Rhythmic stuttering with 3D Vision enabled
  1 / 2    
Hi people,

Really hoping someone can shed some light on this issue, it's just been driving me nuts! /wallbash.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':wallbash:' />

I recently bought an Alienware M18x with twin GTX580m's in SLI. It's hooked up to an Acer HN274H 120hz 3D Vision monitor (with built in emitter and bundled shutter glasses). Connection to the monitor is via mini displayport to displayport adapter, and [url="http://store.nvidia.com/store/nvidia/en_US/pd/productID.227587600"]Bizlink displayport to dual-link DVI active adapter[/url]. Other specs are: i7 2860QM; 8gb 1600Mhz RAM; dual Samsung SSD's in RAID 0; Killer Wireless 1103; A04 BIOS

The system works brilliantly without stereoscopic 3D enabled - games run buttery smooth up to 120hz in 1080p 2D mode. Same with the desktop - normally there is no issue with using 120hz refresh rates at the monitor's 1920 x 1080 native resolution. Very occasionally the image goes fuzzy which is corrected by resetting / changing the resolution, this I know is an issue with having to use the DP-DL DVI adapter, but is quite a rare occurrence.

The problem occurs when 3D Vision is enabled. In every game at every setting, there is a regular rhythmic system stutter - about once per second (think Chinese water torture!). This affects both graphics and sound. Graphically there's a momentary slow down, which is accompanied by crackly sound. This even happens (minus the sound of course) with the nVidia 'Test Stereoscopic 3D' function, so I think is unlikely to be due to excessive load on the system. Once you press CTRL-T to toggle back into 2D mode, the problem disappears. Toggle back into 3D vision, and the problem re-appears every time.

So far I've tried:
[list]
[*]SLI enabled and disabled
[*]Making sure M18x is operating in full performace mode
[*]Calling Dell support (no use whatsoever)
[*]Various combos of drivers including the original 269.03 from Dell's website, currently 285.62 from nVidia's site. Also tried updating system BIOS to A04.
[*]Driver Sweeper between each driver update
[*]Throwing it out of a window (ok not yet, but maybe this is next!)
[/list]

I've only seen a couple of other people post with the same problem, and so far I haven't seen anyone come up with a solution that works. Dell's answer was that it's a fault in the nVidia drivers but this surely can't be happening to everyone who uses 3D Vision - can it??! I'm not the most techy person around so suggestions may need to be spelled out quite clearly.

Also I've tried switching off every system process I can think of via task manager, still no change. HELP!!

Cheers,
RainhamIron
Hi people,



Really hoping someone can shed some light on this issue, it's just been driving me nuts! /wallbash.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':wallbash:' />



I recently bought an Alienware M18x with twin GTX580m's in SLI. It's hooked up to an Acer HN274H 120hz 3D Vision monitor (with built in emitter and bundled shutter glasses). Connection to the monitor is via mini displayport to displayport adapter, and Bizlink displayport to dual-link DVI active adapter. Other specs are: i7 2860QM; 8gb 1600Mhz RAM; dual Samsung SSD's in RAID 0; Killer Wireless 1103; A04 BIOS



The system works brilliantly without stereoscopic 3D enabled - games run buttery smooth up to 120hz in 1080p 2D mode. Same with the desktop - normally there is no issue with using 120hz refresh rates at the monitor's 1920 x 1080 native resolution. Very occasionally the image goes fuzzy which is corrected by resetting / changing the resolution, this I know is an issue with having to use the DP-DL DVI adapter, but is quite a rare occurrence.



The problem occurs when 3D Vision is enabled. In every game at every setting, there is a regular rhythmic system stutter - about once per second (think Chinese water torture!). This affects both graphics and sound. Graphically there's a momentary slow down, which is accompanied by crackly sound. This even happens (minus the sound of course) with the nVidia 'Test Stereoscopic 3D' function, so I think is unlikely to be due to excessive load on the system. Once you press CTRL-T to toggle back into 2D mode, the problem disappears. Toggle back into 3D vision, and the problem re-appears every time.



So far I've tried:


  • SLI enabled and disabled
  • Making sure M18x is operating in full performace mode
  • Calling Dell support (no use whatsoever)
  • Various combos of drivers including the original 269.03 from Dell's website, currently 285.62 from nVidia's site. Also tried updating system BIOS to A04.
  • Driver Sweeper between each driver update
  • Throwing it out of a window (ok not yet, but maybe this is next!)




I've only seen a couple of other people post with the same problem, and so far I haven't seen anyone come up with a solution that works. Dell's answer was that it's a fault in the nVidia drivers but this surely can't be happening to everyone who uses 3D Vision - can it??! I'm not the most techy person around so suggestions may need to be spelled out quite clearly.



Also I've tried switching off every system process I can think of via task manager, still no change. HELP!!



Cheers,

RainhamIron

#1
Posted 10/29/2011 05:01 PM   
I don't have a soloution for you bud, but i certainly don't have that problem using my single gtx 580, and it certainly does not seem to be a problem i have heard much off.

Hope you can find a soloution, failing that i think you might need to send it back.


Dave
I don't have a soloution for you bud, but i certainly don't have that problem using my single gtx 580, and it certainly does not seem to be a problem i have heard much off.



Hope you can find a soloution, failing that i think you might need to send it back.





Dave

I5 2500K 4.4ghz H60 Corsair cooling
GTX 780 Ti
8GB DDR3 1600mhz
Windows 7 64bit
NXZT Phantom (white)
HMZ-T1 and 50" panasonic 3d plasma

#2
Posted 10/29/2011 06:20 PM   
Which games? Be specific.
Have you tried 720p?
Is there any difference between SLI enabled and disabled?

Try this:
in the nvidia control panel.
Set up stereoscopic 3D
Change 3D Laser sight
deselect "Enable 3D laser sight for configured games"

Try this too:
re-install nvidia drivers.
Choose "custom (advanced)"
deselect "HD Audio Driver"
select "perform a clean install"
Which games? Be specific.

Have you tried 720p?

Is there any difference between SLI enabled and disabled?



Try this:

in the nvidia control panel.

Set up stereoscopic 3D

Change 3D Laser sight

deselect "Enable 3D laser sight for configured games"



Try this too:

re-install nvidia drivers.

Choose "custom (advanced)"

deselect "HD Audio Driver"

select "perform a clean install"

Thief 1/2/gold in 3D
https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/523535/3d-vision/thief-1-2-and-system-shock-2-perfect-3d-with-unofficial-patch-1-19
http://photos.3dvisionlive.com/Partol/album/509eb580a3e067153c000020/

[Acer GD245HQ - 1920x1080 120Hz] [Nvidia 3D Vision]
[MSI H81M-P33 with Pentium G3258 @ 4.4GHz and Zalman CNPS5X}[Transcend 2x2GB DDR3]
[Asus GTX 750 Ti @ 1350MHz] [Intel SSD 330 - 240GB]
[Creative Titanium HD + Beyerdynamic DT 880 (250ohm) headphones] [Windows 7 64bit]

#3
Posted 10/30/2011 01:32 AM   
You have to disable the Nvidia laser sight. Press Control + F12 when in the game.
You have to disable the Nvidia laser sight. Press Control + F12 when in the game.
#4
Posted 10/30/2011 01:51 AM   
Thx for the ideas, although I've tried these already with no luck. I had another go just to make sure:

[list]
[*]Disabled laser sights
[*]Thoroughly uninstalled everything nVidia related, then used driver sweeper to make sure
[*]Re-installed latest drivers 285.62, HD Audio deselected, clean install
[*]Disabled laser sight again
[*]SLI Enabled and Disabled (same issue either way)
[*]Tried various resolutions and refresh rate combos
[/list]

So far tried with:
[list]
[*]Far Cry
[*]L4D 1&2
[*]Assassins Creed 1
[*]Half Life 2
[*]Bioshock 2
[*]Portal 2
[*]GTR Evo
[*]Grid
[*]Shift
[*]Flatout Carnage
[*]Burnout Paradise
[*]ToCA RD 3
[*]Crysis 2 (non Steam)
[*]Avatar (non Steam)
[*]Also same result with nVidia control panel's 'Test stereoscopic 3D' function
[/list]
...so basically everything I've tried so far that's supposed to be 3D Vision compatible.


I tried 'throttle stop' and it didn't look as though any throttling was going on.

Are there any diagnostic programs you'd recommend for trying to help isolate the cause? If so, what should I be looking for (e.g. GPU-Z, Windows own monitoring software)

Windows version: 64 bit Windows 7 Professional
Thx for the ideas, although I've tried these already with no luck. I had another go just to make sure:




  • Disabled laser sights
  • Thoroughly uninstalled everything nVidia related, then used driver sweeper to make sure
  • Re-installed latest drivers 285.62, HD Audio deselected, clean install
  • Disabled laser sight again
  • SLI Enabled and Disabled (same issue either way)
  • Tried various resolutions and refresh rate combos




So far tried with:


  • Far Cry
  • L4D 1&2
  • Assassins Creed 1
  • Half Life 2
  • Bioshock 2
  • Portal 2
  • GTR Evo
  • Grid
  • Shift
  • Flatout Carnage
  • Burnout Paradise
  • ToCA RD 3
  • Crysis 2 (non Steam)
  • Avatar (non Steam)
  • Also same result with nVidia control panel's 'Test stereoscopic 3D' function


...so basically everything I've tried so far that's supposed to be 3D Vision compatible.





I tried 'throttle stop' and it didn't look as though any throttling was going on.



Are there any diagnostic programs you'd recommend for trying to help isolate the cause? If so, what should I be looking for (e.g. GPU-Z, Windows own monitoring software)



Windows version: 64 bit Windows 7 Professional

#5
Posted 10/30/2011 09:40 PM   
I recommend installing a gpu monitoring utility such as MSI Afterburner or EVGA Precision.

Important stats can be displayed on-screen while gaming. Stats such as:
gpu temperature, gpu usage, fan speed, gpu clock/vram frequency, vram usage, frame rate.

Look at those stats on-screen while you switch from 2D -> 3D and back to 2D.
If you post those stats here, maybe someone will see and understand your problem.

You could also check cpu usage in windows task manager when you switch from 2D->3D.
run cpu-z to check if your cpu is running at full speed in games while in 3D.
Is triple buffering enabled in the nvidia control panel? Enable it if it's not already enabled.

In windows control panel, did you make sure the Acer HN274H refresh rate is 120Hz?
Your displayport to dual-link DVI adapter, is it connected directly to the Acer HN274H?
Or does it connect to another DVI cable (such as a single-link DVI cable)?

Aside from that, the only other idea I have is ... make a video, so we can see how this stutter looks.
Zoom in on the stats while switching from 2D to 3D. Show your cable configuration.
I recommend installing a gpu monitoring utility such as MSI Afterburner or EVGA Precision.



Important stats can be displayed on-screen while gaming. Stats such as:

gpu temperature, gpu usage, fan speed, gpu clock/vram frequency, vram usage, frame rate.



Look at those stats on-screen while you switch from 2D -> 3D and back to 2D.

If you post those stats here, maybe someone will see and understand your problem.



You could also check cpu usage in windows task manager when you switch from 2D->3D.

run cpu-z to check if your cpu is running at full speed in games while in 3D.

Is triple buffering enabled in the nvidia control panel? Enable it if it's not already enabled.



In windows control panel, did you make sure the Acer HN274H refresh rate is 120Hz?

Your displayport to dual-link DVI adapter, is it connected directly to the Acer HN274H?

Or does it connect to another DVI cable (such as a single-link DVI cable)?



Aside from that, the only other idea I have is ... make a video, so we can see how this stutter looks.

Zoom in on the stats while switching from 2D to 3D. Show your cable configuration.

Thief 1/2/gold in 3D
https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/523535/3d-vision/thief-1-2-and-system-shock-2-perfect-3d-with-unofficial-patch-1-19
http://photos.3dvisionlive.com/Partol/album/509eb580a3e067153c000020/

[Acer GD245HQ - 1920x1080 120Hz] [Nvidia 3D Vision]
[MSI H81M-P33 with Pentium G3258 @ 4.4GHz and Zalman CNPS5X}[Transcend 2x2GB DDR3]
[Asus GTX 750 Ti @ 1350MHz] [Intel SSD 330 - 240GB]
[Creative Titanium HD + Beyerdynamic DT 880 (250ohm) headphones] [Windows 7 64bit]

#6
Posted 10/30/2011 11:55 PM   
MSI Afterburner was a good tip as it's provided the only clue so far!

I've attached a screenshot of the graphs produced when loading up and running the Just Cause 2 benchmark test. The hardware polling period in Afterburner was set to it's minimum value of 100ms to give the most accurate results. The start of the JC2 benchmark can be seen by the GPU Usage graphs reading a fairly constant 98-99%, this is with 3D Vision off. You can see what happens when 3D Vision is toggled on, as the GPU Usage graphs show the values dipping to around 75-80% at regular 1 second intervals. These dips correspond to the stutters I've been talking about, and are backed up by the figures recorded in the .hml log file. The same graphs return to a fairly flat reading when 3D Vision is turned off again. The framerate graph doesn't register these same dips, just the GPU Usage seems to be affected. The core and shader clock readings remain constant with no variation and the GPU temps tend to hover around 70 degrees under full load, so this seems reasonable enough.

I was going to upload the .hml log files also but seems these are blocked. In any case the graphs show the blips quite well.

Triple buffering is forced on, specified it per application as well as for global settings. Does this work for Direct3D these days as well as for OpenGL?

Yep, the Acer refresh rate is set at 120hz, in fact I've tried all possible combos with no joy. The problem is exactly the same with 3D Vision enabled even if you significantly lower the bandwidth by dropping resolution to 1280x720, and setting refresh rate to 60hz. Yet it's perfect in 2D at 1920x1020 and 120hz.

The DL-DVI adapter connects to the monitor via the dual link DVI cable that came with the monitor, this should be ok as the 120hz full HD setting is fine.

I'll upload the graphs for now, and will post a video probably tomorrow if any more info is needed...

Thanks again for the ideas!
MSI Afterburner was a good tip as it's provided the only clue so far!



I've attached a screenshot of the graphs produced when loading up and running the Just Cause 2 benchmark test. The hardware polling period in Afterburner was set to it's minimum value of 100ms to give the most accurate results. The start of the JC2 benchmark can be seen by the GPU Usage graphs reading a fairly constant 98-99%, this is with 3D Vision off. You can see what happens when 3D Vision is toggled on, as the GPU Usage graphs show the values dipping to around 75-80% at regular 1 second intervals. These dips correspond to the stutters I've been talking about, and are backed up by the figures recorded in the .hml log file. The same graphs return to a fairly flat reading when 3D Vision is turned off again. The framerate graph doesn't register these same dips, just the GPU Usage seems to be affected. The core and shader clock readings remain constant with no variation and the GPU temps tend to hover around 70 degrees under full load, so this seems reasonable enough.



I was going to upload the .hml log files also but seems these are blocked. In any case the graphs show the blips quite well.



Triple buffering is forced on, specified it per application as well as for global settings. Does this work for Direct3D these days as well as for OpenGL?



Yep, the Acer refresh rate is set at 120hz, in fact I've tried all possible combos with no joy. The problem is exactly the same with 3D Vision enabled even if you significantly lower the bandwidth by dropping resolution to 1280x720, and setting refresh rate to 60hz. Yet it's perfect in 2D at 1920x1020 and 120hz.



The DL-DVI adapter connects to the monitor via the dual link DVI cable that came with the monitor, this should be ok as the 120hz full HD setting is fine.



I'll upload the graphs for now, and will post a video probably tomorrow if any more info is needed...



Thanks again for the ideas!

#7
Posted 10/31/2011 07:48 PM   
Coulda swore there was someone else having similar problems last week on a laptop, I forget if it was fixed or not though. Looks like it could be a DPC latency problem, CPU/GPU throttling problem, or laptop power/heat throttling issue.

Can try to download DPC Latency checker to see if there's anything there. Stuttering, audio drop-outs, etc are all symptoms of high DPC latency. Finding a fix typically isn't as easy as diagnosing the problem though. http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml

Can also try choosing "Prefer Maximum performance" in the Nvidia control panel under [b]Manage 3D Settings > Power management mode[/b] and see if that keeps the GPUs from throttling. Also in your laptop power settings (access via control panel), make sure you have everything set to maximum performance while AC power is connected. You can also poke around in the BIOS and see if there's anything there about CPU power/heat throttling. Can also try disabling Speed Step, although on my "gaming" laptop that actually keeps the CPU in a low-clock state always. I'm not sure if you mentioned it or not, but was your CPU staying near peak clocks too? Or also dropping with your GPU utilization?
Coulda swore there was someone else having similar problems last week on a laptop, I forget if it was fixed or not though. Looks like it could be a DPC latency problem, CPU/GPU throttling problem, or laptop power/heat throttling issue.



Can try to download DPC Latency checker to see if there's anything there. Stuttering, audio drop-outs, etc are all symptoms of high DPC latency. Finding a fix typically isn't as easy as diagnosing the problem though. http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml



Can also try choosing "Prefer Maximum performance" in the Nvidia control panel under Manage 3D Settings > Power management mode and see if that keeps the GPUs from throttling. Also in your laptop power settings (access via control panel), make sure you have everything set to maximum performance while AC power is connected. You can also poke around in the BIOS and see if there's anything there about CPU power/heat throttling. Can also try disabling Speed Step, although on my "gaming" laptop that actually keeps the CPU in a low-clock state always. I'm not sure if you mentioned it or not, but was your CPU staying near peak clocks too? Or also dropping with your GPU utilization?

-=HeliX=- Mod 3DV Game Fixes
My 3D Vision Games List Ratings

Intel Core i7 5930K @4.5GHz | Gigabyte X99 Gaming 5 | Win10 x64 Pro | Corsair H105
Nvidia GeForce Titan X SLI Hybrid | ROG Swift PG278Q 144Hz + 3D Vision/G-Sync | 32GB Adata DDR4 2666
Intel Samsung 950Pro SSD | Samsung EVO 4x1 RAID 0 |
Yamaha VX-677 A/V Receiver | Polk Audio RM6880 7.1 | LG Blu-Ray
Auzen X-Fi HT HD | Logitech G710/G502/G27 | Corsair Air 540 | EVGA P2-1200W

#8
Posted 10/31/2011 09:18 PM   
I am running out of ideas. If it's possible, try to connect the DP -> DVI adapter directly to monitor (without the monitor's dual-link DVI cable).
Or, you could try a different dual-link DVI cable, if you have another. Could take the adapter to a computer store (or to a friend) and ask someone to test it, in 2D and 3D.

I would be interested to see an Afterburner screenshot in Left 4 Dead 1 (a low gpu usage and low vram usage game).

Something odd I noticied. You should never try to run 3D vision at 60Hz.
Set refresh rate to 120Hz (in windows) and leave it there.

maybe I am mistaken, but when I look at that afterburner screenshot, it looks like your frame rate is higher than 60 when 3D vision is on.
Frame rate should never be above 60 (as show in Afterburner) when 3D vision is on. I dont why that is. Maybe I am reading that chart wrong.
Also, it looks like your frame rate only decreased a little when 3D vision was turned on. That's odd.

When I play games in 2D and 3D, in the game menu, I never enable v-sync. 3D Vision has its own v-sync. No need to force v-sync on in games.

Since your monitor is both DVI and HDMI, with a built-in emitter, maybe it requires special setup to run in DVI and 3D vision mode??
Here's a review of your monitor. Lots of info there.
http://3dvision-blog.com/review-of-the-27-acer-hn274h-3d-vision-ready-lcd-monitor/

Another thought .........
Is it possible that your Alienware M18x is drawing too much power when 3D vision is turned on, and something is throttling your hardware to reduce power?
I am running out of ideas. If it's possible, try to connect the DP -> DVI adapter directly to monitor (without the monitor's dual-link DVI cable).

Or, you could try a different dual-link DVI cable, if you have another. Could take the adapter to a computer store (or to a friend) and ask someone to test it, in 2D and 3D.



I would be interested to see an Afterburner screenshot in Left 4 Dead 1 (a low gpu usage and low vram usage game).



Something odd I noticied. You should never try to run 3D vision at 60Hz.

Set refresh rate to 120Hz (in windows) and leave it there.



maybe I am mistaken, but when I look at that afterburner screenshot, it looks like your frame rate is higher than 60 when 3D vision is on.

Frame rate should never be above 60 (as show in Afterburner) when 3D vision is on. I dont why that is. Maybe I am reading that chart wrong.

Also, it looks like your frame rate only decreased a little when 3D vision was turned on. That's odd.



When I play games in 2D and 3D, in the game menu, I never enable v-sync. 3D Vision has its own v-sync. No need to force v-sync on in games.



Since your monitor is both DVI and HDMI, with a built-in emitter, maybe it requires special setup to run in DVI and 3D vision mode??

Here's a review of your monitor. Lots of info there.

http://3dvision-blog.com/review-of-the-27-acer-hn274h-3d-vision-ready-lcd-monitor/



Another thought .........

Is it possible that your Alienware M18x is drawing too much power when 3D vision is turned on, and something is throttling your hardware to reduce power?

Thief 1/2/gold in 3D
https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/523535/3d-vision/thief-1-2-and-system-shock-2-perfect-3d-with-unofficial-patch-1-19
http://photos.3dvisionlive.com/Partol/album/509eb580a3e067153c000020/

[Acer GD245HQ - 1920x1080 120Hz] [Nvidia 3D Vision]
[MSI H81M-P33 with Pentium G3258 @ 4.4GHz and Zalman CNPS5X}[Transcend 2x2GB DDR3]
[Asus GTX 750 Ti @ 1350MHz] [Intel SSD 330 - 240GB]
[Creative Titanium HD + Beyerdynamic DT 880 (250ohm) headphones] [Windows 7 64bit]

#9
Posted 10/31/2011 10:02 PM   
Chiz - Thx for the suggestions. I'd made sure all power settings were at max, and had a quick fiddle with the bios to disable the function that steps CPU power down when it's not under load (forget what it's called without looking). The problem was still there.
I tried DPC Latency checker which sure enough confirmed some significant slow downs when 3D Vision was enabled, and no issues whatsoever in 2D - as you say though fixing it is another story! I tried CPU-Z for measuring CPU slow downs but couldn't seem to find a fast enough polling rate for effective measuring - is there anything else you recommend for fast CPU monitoring/logging?
I've also seen someone else with the same symptoms (only one or two so quite rare) but didn't see any fix mentioned that worked.

Partol - me too, fast running out of ideas! At least the options are narrowing down...
Yesterday I used AW Respawn to revert the laptop back to factory settings then worked backwards from there, uninstalling absolutely everything I could find that wasn't necessary - virtually all drivers and software on the machine were deleted apart from 285.62 graphics and 3D Vision drivers. Still it had the same problem /wallbash.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':wallbash:' />

Trying out different cables/monitors is next on my list - I wouldn't be surprised if this issue was all due to having to use the flakey DP to DL-DVI active adapter (anybody any technical suggestions why this would cause the problem??). I really wish Alienware/Dell had left the VGA port off and stuck a proper DVI in it's place! I've also tried the similar Apple miniDP to DL-DVI adapter, but this was worse still - didn't even allow me to set a refresh rate above 60hz for the desktop. I tried the Bizlink adapter (endorsed by both Dell and nVidia) between my desktop's ATI6870 miniDP and the same Acer monitor but that was worse than with the laptop - the entire screen flashed regularly to the point where it was unusable, and the device frequently needed resetting due to graphical corruption. The AW laptop at least had a strong attempt at making it work!

So anyway I'll try taking the laptop and adapter into my local PC World to try out different cables/monitors etc under the guise of making a purchase (if it's just the DVI lead, brilliant - they will have a sale!). Ultimately though (assuming the adapter is the problem), I'll be on the lookout for someone releasing a 3D Vision 2 monitor with DP input so I can ditch the bloody bizlink adapter and have done with it.

Regarding the Afterburner chart for JC2, I think the scales were messed up - I'd set the frame rate scale to read a maximum of 60fps, as the Just Cause 2 benchmark was reaching no more than 50fps with all eye candy settings maxed out. I was surprised too that the frame rate didn't drop significantly with 3D Vision enabled. L4D (attached) shows a more predictable drop from 120 to 60hz. Monitor drivers were downloaded from the Acer website which replaced the generic monitor drivers within windows - same results either way in any case. Good tip re v-sync, thx.

I've seen a few posts about throttling, I'll have another read to see what the possible fixes are. There was a modified A04 system bios somewhere - I'll check that thread again for tips.

Will post again in the next few days once I've had chance to check out different cables etc.

Thanks again for all the advice, much appreciated!
Chiz - Thx for the suggestions. I'd made sure all power settings were at max, and had a quick fiddle with the bios to disable the function that steps CPU power down when it's not under load (forget what it's called without looking). The problem was still there.

I tried DPC Latency checker which sure enough confirmed some significant slow downs when 3D Vision was enabled, and no issues whatsoever in 2D - as you say though fixing it is another story! I tried CPU-Z for measuring CPU slow downs but couldn't seem to find a fast enough polling rate for effective measuring - is there anything else you recommend for fast CPU monitoring/logging?

I've also seen someone else with the same symptoms (only one or two so quite rare) but didn't see any fix mentioned that worked.



Partol - me too, fast running out of ideas! At least the options are narrowing down...

Yesterday I used AW Respawn to revert the laptop back to factory settings then worked backwards from there, uninstalling absolutely everything I could find that wasn't necessary - virtually all drivers and software on the machine were deleted apart from 285.62 graphics and 3D Vision drivers. Still it had the same problem /wallbash.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':wallbash:' />



Trying out different cables/monitors is next on my list - I wouldn't be surprised if this issue was all due to having to use the flakey DP to DL-DVI active adapter (anybody any technical suggestions why this would cause the problem??). I really wish Alienware/Dell had left the VGA port off and stuck a proper DVI in it's place! I've also tried the similar Apple miniDP to DL-DVI adapter, but this was worse still - didn't even allow me to set a refresh rate above 60hz for the desktop. I tried the Bizlink adapter (endorsed by both Dell and nVidia) between my desktop's ATI6870 miniDP and the same Acer monitor but that was worse than with the laptop - the entire screen flashed regularly to the point where it was unusable, and the device frequently needed resetting due to graphical corruption. The AW laptop at least had a strong attempt at making it work!



So anyway I'll try taking the laptop and adapter into my local PC World to try out different cables/monitors etc under the guise of making a purchase (if it's just the DVI lead, brilliant - they will have a sale!). Ultimately though (assuming the adapter is the problem), I'll be on the lookout for someone releasing a 3D Vision 2 monitor with DP input so I can ditch the bloody bizlink adapter and have done with it.



Regarding the Afterburner chart for JC2, I think the scales were messed up - I'd set the frame rate scale to read a maximum of 60fps, as the Just Cause 2 benchmark was reaching no more than 50fps with all eye candy settings maxed out. I was surprised too that the frame rate didn't drop significantly with 3D Vision enabled. L4D (attached) shows a more predictable drop from 120 to 60hz. Monitor drivers were downloaded from the Acer website which replaced the generic monitor drivers within windows - same results either way in any case. Good tip re v-sync, thx.



I've seen a few posts about throttling, I'll have another read to see what the possible fixes are. There was a modified A04 system bios somewhere - I'll check that thread again for tips.



Will post again in the next few days once I've had chance to check out different cables etc.



Thanks again for all the advice, much appreciated!
Attachments

Afterburner L4D.jpg

#10
Posted 11/02/2011 12:16 AM   
L4D looks fine, except for the fluttering gpu usage.

Normally, 3D Vision uses a separate,external emitter. However, your monitor has a built-in emitter.
Maybe the built-in 3D emitter signal is not properly passing through the adapter??
If you could borrow a usb 3D Vision emitter, you could try using it and see what happens.
Maybe you should contact Nvidia support and ask them to confirm if the Acer HN274H is compatible with your adapter.
http://www.nvidia.com/page/support.html
L4D looks fine, except for the fluttering gpu usage.



Normally, 3D Vision uses a separate,external emitter. However, your monitor has a built-in emitter.

Maybe the built-in 3D emitter signal is not properly passing through the adapter??

If you could borrow a usb 3D Vision emitter, you could try using it and see what happens.

Maybe you should contact Nvidia support and ask them to confirm if the Acer HN274H is compatible with your adapter.

http://www.nvidia.com/page/support.html

Thief 1/2/gold in 3D
https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/523535/3d-vision/thief-1-2-and-system-shock-2-perfect-3d-with-unofficial-patch-1-19
http://photos.3dvisionlive.com/Partol/album/509eb580a3e067153c000020/

[Acer GD245HQ - 1920x1080 120Hz] [Nvidia 3D Vision]
[MSI H81M-P33 with Pentium G3258 @ 4.4GHz and Zalman CNPS5X}[Transcend 2x2GB DDR3]
[Asus GTX 750 Ti @ 1350MHz] [Intel SSD 330 - 240GB]
[Creative Titanium HD + Beyerdynamic DT 880 (250ohm) headphones] [Windows 7 64bit]

#11
Posted 11/02/2011 01:16 AM   
[quote name='RainhamIron' date='01 November 2011 - 08:16 PM' timestamp='1320192984' post='1318889']
Chiz - Thx for the suggestions. I'd made sure all power settings were at max, and had a quick fiddle with the bios to disable the function that steps CPU power down when it's not under load (forget what it's called without looking). The problem was still there.
I tried DPC Latency checker which sure enough confirmed some significant slow downs when 3D Vision was enabled, and no issues whatsoever in 2D - as you say though fixing it is another story! I tried CPU-Z for measuring CPU slow downs but couldn't seem to find a fast enough polling rate for effective measuring - is there anything else you recommend for fast CPU monitoring/logging?
I've also seen someone else with the same symptoms (only one or two so quite rare) but didn't see any fix mentioned that worked.
[/quote]
Np, you can try TMonitor to see more fine-grained changes in CPU clockspeed, even per core. It updates every 50ms, so should let you know the differences: http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/tmonitor.html

Also, you can try one additional thing in Power Management for CPU speeds. Open up Power Management again, in your plugged in profile, hit Advanced settings. Under CPU controls, set your Minimum and Maximum Duty Cycles both to 100%. This should force your CPU into a high clock/high power state always.

The NV 3D stereo service definitely carries a decent amount of CPU overhead, so if the CPU is trying to save every bit of power and reduce heat by reducing clocks, or holding off the service as it dynamically changes clockspeeds, that would certainly result in the kind of stutters you are seeing. You may also be able to look into setting that service to run at a higher priority level or micro managing processor affinity, but I have never had too much success with those tweaks.
[quote name='RainhamIron' date='01 November 2011 - 08:16 PM' timestamp='1320192984' post='1318889']

Chiz - Thx for the suggestions. I'd made sure all power settings were at max, and had a quick fiddle with the bios to disable the function that steps CPU power down when it's not under load (forget what it's called without looking). The problem was still there.

I tried DPC Latency checker which sure enough confirmed some significant slow downs when 3D Vision was enabled, and no issues whatsoever in 2D - as you say though fixing it is another story! I tried CPU-Z for measuring CPU slow downs but couldn't seem to find a fast enough polling rate for effective measuring - is there anything else you recommend for fast CPU monitoring/logging?

I've also seen someone else with the same symptoms (only one or two so quite rare) but didn't see any fix mentioned that worked.



Np, you can try TMonitor to see more fine-grained changes in CPU clockspeed, even per core. It updates every 50ms, so should let you know the differences: http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/tmonitor.html



Also, you can try one additional thing in Power Management for CPU speeds. Open up Power Management again, in your plugged in profile, hit Advanced settings. Under CPU controls, set your Minimum and Maximum Duty Cycles both to 100%. This should force your CPU into a high clock/high power state always.



The NV 3D stereo service definitely carries a decent amount of CPU overhead, so if the CPU is trying to save every bit of power and reduce heat by reducing clocks, or holding off the service as it dynamically changes clockspeeds, that would certainly result in the kind of stutters you are seeing. You may also be able to look into setting that service to run at a higher priority level or micro managing processor affinity, but I have never had too much success with those tweaks.

-=HeliX=- Mod 3DV Game Fixes
My 3D Vision Games List Ratings

Intel Core i7 5930K @4.5GHz | Gigabyte X99 Gaming 5 | Win10 x64 Pro | Corsair H105
Nvidia GeForce Titan X SLI Hybrid | ROG Swift PG278Q 144Hz + 3D Vision/G-Sync | 32GB Adata DDR4 2666
Intel Samsung 950Pro SSD | Samsung EVO 4x1 RAID 0 |
Yamaha VX-677 A/V Receiver | Polk Audio RM6880 7.1 | LG Blu-Ray
Auzen X-Fi HT HD | Logitech G710/G502/G27 | Corsair Air 540 | EVGA P2-1200W

#12
Posted 11/02/2011 04:26 PM   
You're not running folding@home by chance? That would cause this stuttering issue since it doesn't properly scale down/off when the GPU is being used in a game.
You're not running folding@home by chance? That would cause this stuttering issue since it doesn't properly scale down/off when the GPU is being used in a game.

i7-6700k @ 4.5GHz, 2x 970 GTX SLI, 16GB DDR4 @ 3000mhz, MSI Gaming M7, Samsung 950 Pro m.2 SSD 512GB, 2x 1TB RAID 1, 850w EVGA, Corsair RGB 90 keyboard

#13
Posted 11/02/2011 04:47 PM   
Hello again, quick update...

I tried TMonitor but it didn't seem to support my CPU. It's probably not as accurate but the Logitech Performance Monitor on the G510 keyboard was showing a CPU usage of no higher than 20% in 3D mode so I think that should be fine. CPU power management was set to 100% minimum when plugged in.

I'm not running folder@home, although that made for interesting reading in any case :)

I'd tend to agree with Partol (through process of elimination as much as anything!) that it could well be related to the emitter signal having to pass through the DP to DL-DVI adapter on it's way to the monitor. I've passed the query onto nVidia support who are currently looking into this. Also I was holding out for the release of the 3D Vision 2 emitter and glasses kit so I can give that a go (may as well try out the new headphone friendly glasses!) - ordered that today so I should have it by Thursday. Apparently by using the USB emitter, the 3D signal to the monitor's built in emitter should automatically be disabled, and hopefully this problem will go away! I'll post again once I've had chance to try it out...
Hello again, quick update...



I tried TMonitor but it didn't seem to support my CPU. It's probably not as accurate but the Logitech Performance Monitor on the G510 keyboard was showing a CPU usage of no higher than 20% in 3D mode so I think that should be fine. CPU power management was set to 100% minimum when plugged in.



I'm not running folder@home, although that made for interesting reading in any case :)



I'd tend to agree with Partol (through process of elimination as much as anything!) that it could well be related to the emitter signal having to pass through the DP to DL-DVI adapter on it's way to the monitor. I've passed the query onto nVidia support who are currently looking into this. Also I was holding out for the release of the 3D Vision 2 emitter and glasses kit so I can give that a go (may as well try out the new headphone friendly glasses!) - ordered that today so I should have it by Thursday. Apparently by using the USB emitter, the 3D signal to the monitor's built in emitter should automatically be disabled, and hopefully this problem will go away! I'll post again once I've had chance to try it out...

#14
Posted 11/09/2011 12:10 AM   
I have a thought.

Where did you buy the bizlink adapter? We only tested and qualified one model and sold it on our website. Other DP adapters had issues which sound like this.
I have a thought.



Where did you buy the bizlink adapter? We only tested and qualified one model and sold it on our website. Other DP adapters had issues which sound like this.

#15
Posted 11/09/2011 05:06 AM   
  1 / 2    
Scroll To Top