Cap the frame rate lower than refresh rate? (to reduce heat on laptop)

[PugPug 159]

Some games let you do this through console commands or .cfg files.

 

I know you can do it with Nvidia Inspector, too, as long as you have an Nvidia card of course. I guess I'll try that, but I'd like to know of another way, if there is one.

 

It would also be good to know if we can tweak graphics options beyond what is available in the in-game menu.

 

Thanks.

[durbal 25]

I just dxtory to do it.  This game heats up my computer like no other.

[PugPug 159]

Dxtory seems to be video capture software, but I did find instructions on how to use it to limit FPS.

 

I tried using Nvidia Inspector, and the lowest it let me cap it at is 29 FPS. My laptop still overheat to the point of emergency shutdown. I keep it clean, too, so it is getting plenty of air.

 

Hopefully Dxtory will have more options.

[El Zoido 31]

Emergency shutdown always sounds like a serious problem with cooling.

 

I have seen reports that some games using the Unity engine made systems run hot, but if the cooling fails to keep the system stable, that's a hardware issue, imo.

You say that you keep your laptop clean, so I assume the problem isn't with dust clocking your vents or such.

It can still be insufficient cooling though - maybe the heat-spreader has come loose from your CPU, or the thermal grease has dried up too much (if it uses grease that is).

Apparently sometimes the manufacturer simply fails to design the cooling system right, though.

[PugPug 159]

Emergency shutdown always sounds like a serious problem with cooling.

 

I have seen reports that some games using the Unity engine made systems run hot, but if the cooling fails to keep the system stable, that's a hardware issue, imo.

You say that you keep your laptop clean, so I assume the problem isn't with dust clocking your vents or such.

It can still be insufficient cooling though - maybe the heat-spreader has come loose from your CPU, or the thermal grease has dried up too much (if it uses grease that is).

Apparently sometimes the manufacturer simply fails to design the cooling system right, though.

 

 

In my experience it is something that just happens with laptops. You would think it would just downclock (is that a word?) until it stops overheating, even if it gets to the point that applications become unstable, but it doesn't. It slows down only to a point. Maybe it's configurable in the BIOS?

 

I did just have another idea, though. I could limit max CPU power under Windows power options. Kind of a hassle to do and undo for one game, though. Maybe someone has come up with some kind of batch file...

 

Really though, I would prefer they integrate an FPS limiter into the game. It's becoming a somewhat common feature.

[AstralWanderer 19]

It might be worth giving MSI Afterburner a try - don't think it has a frame limiter but it does provide fan control and the ability to increase fan speeds once certain temperature thresholds are reached. That should provide better cooling though at the cost of more fan noise. A laptop cooler is another option to consider - these are fairly cheap and can help lower temperatures.

[PugPug 159]

It might be worth giving MSI Afterburner a try - don't think it has a frame limiter but it does provide fan control and the ability to increase fan speeds once certain temperature thresholds are reached. That should provide better cooling though at the cost of more fan noise. A laptop cooler is another option to consider - these are fairly cheap and can help lower temperatures.

 

 

Yeah, I always have it on a cooling pad with a fan. They do help, but only a bit. Do you need an MSI card to use MSI Afterburner?

[AstralWanderer 19]

MSI Afterburner should work with any Nvidia or AMD/ATI graphics card.

Edited April 26, 2015 by AstralWanderer