Stutters, screen freezes, adjusting GPU Core Clock

[Scratchman]

As you can imagine I like many others have set and reset, and tweaked everything imaginable. And now having a near stable system with most everything off, and now no vidmem showing up, I was starting to get a little frustrated. Then I remembered on the next to last patch in Beta I cranked down my Core Clock, Memory Clock and Shader Clock in my GTX9800 OC. Being factory Overclocked I had hoped it would help me in Beta. So I went back and let my card find the most Optimal Settings and went with them, which turned out to be the Overclocked factory settings. Now with my Core Clock running at 733 Mhz, my Memory Clock at 1158 Mhz, and my Shader Clock at 1891 Mhz, my system is purring. So much so I can go in and crank everything up, turn on all the Extended Features and still get 70-75 F.P.S. in the game. Rock solid!!! And it's beautiful. So I hope this helps all those who are still struggling to get their computers to run the new version. But I might suggest either let your card find the Optimal settings for you, or crank them down first, test it and then go from there. Wish everyone the very best. I am posting for the last time my system spec's for reference.
Display is at 1280 X 1024, with 1024 Max texture size, and using the Hires texture pack. I have my video card set up with Allow application to control on everything, and set for High Performance. I am not running in compatibility mode, instead I am allowing the AMD optimizer program to launch both my cores. The rest of my info is listed with my DXDIAG. 
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 8/1/2009, 03:32:36
       Machine name: JOE
   Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090206-1234)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: To Be Filled By O.E.M.
       System Model: To Be Filled By O.E.M.
               BIOS: BIOS Date: 05/30/08 14:59:54 Ver: 08.00.15
          Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5600+,  MMX,  3DNow (2 CPUs), ~2.9GHz
             Memory: 3328MB RAM
          Page File: 528MB used, 4682MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
    DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
     DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
  DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
      Display Tab 1: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
          Music Tab: No problems found.
          Input Tab: No problems found.
        Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D:    0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw:  0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay:  0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow:  0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
        Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+
     Manufacturer: NVIDIA
        Chip type: GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+
         DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
       Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0612&SUBSYS_08A219F1&REV_A2
   Display Memory: 512.0 MB
     Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (75Hz)
          Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
  Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
      Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
   Driver Version: 6.14.0011.9038 (English)
      DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
 Driver Date/Size: 7/14/2009 13:54:00, 5842816 bytes
      WHQL Logo'd: Yes
  WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
              VDD: n/a
         Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
    Mini VDD Date: 7/14/2009 13:54:00, 7741664 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4552-11CF-0F59-A92803C2CB35}
        Vendor ID: 0x10DE
        Device ID: 0x0612
        SubSys ID: 0x08A219F1
      Revision ID: 0x00A2
      Revision ID: 0x00A2
      Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D
 Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
                   {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
                   {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
                   {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
         Registry: OK
     DDraw Status: Enabled
       D3D Status: Enabled
       AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
 D3D7 Test Result: Not run
 D3D8 Test Result: Not run
 D3D9 Test Result: Not run

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
            Description: SB X-Fi Audio [0001]
 Default Sound Playback: Yes
 Default Voice Playback: Yes
            Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_000B&SUBSYS_00431102&REV_03
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 100
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1344 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: Yes
          Date and Size: 8/6/2008 23:02:42, 534808 bytes
            Other Files:
        Driver Provider: Creative
         HW Accel Level: Full
              Cap Flags: 0xF5F
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 1, 192000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 128, 128
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 128, 128
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: Yes
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
               Registry: OK
      Sound Test Result: Not run

[Wizer]

So I went back and let my card find the most Optimal Settings and went with them, which turned out to be the Overclocked factory settings. Now with my Core Clock running at 733 Mhz, my Memory Clock at 1158 Mhz, and my Shader Clock at 1891 Mhz, my system is purring. So much so I can go in and crank everything up, turn on all the Extended Features and still get 70-75 F.P.S. in the game. Rock solid!!! And it's beautiful. So I hope this helps all those who are still struggling to get their computers to run the new version. But I might suggest either let your card find the Optimal settings for you, or crank them down first, test it and then go from there. Wish everyone the very best.

I have the same card as you.  Could you tell me how do I find  the core clock, memory clock and shader clock settings you stated in your post.   I am hoping to improve my frame rate.    

[AKDogg]

If u have to over clock your 9800gtx, then something is wrong.  I have exact same card and I get 60 FPS (maxed at refresh rate) with every detail, shadows and AA at max.  I also running a old AMD64 X2 4800+ system.

Besides, overclocking is something I would not suggest doing to video cards.  The manufactures already push the cards to make them last just till the warranty run out.  You over clocking the video card will shorten its life and void warranty.

[Wizer]

  I have exact same card and I get 60 FPS (maxed at refresh rate) with every detail, shadows and AA at max. 

I tend to agree that something is wrong.  When the new version came out, I got 60 FPS (Maxed at refresh rate) with every detail, shadow, AA at max (including the advanced modes); however, after the 3 patches come out, I have to disable local water terrain and the shadows to get frame rates anywhere from 45 fps to 60 fps depending on the traffic.  I am contemplating deleting and reinstalling the game to see if that will resolve my issue.

[Denholm]

I have my video card set up with Allow application to control on everything, and set for High Performance.

That's the wrong setting. You need to set it to run your 3D settings, otherwise it will override your, "Application Controlled" choice.

[Scratchman]

If u have to over clock your 9800gtx, then something is wrong.  I have exact same card and I get 60 FPS (maxed at refresh rate) with every detail, shadows and AA at max.  I also running a old AMD64 X2 4800+ system.

Besides, overclocking is something I would not suggest doing to video cards.  The manufactures already push the cards to make them last just till the warranty run out.  You over clocking the video card will shorten its life and void warranty.

 The card came overclocked from the factory, I simply reset it back to those settings after turning them down for the Beta. I was referring to turning the clock speeds down, not up, ( i.e. lower clock speed, better stability ). That's what using the device settings in the control panel are for. Using the Optimal performance settings is for finding settings that your card can run and be stable at the same time. But for some, like me, overclocking may find them a solution. As for the same card it really depends on who produced it, ( for me XFX ), they are not all the same. As for overclocking you are correct, it can shorten it's life and could potentially affect the warranty. But I am sort of a Geek, and I installed a Thermal Take heatsink and fan. So I could push it more if I wanted to. But like I said I simply upped it back near to the original factory settings.

[Scratchman]

That's the wrong setting. You need to set it to run your 3D settings, otherwise it will override your, "Application Controlled" choice.

Hmm...do you have a different card from me? For with my nVidia card under Program Settings, Texture Filtering there are only 4 choices in the drop down box. High Quality, Quality, Performance, High Performance. There are no Application Controlled for Texture Filtering settings. However there is the Global Setting choice of Quality as default if that is what you are referring to.

[Scratchman]

I have the same card as you.  Could you tell me how do I find  the core clock, memory clock and shader clock settings you stated in your post.   I am hoping to improve my frame rate.    

[Denholm]

I was discussing the, "Adjust image settings with preview" menu option. Either set that to, "Let the 3D application decide" or set it to, "Use the advanced 3D image settings." However, if you use the advanced 3D settings the majority will have to be switched to application controlled.

[Scratchman]

I was discussing the, "Adjust image settings with preview" menu option. Either set that to, "Let the 3D application decide" or set it to, "Use the advanced 3D image settings." However, if you use the advanced 3D settings the majority will have to be switched to application controlled.

Ah....now I know what you were referring to. I'm kinda hands on guy I suppose, so doing it manually is my cup of tea. And btw great posts everywhere with helping everyone out. 

[Denholm]

I also enjoy using the manual settings. However, Skuzzy suggested allowing Aces High decide the optimal settings.

[Skuzzy]

Also, see this thread.

[Scratchman]

Yes it didn't work for me for some reason Denholm. But hey there is no universal fix for every single computer out there. Just glad I am up and running and it looks great. They only thing I did notice and everyone was reporting it yesterday was, everybody, and I do mean everybody, experienced a reduction of FPS of about 50% during Titanic Tuesday. Wasn't much of a problem for me as I was still in the mid to high 40's. Skuzzy once again thanks for the heads up on the thread. I don't always have enough time myself to view all that is posted. You always seem to be on top of things.