Excerpt from r/tf2techsupport post.
My Problem
While thinking about performance, I remembered that frame pacing (or frametime I guess?) was actually a better metric than frames per second (FPS), so I went ahead and recorded the frametimes with CapFrameX. For benchmarking environment I just played a game on creators.tf and awk.gg because realism (ik that benchmark file exists but I don't see the point in using it).
After the first proper record the I went back to my graph only to see that the frametime varied from 16ms to 90ms (commonly too!) and I had high-ass input latency. That explains why I felt so damn slow all the time! Then I try setting an FPS cap to 60 (the in-game one) and record that second game. In that recording I saw that the frametime was exaggerated more, but that could be due to the server itself.
Note: I have only recorded one game on creators.tf and awk.gg, so take the graphs with tons of salt. That being said with previous recordings I have consistently saw a pattern of high-ass frametimes in Blackwonder and creators.tf servers.
Here's the download to my records.
My Mods
My System
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-10210U @ 1.60GHz 2.11 GHz
GPU: Intel(R) UHD Graphics
RAM: 8GB (1x8GB) 2667MT/s (or GiB? I haven't checked yet.)
Windows 10 System Mods: W10Privacy
[url=https://old.reddit.com/r/tf2techsupport/comments/lpa1lp/got_variable_high_ass_frametime_any_ideas_how_to/]Excerpt from r/tf2techsupport post.[/url]
[h]My Problem[/h]
While thinking about performance, I remembered that frame pacing (or frametime I guess?) was actually a better metric than frames per second (FPS), so I went ahead and recorded the frametimes with [url=https://github.com/CXWorld/CapFrameX]CapFrameX[/url]. For benchmarking environment I just played a game on creators.tf and awk.gg because realism (ik that benchmark file exists but I don't see the point in using it).
After the first [i]proper[/i] record the I went back to my graph only to see that the frametime varied from 16ms to 90ms (commonly too!) [i]and[/i] I had high-ass input latency. That explains why I felt so damn slow all the time! Then I try setting an FPS cap to 60 (the in-game one) and record that second game. In that recording I saw that the frametime was exaggerated more, but that could be due to the server itself.
Note: I have only recorded one game on creators.tf and awk.gg, so take the graphs with tons of salt. That being said with previous recordings I have consistently saw a pattern of high-ass frametimes in Blackwonder and creators.tf servers.
[url=https://mega.nz/file/Q0JDwYYY#2sYiJ8WIOojIiCOG4yHo8sNzNJTba8bSrcUj3A-Ev5c]Here's the download to my records.[/url]
[h]My Mods[/h]
[list]
[*] [url=https://github.com/WhyIsEvery4thYearAlwaysBad/420weedsmoker69/tree/mastercoms]My Config for mastercomfig and my custom voicemenu.[/url]
[*] [url=https://github.com/mastercomfig/mastercomfig/tree/develop]Latest development version of mastercomfig and all the extensions except for low memory and transparent viewmodels addon.[/url]
[*] [url=https://github.com/Fedora31/no-hats-bgum]No Hats Mod by bgum with all extensions.[/url]
[*] [url=https://www.teamfortress.tv/22586/particle-limitation-pack]CarlZelph's Particle Limiter (preset 1)[/url]
[*] [url=https://www.teamfortress.tv/34834/yttriums-competitive-viewmodels]Yttrium's Viewmodel mod[/url]
[*] [url=https://toonhud.com/user/amicanian/theme/8GE7TJEP/]ToonHUD[/url]
[/list]
[h]My System[/h]
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-10210U @ 1.60GHz 2.11 GHz
GPU: Intel(R) UHD Graphics
RAM: 8GB (1x8GB) 2667MT/s (or GiB? I haven't checked yet.)
Windows 10 System Mods: [url=https://www.w10privacy.de/]W10Privacy[/url]
AimIsADickGPU: Intel(R) UHD Graphics
Found the problem
[quote=AimIsADick]
GPU: Intel(R) UHD Graphics
[/quote]
Found the problem
AimIsADickToonHud
Found the problem
[quote=AimIsADick]ToonHud[/quote]
Found the problem
dellaAimIsADickGPU: Intel(R) UHD Graphics
Found the problem
Can't change. Stuck on a shitty laptop and I'm unwilling to be a corporate slave to get a good PC.
carterAimIsADickToonHud
Found the problem
This one I can change. Does ToonHUD cause framtime or input latency issues? Are there any alternative HUDs similar to it? If not can I optimize ToonHUD?
[quote=della][quote=AimIsADick]
GPU: Intel(R) UHD Graphics
[/quote]
Found the problem[/quote]
Can't change. Stuck on a shitty laptop and I'm unwilling to be a corporate slave to get a good PC.
[quote=carter][quote=AimIsADick]ToonHud[/quote]
Found the problem[/quote]
This one I can change. Does ToonHUD cause framtime or input latency issues? Are there any alternative HUDs similar to it? If not can I optimize ToonHUD?
refusing to upgrade but asking for optimisation tips is like those budgeting memes where u ask how to save on food while spending 30k on onlyfans
refusing to upgrade but asking for optimisation tips is like those budgeting memes where u ask how to save on food while spending 30k on onlyfans
Intel graphics should not be the problem, I used to play on a 4th gen intel cpu. framerates werent great, but i did not have big frametimes. check for vsync, turn off the windows gaming dvr thing and check drivers.
ToonHUD however is a different story
Intel graphics should not be the problem, I used to play on a 4th gen intel cpu. framerates werent great, but i did not have big frametimes. check for vsync, turn off the windows gaming dvr thing and check drivers.
ToonHUD however is a different story
clean that bitch out it stinky
clean that bitch out it stinky
harisIntel graphics should not be the problem, I used to play on a 4th gen intel cpu. framerates werent great, but i did not have big frametimes. check for vsync, turn off the windows gaming dvr thing and check drivers.
I have Gaming DVR and (TF2) Vsync off. I also checked the graphics driver, and it turns out that the service for it was not starting, so I just did an uninstall-rescan operation and the service starts now.
harisToonHUD however is a different story
What is it with ToonHUD?
[quote=haris]Intel graphics should not be the problem, I used to play on a 4th gen intel cpu. framerates werent great, but i did not have big frametimes. check for vsync, turn off the windows gaming dvr thing and check drivers.[/quote]
I have Gaming DVR and (TF2) Vsync off. I also checked the graphics driver, and it turns out that the service for it was not starting, so I just did an uninstall-rescan operation and the service starts now.
[quote=haris]ToonHUD however is a different story[/quote]
What is it with ToonHUD?
use the ubersaw, it gives more frames
use the ubersaw, it gives more frames
mustardoverlorduse the ubersaw, it gives more frames
No.
[quote=mustardoverlord]use the ubersaw, it gives more frames[/quote]
No.
try adding -textmode to launch options
try adding -textmode to launch options
I donwloaded your demos and have the same laptop as you. I got 1000 fps average
I donwloaded your demos and have the same laptop as you. I got 1000 fps average
tommyI donwloaded your demos and have the same laptop as you. I got 1000 fps average
- I specifically stated frametime and not frames per second (FPS), because FPS is generally an unreliable metric the moment you have ≥30 frames![1][2]
- What is your environment (mods, config, settings, launch options, OS, etc.)?
[quote=tommy]I donwloaded your demos and have the same laptop as you. I got 1000 fps average[/quote]
[olist]
[*] I specifically stated [i]frametime[/i] and not [i]frames per second[/i] (FPS), because FPS is generally an unreliable metric the moment you have ≥30 frames![url=https://techreport.com/review/31546/where-minimum-fps-figures-mislead-frame-time-analysis-shines/][1][/url][url=https://www.pcgamer.com/why-minimum-fps-can-be-misleading/][2][/url]
[*] What is your environment (mods, config, settings, launch options, OS, etc.)?
[/olist]
haha I was joking about 1000 fps and having your laptop. I feel bad because you clearly care very much about this.
I love that you cited sources, I did not know about measuring fps being unreliable, from now on I will use frametime as I agree it seems like a much better measure.
Seems like you have done almost everything. The only thing I can think that you havent mentioned is to close all running programs (ofc), and set hl2.exe to have high priority. Also if you are on a laptop, try to make sure it is getting enough airflow, maybe even buy a cooling pad.
I appreciate the dedication to fine tuning, but the reason people aren't taking you seriously is that you are asking for the impossible. You pretty much need to buy a better computer unfortunately, if you want a significant change in frames
haha I was joking about 1000 fps and having your laptop. I feel bad because you clearly care very much about this.
I love that you cited sources, I did not know about measuring fps being unreliable, from now on I will use frametime as I agree it seems like a much better measure.
Seems like you have done almost everything. The only thing I can think that you havent mentioned is to close all running programs (ofc), and set hl2.exe to have high [url=https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/89548-set-cpu-process-priority-applications-windows-10-a.html]priority[/url]. Also if you are on a laptop, try to make sure it is getting enough airflow, maybe even buy a cooling pad.
I appreciate the dedication to fine tuning, but the reason people aren't taking you seriously is that you are asking for the impossible. You pretty much need to buy a better computer unfortunately, if you want a significant change in frames
Having an FPS cap may be throttling your performance more than necessary. Try using an external FPS cap like Rivatuner.
Having an FPS cap may be throttling your performance more than necessary. Try using an external FPS cap like Rivatuner.
AimIsADick- I specifically stated frametime and not frames per second (FPS), because FPS is generally an unreliable metric the moment you have ≥30 frames![1][2]
fps and average frametime refer to quite literally the exact same metric. diving (1) second by your frames per second will directly give you the average frametime over that second (eg. 1 second / 144 fps = 6.9 ms frametime).
[quote=AimIsADick][olist]
[*] I specifically stated [i]frametime[/i] and not [i]frames per second[/i] (FPS), because FPS is generally an unreliable metric the moment you have ≥30 frames![url=https://techreport.com/review/31546/where-minimum-fps-figures-mislead-frame-time-analysis-shines/][1][/url][url=https://www.pcgamer.com/why-minimum-fps-can-be-misleading/][2][/url]
[/olist][/quote]
fps and average frametime refer to quite literally the exact same metric. diving (1) [u]second[/u] by your frames [u]per second[/u] will directly give you the average frametime over that second (eg. 1 second / 144 fps = 6.9 ms frametime).
tommySeems like you have done almost everything. The only thing I can think that you havent mentioned is to close all running programs (ofc), and set hl2.exe to have high priority. Also if you are on a laptop, try to make sure it is getting enough airflow, maybe even buy a cooling pad.
Setting TF2 to high priority is a bad idea, because Windows needs the high and realtime priorities for time-based programs critical to the OS, and since TF2 is a CPU-based game, setting it to high or realtime priority would just make TF2 use up tons of CPU time needed for time-based programs, thus making the OS unstable.
tommyI appreciate the dedication to fine tuning, but the reason people aren't taking you seriously is that you are asking for the impossible. You pretty much need to buy a better computer unfortunately, if you want a significant change in frames
Yeah I'm not surprised if this is the conclusion. I'm quite content for now though, as I'd rather deal with this than get a shitty job and have to juggle both that and high school since that can get stressful after a bit.
mastercomsHaving an FPS cap may be throttling your performance more than necessary. Try using an external FPS cap like Rivatuner.
I have tried that already and have uncapped my FPS (in TF2), but the trouble is that I have no idea what to set the external cap to. I'll try again once I can find a proper value.
[quote=tommy]Seems like you have done almost everything. The only thing I can think that you havent mentioned is to close all running programs (ofc), and set hl2.exe to have high [url=https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/89548-set-cpu-process-priority-applications-windows-10-a.html]priority[/url]. Also if you are on a laptop, try to make sure it is getting enough airflow, maybe even buy a cooling pad.[/quote]
Setting TF2 to high priority is a bad idea, because Windows needs the high and realtime priorities for time-based programs critical to the OS, and since TF2 is a CPU-based game, setting it to high or realtime priority would just make TF2 use up tons of CPU time needed for time-based programs, thus making the OS unstable.
[quote=tommy]I appreciate the dedication to fine tuning, but the reason people aren't taking you seriously is that you are asking for the impossible. You pretty much need to buy a better computer unfortunately, if you want a significant change in frames[/quote]
Yeah I'm not surprised if this is the conclusion. I'm quite content for now though, as I'd rather deal with this than get a shitty job and have to juggle both that and high school since that can get stressful after a bit.
[quote=mastercoms]Having an FPS cap may be throttling your performance more than necessary. Try using an external FPS cap like Rivatuner.[/quote]
I have tried that already and have uncapped my FPS (in TF2), but the trouble is that I have no idea what to set the external cap to. I'll try again once I can find a proper value.
if you're not already running some super low resolution, have you tried lowering your res to something like 1024x768 or even 800x600? super weak gpus, especially intel graphics, can actually see quite a performance benefit from lowering res in tf2, and higher overall framerate will make framerate inconsistencies less noticeable.
also, check your cpu/gpu temp and clockspeeds to make sure they are not thermal throttling, as that would absolutely lead to lower framerate and greater framerate inconsistency.
if you're not already running some super low resolution, have you tried lowering your res to something like 1024x768 or even 800x600? super weak gpus, especially intel graphics, can actually see quite a performance benefit from lowering res in tf2, and higher overall framerate will make framerate inconsistencies less noticeable.
also, check your cpu/gpu temp and clockspeeds to make sure they are not thermal throttling, as that would absolutely lead to lower framerate and greater framerate inconsistency.
back when i played on an intel graphics laptop i didnt consider my fps playable until i was literally playing in 640x480
back when i played on an intel graphics laptop i didnt consider my fps playable until i was literally playing in 640x480
Obligatory comment about making sure that your windows power plan is set to high performance.
Also from my experience tf2 really doesn't like cpu's that run at a low frequency so honestly there might not be much you can do about it.
Obligatory comment about making sure that your windows power plan is set to high performance.
Also from my experience tf2 really doesn't like cpu's that run at a low frequency so honestly there might not be much you can do about it.
turbochad69if you're not already running some super low resolution, have you tried lowering your res to something like 1024x768 or even 800x600? super weak gpus, especially intel graphics, can actually see quite a performance benefit from lowering res in tf2, and higher overall framerate will make framerate inconsistencies less noticeable.
also, check your cpu/gpu temp and clockspeeds to make sure they are not thermal throttling, as that would absolutely lead to lower framerate and greater framerate inconsistency.
I currently play at 1280x720 because resolutions lower than that I generally cannot tolerate, but I could try upscaling TF2. I will also check for thermal throttling.
BvObligatory comment about making sure that your windows power plan is set to high performance.
I do.
ByAlso from my experience tf2 really doesn't like cpu's that run at a low frequency so honestly there might not be much you can do about it.
Yeah I think I'm prepared to come to terms with that.
[quote=turbochad69]if you're not already running some super low resolution, have you tried lowering your res to something like 1024x768 or even 800x600? super weak gpus, especially intel graphics, can actually see quite a performance benefit from lowering res in tf2, and higher overall framerate will make framerate inconsistencies less noticeable.
also, check your cpu/gpu temp and clockspeeds to make sure they are not thermal throttling, as that would absolutely lead to lower framerate and greater framerate inconsistency.[/quote]
I currently play at 1280x720 because resolutions lower than that I generally cannot tolerate, but I could try upscaling TF2. I will also check for thermal throttling.
[quote=Bv]Obligatory comment about making sure that your windows power plan is set to high performance.[/quote]
I do.
[quote=By]Also from my experience tf2 really doesn't like cpu's that run at a low frequency so honestly there might not be much you can do about it.[/quote]
Yeah I think I'm prepared to come to terms with that.
AimIsADickI'm unwilling to be a corporate slave to get a good PC.
good luck with everything
[quote=AimIsADick]I'm unwilling to be a corporate slave to get a good PC.[/quote]
good luck with everything
AdnurakAimIsADickI'm unwilling to be a corporate slave to get a good PC.
good luck with everything
Same to you. It's scary in this world…
[quote=Adnurak][quote=AimIsADick]I'm unwilling to be a corporate slave to get a good PC.[/quote]
good luck with everything[/quote]
Same to you. It's scary in this world…
I played on 720p/60fps on a lan where I only brought my laptop. 720p and even below is super playable if you're already used to fucky configs. it's not ideal, but better low res than low fps
Show Content
I will also say that you don't have to be a ""cooperate slave"" to slowly save up 400-500 bucks to get a gently used optiplex + used graphics card + mediocre 144hz display. that's like 3 weeks part time minimum wage job, and most retail jobs are paying a decent bit over that right now.
TF2 isn't the most optimized title ever, but we are talking about a 14 year old game at this point... I understand that for some, this is a privileged thing to say, but it seems like you are just choosing not to work towards a solution, so I don't feel so bad ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I played on 720p/60fps on a lan where I only brought my laptop. 720p and even below is super playable if you're already used to fucky configs. it's not ideal, but better low res than low fps
[spoiler]I will also say that you don't have to be a ""cooperate slave"" to slowly save up 400-500 bucks to get a gently used optiplex + used graphics card + mediocre 144hz display. that's like 3 weeks part time minimum wage job, and most retail jobs are paying a decent bit over that right now.
TF2 isn't the most optimized title ever, but we [i]are[/i] talking about a 14 year old game at this point... I understand that for some, this is a privileged thing to say, but it seems like you are just choosing not to work towards a solution, so I don't feel so bad ¯\_(ツ)_/¯[/spoiler]
KevinIsPwnI played on 720p/60fps on a lan where I only brought my laptop. 720p and even below is super playable if you're already used to fucky configs. it's not ideal, but better low res than low fps
Yeah.
KevinIsPwn Show Content
I will also say that you don't have to be a ""cooperate slave"" to slowly save up 400-500 bucks to get a gently used optiplex + used graphics card + mediocre 144hz display. that's like 3 weeks part time minimum wage job, and most retail jobs are paying a decent bit over that right now.
TF2 isn't the most optimized title ever, but we are talking about a 14 year old game at this point... I understand that for some, this is a privileged thing to say, but it seems like you are just choosing not to work towards a solution, so I don't feel so bad ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Here's the thing though: I hate the idea of standing in one spot forever, and I'm not even motivated to find a job, because of how often corporations fuck over people. The whole job application process just feels like a huge pain in the ass to me due to how long it generally takes to complete, which doesn't help my motivation for job hunting.
[quote=KevinIsPwn]I played on 720p/60fps on a lan where I only brought my laptop. 720p and even below is super playable if you're already used to fucky configs. it's not ideal, but better low res than low fps[/quote]
Yeah.
[quote=KevinIsPwn][spoiler]I will also say that you don't have to be a ""cooperate slave"" to slowly save up 400-500 bucks to get a gently used optiplex + used graphics card + mediocre 144hz display. that's like 3 weeks part time minimum wage job, and most retail jobs are paying a decent bit over that right now.
TF2 isn't the most optimized title ever, but we [i]are[/i] talking about a 14 year old game at this point... I understand that for some, this is a privileged thing to say, but it seems like you are just choosing not to work towards a solution, so I don't feel so bad ¯\_(ツ)_/¯[/spoiler][/quote]
Here's the thing though: I hate the idea of standing in one spot forever, and I'm not even motivated to find a job, because of how often corporations fuck over people. The whole job application process just feels like a huge pain in the ass to me due to how long it generally takes to complete, which doesn't help my motivation for job hunting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GodlZQDZ9P0
joshuawnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GodlZQDZ9P0
Cool. Oh and to add to #26 I can't drive either so that makes it worse.
[quote=joshuawn]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GodlZQDZ9P0[/quote]
Cool. Oh and to add to [url=https://www.teamfortress.tv/58572/i-got-high-ass-frametime-how-do-i-reduce-it#26]#26[/url] I can't drive either so that makes it worse.
getting a job rn sucks, but if having a computer able to run TF2 somewhat smoothly is really important, it might be worth it. you dont even need a whole lot of PC to get some stable frame rates. having a "desktop" (non T or U) intel processor, dedicated GPU, and an SSD will make a huge difference over most low-med range laptops in my experience. sites like eBay and Craigslist can have some crazy deals, if youre knowledgeable and patient. Ive made a secondary PC with very similar specs as below for less than $200 by finding deals on my local Craigslist.
heres what a 10 mins of googling got me:
HP EliteDesk 800 : i5-4590, 1x4GB RAM, no HDD - $90
A-Tech 4GB DDR3 1600 MHz - $19 (new)
PNY CS900 240GB 3D NAND 2.5" SSD - $30 (new)
MSI Graphic Cards GT 1030 2G LP OC -$115 (new)
Totaling $254 for just the PC
144hz monitors can be got new for around 150-180 on the cheaper end. i dont feel like looking into that rn.
if you are seriously interested in getting something like this setup, i can run a few benchmarks on my secondary PC that has similar specs as above to get you a better idea into what youll get.
i know its not as easy as saying "just save up and buy a PC", but its probably not as hard as you think.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-EliteDesk-800-G1-SFF-Desktop-PC-3-30GHz-Core-i5-4590-4GB-RAM-No-HDD/294030998897
https://www.ebay.com/itm/A-Tech-4GB-PC3-12800-Desktop-DDR3-1600-MHz-240-Pin-DIMM-Non-ECC-Memory-RAM-1x-4G/321872623322
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0719D9YL7
https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GT-1030-2G-LP/dp/B071L4VKF6
getting a job rn sucks, but if having a computer able to run TF2 somewhat smoothly is really important, it might be worth it. you dont even need a whole lot of PC to get some stable frame rates. having a "desktop" (non T or U) intel processor, dedicated GPU, and an SSD will make a huge difference over most low-med range laptops in my experience. sites like eBay and Craigslist can have some crazy deals, if youre knowledgeable and patient. Ive made a secondary PC with very similar specs as below for less than $200 by finding deals on my local Craigslist.
heres what a 10 mins of googling got me:
HP EliteDesk 800 : i5-4590, 1x4GB RAM, no HDD - $90
A-Tech 4GB DDR3 1600 MHz - $19 (new)
PNY CS900 240GB 3D NAND 2.5" SSD - $30 (new)
MSI Graphic Cards GT 1030 2G LP OC -$115 (new)
Totaling $254 for just the PC
144hz monitors can be got new for around 150-180 on the cheaper end. i dont feel like looking into that rn.
if you are seriously interested in getting something like this setup, i can run a few benchmarks on my secondary PC that has similar specs as above to get you a better idea into what youll get.
i know its not as easy as saying "just save up and buy a PC", but its probably not as hard as you think.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-EliteDesk-800-G1-SFF-Desktop-PC-3-30GHz-Core-i5-4590-4GB-RAM-No-HDD/294030998897
https://www.ebay.com/itm/A-Tech-4GB-PC3-12800-Desktop-DDR3-1600-MHz-240-Pin-DIMM-Non-ECC-Memory-RAM-1x-4G/321872623322
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0719D9YL7?tag=teamfortresst-20
https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GT-1030-2G-LP/dp/B071L4VKF6?tag=teamfortresst-20
also, huge frame time spikes are somewhat normal for a full tf2 server. anything from someone joining your casual queue, multiple ppl joining the server at once, alt-tabbing/shift-tabbing, or even just a cpu/gpu hiccup usually causes these occasional large spikes. my frame times are MUCH better (lower, and more stable) in a 6v6 or even 9v9 server
Im also curious how you measured your "high input latency"...
graphs from my R5 2600, RX 580, 16GB PC
using chris' high fps and dx 81:
https://imgur.com/a/kq8gPRl
also, huge frame time spikes are somewhat normal for a full tf2 server. anything from someone joining your casual queue, multiple ppl joining the server at once, alt-tabbing/shift-tabbing, or even just a cpu/gpu hiccup usually causes these occasional large spikes. my frame times are MUCH better (lower, and more stable) in a 6v6 or even 9v9 server
Im also curious how you measured your "high input latency"...
graphs from my R5 2600, RX 580, 16GB PC
using chris' high fps and dx 81:
https://imgur.com/a/kq8gPRl