Reporting reproducable FPS killing bug, and solution

[Geirr]

Since the latest GeForce update, there is a scenario where Nvidia users can find themselves running at 12-20 FPS instead of their usual 80 or 100+ rates. This situation exists with running borderless window mode. For this bug to occur, you also need to be using a frame rate cap of some sort. I think, but am not sure, that reduce FPS while minimized is also a key factor.

For example, I have a 144hz refresh rate monitor as my primary and a 60hz monitor as my secondary. When I run the game borderless, uncapped, no reduction, my graphics card uses it's full frequency and boost clock as expected. For frame of reference, this is 1980MHz on a GTX 3080. My frame rate is often over 170.

If I cap my refresh to rate 72hz in borderless window mode, using the Nvidia control panel, my FPS drops to 12-20fps and my graphics card runs at 900MHz.

If I cap my refresh rate to 60hz in borderless window mode, using the in-game frame cap option, my FPS drops to 12-20fps and my graphics card runs at 900MHz.

If I go fullscreen with the same settings, I get 72fps and 60fps respectively as expected. The graphics card also goes up to 1700-1800MHz speed.

Added wackyness, if I lower the refresh rate of my primary monitor to 72, 90, or 120 in windows and then use the in-game or Nvidia control panel frame cap to the same rate, I do not experience the drop to 12-20fps / 900MHz respectively.

The issue seems to be that the graphics card is not treating the borderless window mode of the game as if it is currently in focus. It isn't prioritizing it and is constantly treating it as if it is minimized. Hence, reduced MHz on the frequency.

Solution:

A.) If you play in borderless window, uncap your FPS. Keep your "reduced fps when minimized" option on because you could burn up your graphics card while the game is minimized.

or

B.) If you wish to play with a cap, make sure "reduce fps while minimized" feature is off. Secondly, reduce the refresh rate of your monitor to what you want that cap to be. Failing to do so will under utilize the graphics card. If you want to play at 90fps, set the monitor to 90 refresh rate. 120fps? 120 refresh rate. You can still utilize Gsync this way.

[Geirr]

Here's an imgur showing FPS before and after applying FPS cap.



https://imgur.com/a/dgGE8ak

[Xerkrosis]

If it's the latest Nvidia Driver, then the solution would be to revert to a previous driver and report it to Nvidia. Which seems to be already the case, though Nvidia only needs to see it.

You can also enable a cap for FFXIV in the Nvidia Settings, which I would recommend either way, because of FFXIV's misbehaviour above 60 fps in regards of physics.
Can't ever suggest FFXIV's cap-option, because it seems to come along with something like a Vsync-behaviour, which is nonesense when you're using Gsync/Freesync.

[Geirr]

If it's the latest Nvidia Driver, then the solution would be to revert to a previous driver and report it to Nvidia. Which seems to be already the case, though Nvidia only needs to see it.

You can also enable a cap for FFXIV in the Nvidia Settings, which I would recommend either way, because of FFXIV's misbehaviour above 60 fps in regards of physics.
Can't ever suggest FFXIV's cap-option, because it seems to come along with something like a Vsync-behaviour, which is nonesense when you're using Gsync/Freesync.

While I agree that reverting is a solution, some people want to stay current with drivers and not downgrade for just one title. I also feel like if Square Enix fusses at Nvidia developer to developer, business to business, something is more likely to get fixed then if I complain to Nvidia.

[DatOni]

It's not just Nvidia; I'm running Intel HD and its affected as well. I don't why, it just is.

EDIT: So I noticed something by using that XBOX Game thing windows has. It has a handy widget that shows CPU, GPU and FPS. FPS is obviously low during borderless windowed, but shockingly, my GPU usage jumps all the way to 99%-100% whenever in borderless. If I switch to full screen it drops significantly, but I'm pretty sure that means something important.

[Puss_Kat]

It's not just Nvidia; I'm running Intel HD and its affected as well. I don't why, it just is.

EDIT: So I noticed something by using that XBOX Game thing windows has. It has a handy widget that shows CPU, GPU and FPS. FPS is obviously low during borderless windowed, but shockingly, my GPU usage jumps all the way to 99%-100% whenever in borderless. If I switch to full screen it drops significantly, but I'm pretty sure that means something important.

sort programs and features by install date and see if anything has updated behind your back, say, asus armory crate or the likes.

else it could be windows updates. again.

The Xbox overlay uses the same source as Task manager for GPU util, both are incredibly inaccurate.

If it's the latest Nvidia Driver, then the solution would be to revert to a previous driver and report it to Nvidia. Which seems to be already the case, though Nvidia only needs to see it.

You can also enable a cap for FFXIV in the Nvidia Settings, which I would recommend either way, because of FFXIV's misbehaviour above 60 fps in regards of physics.
Can't ever suggest FFXIV's cap-option, because it seems to come along with something like a Vsync-behaviour, which is nonesense when you're using Gsync/Freesync.

Has nothing to do with 511.23, the issue has begun to happen for people well after the driver update as well as users on older sets and seems linked to either windows itself or other software that can auto update.

Citrix Workstation for example can cause this issue due to a flaw in the latest version.