest NVIDIA driver is:  Driver Version: 30.0.14.9613  Driver Date/Size: 6/10/2021 10:00:00 AM, 1056280 bytes

 

Can you please remove the current graphics driver using DDU (or similar). https://www.wagnardsoft.com/

Please ensure that you follow the instructions and use Safe Mode.

Then re-install/install the latest driver and re-test.

 

Thanks

 

I did it on my own a few days ago, I try to keep with up to date drivers. Unfortunately it didn't change anything, I still get FPS drops - especially on some maps with Ruhr map being the worst in this regard (massive drops and stutter described in earlier evidence posts).


 

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

Can you please provide all the files from the latest version of the game that shows the issue.

[Ein79 5,748]

11 hours ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

Can you please provide all the files from the latest version of the game that shows the issue.

Again, I noticed it by accident, I didn't get any notyfication...pls next time quote me or tag my nick...

As for files - sure, I will try to catch the FPS drops into the log files...will take care on it this weekend. 
 

Edited October 29, 2021 by Ein79

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

 Thanks, I will wait for the files.  Whilst testing another issue, I noticed that I do not get the same problem in RB Air as you do.

 

 

Has your issue improved any after the Network changes over the weekend?

[Ein79 5,748]

12 hours ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

 Thanks, I will wait for the files.  Whilst testing another issue, I noticed that I do not get the same problem in RB Air as you do.

 

 

Has your issue improved any after the Network changes over the weekend?

Hi, due to the many server issues Gaijin experienced this weekend, I don't have much material. But the problem has nothing to do with internet connection and it's still there.

The problem concerns random MASSIVE FPS drops on selected maps, while on others it is negligible or not present at all regardless of Ping or PL. I would like to emphasize this clearly - MASSIVE FPS drops are present or not regardless of Ping or PL. They depends on maps I'm getting.

Below screen from Smolensk map, 01.11.2021, drop to 55 FPS while I started the match with >100 FPS (and my usual FPS value is between 100 and 140 FPS):
Server replay: https://warthunder.com/en/tournament/replay/635702404670787

My clog with that match is 18MB heavy - how can I upload it here?

Screenshot:

Edited November 1, 2021 by Ein79

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

18 hours ago, Ein79 said:

My clog with that match is 18MB heavy - how can I upload it here?

For the Forum upload limitation:

Please go to your Forum Profile.  (Very top right hand side of this page - you will see your username displayed -next to Messages and Notifications)

Select > Profile Name > My Attachments (Left hand side menu) 

IF you have previous reports, which the Technical Moderator has told you that your issue has been reported to the Developers, then you can delete those files, as they were uploaded to the database.

Select the File(s) that are no longer required and Delete accordingly. 

Can you please list the maps that you believe that you have issues on.
 

[Ein79 5,748]

On 02/11/2021 at 07:38, KnightoftheAbyss said:

For the Forum upload limitation:

Please go to your Forum Profile.  (Very top right hand side of this page - you will see your username displayed -next to Messages and Notifications)

Select > Profile Name > My Attachments (Left hand side menu) 

IF you have previous reports, which the Technical Moderator has told you that your issue has been reported to the Developers, then you can delete those files, as they were uploaded to the database.

Select the File(s) that are no longer required and Delete accordingly. 

 

Ok, I had to delete a lot...below Client log file [with performance profiler turned / clicked when FPS droped] including from Smolensk map gameplay, 01.11.2021, drop to 55 FPS while I started the match with >100 FPS (and my usual FPS value is between 100 and 140 FPS):
Server replay:  https://warthunder.com/en/tournament/replay/635702404670787

 

On 02/11/2021 at 07:38, KnightoftheAbyss said:

Can you please list the maps that you believe that you have issues on.

Before GroundBreaking major update it was mainly AirRB Ruhr map but also AirRB City. Now mainly AirRB Smolensk, but also Mozdok Winter (todays issue).

2021_11_01_09_45_56__4844.clog

Edited November 3, 2021 by Ein79

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

Hi
  Thank you for your interest and help improving the game.  

Your information has been forwarded to the Developers for their consideration.  

If there is anything further regarding this report a Technical Moderator will contact you.

Thank you again for your support.
 

[LaPlus Darknesss 674]

Hello @Ein79, I have a question, do you play the game in full screen mode or window full screen?

[Ein79 5,748]

23 hours ago, Gawr_Gura said:

Hello @Ein79, I have a question, do you play the game in full screen mode or window full screen?

Hi, always in ful screen.

BTW - whats quite funny, the Ruhr map, which was the FPS drop nightmare after Direct Hit update, now after Ground Breaking update seems fixed, despite new objects as modern SPAA in convoys are still there.

The problem passed to Smolensk map (and few others) for some weird reason.

So I would rather look at maps and what kind of changes happened over recent updates to them.

On the other hand on some maps as e.g. [Operation] Battle for Bastogne AirRB map I have almost stable 130-140 FPS (with short drops to about 90) even in top-tier dogfight.

 

Edited November 7, 2021 by Ein79

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

Hi @Ein79

Dev's tell me that only the https://warthunder.com/en/tournament/replay/635702404670787  replay actually works.  They would like to know when the freezes occurred.  Do you remember where they occurred in the game.  I could not really replicate this.

 

If you cannot provide the information for the above game.  Could you possibly play a couple of games with the FPS tool running, maybe a video to show, when and where etc.  You run NVIDIA so Shadowplay should be available.  Mount the video on You Tube or similar*. *not streamable.com

 

Then provide the clog, replay's, screenshot when it happens and possibly the video.

 

Thanks

[Ein79 5,748]

13 hours ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

Hi @Ein79

Dev's tell me that only the https://warthunder.com/en/tournament/replay/635702404670787  replay actually works.  They would like to know when the freezes occurred. 

I have no idea why other replays are not valid.
 

I would also like to emphasize that the subject of my report are not "freezes". I have not experienced critical graphic "freezes" for a long time, and I would also not spend so much time on the report for a split second "freezes".
 

The subject of my report are sudden but ultimately sustained FPS drops that last from a few seconds to several minutes.

 

13 hours ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

Do you remember where they occurred in the game. 

 

On some maps, the FPS decrease occurs some time after take-off from the AF, when you approach the frontline. Taking off you may have 130-140 despite 11 other planes around taking off simultaneously. Pretty challenging 3D scene. Then closing the center of the map all of sudden I see 50-60 FPS without any visible reason.

Recently it is most significant on the Smolensk map when playing top tier jets in AirRB. And as I wrote: the Ruhr map, which was the FPS drop nightmare after Direct Hit update, now after Ground Breaking update seems fixed. So I would rather look at maps and what kind of changes happened over recent updates to them.

 

13 hours ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

I could not really replicate this.

 

Maybe you can't replicate it in custom matches? Maybe you need to be in actual AirRB top tier match?

 

13 hours ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

Could you possibly play a couple of games with the FPS tool running, [...]

I did it few times already...will try to gather evidences once again this weekend. 

 

 

[KnightoftheAbyss 3,385]

11 hours ago, Ein79 said:

I did it few times already.

I know, but we need all the relevant files and the information etc when the FPS drops occur etc.   So I will need the replay files-Client and Server, clog, screenshots when the FPS drops occur, latest dxdiag, tracert and if possible a video.  All that information together for the one game. 

 

And I did test it in an Air RB match!   (We have done this before!) 

We even have a special test game environment!

 

[Ein79 5,748]

On 10/11/2021 at 02:17, KnightoftheAbyss said:

Hi @Ein79

Dev's tell me that only the https://warthunder.com/en/tournament/replay/635702404670787  replay actually works.  They would like to know when the freezes occurred.  Do you remember where they occurred in the game.  I could not really replicate this.

 

8 hours ago, KnightoftheAbyss said:

I know, but we need all the relevant files and the information etc when the FPS drops occur etc.   So I will need the replay files-Client and Server, clog, screenshots when the FPS drops occur, latest dxdiag, tracert and if possible a video.  All that information together for the one game. 

I already gave you for this match:

1. Server replay: https://warthunder.com/en/tournament/replay/635702404670787
2. Client log file [with performance profiler turned / clicked when FPS droped] including this  Smolensk map gameplay, 01.11.2021
https://forum.warthunder.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=624896&key=82cfc38cb526092173765de77c275dcd

3. Updated drivers: https://i-com.cdn.gaijin.net/monthly_2021_10/image.png.9455ead1bb4a5aaa164bdfe7a6a299f0.png (nothing more changed to my dxdiag)
4. Screenshot with FPS drop to 55 FPS: https://i.imgur.com/n7T0HUE.jpg
5. Description how it happens:
 

On some maps, the FPS decrease occurs some time after take-off from the AF, when you approach the frontline. Taking off you may have 130-140 despite 11 other planes around taking off simultaneously. Pretty challenging 3D scene. Then closing the center of the map all of sudden I see 50-60 FPS without any visible reason.

Recently it is most significant on the Smolensk map when playing top tier jets in AirRB. And as I wrote:  the Ruhr map, which was the FPS drop nightmare after Direct Hit update, now after Ground Breaking update seems fixed. So I would rather look at maps and what kind of changes happened over recent updates to them.


Before Ground Breaking I provided the same kind of data sets with Ruhr map gameplays. Ruhr map is not bugged to me anymore, no FPS drops there. So I conclude something has changed and believe the Devs are able to check what.

I'm an oldboy who doesn't have a youtube channel - am I really forced to learn making and hosting videos now to report this damn FPS drops? 

 

 

Edited November 11, 2021 by Ein79