Hey everyone! I'm having some serious issues with my laptop lately—it just can't run games the way it used to. I used to play Elden Ring on medium settings at a solid 60 fps, but now I've dropped to less than 20 fps, even with graphics turned way down. It feels like I'm playing an old game from 2010! I'm particularly puzzled because this issue isn't with new games; it's the ones I was running just fine before. Here's a bit about my system specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i5 @ 2.50GHz
- OS: Windows 11 Home 64-bit
- RAM: 16GB Dual-Channel DDR4 @ 1463MHz
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU with Intel UHD Graphics
I would really appreciate any suggestions here because I'm really frustrated. Thanks a lot!
3 Answers
It sounds like you might be unintentionally using integrated graphics instead of your dedicated GPU. Open up the Nvidia control panel and switch the rendering option from Auto to your dedicated GPU. If overheating is a concern, replacing the thermal paste can really help by keeping the temps down, too.
Sure! Just look for the 'Manage 3D settings' option in the Nvidia control panel, it should be straightforward from there.
Check if your laptop's power settings are set correctly. If it's in energy-saving mode, that could definitely impact performance. Go to the battery icon and make sure that setting is turned off. You should be able to select performance options there.
Ah, I didn't realize that could be an issue! I see the energy saver option, should I just turn it all the way up to maximum performance?
First off, make sure your graphics drivers are up-to-date. Sometimes performance issues can stem from outdated drivers. You should also check in the Nvidia control panel if your GPU is being prioritized for gaming. Don't forget to adjust your power settings to ensure you're running in performance mode rather than energy saver. A quick clean of your laptop’s internals might help too, as dust buildup can cause overheating and throttling.
If you don't have compressed air, try using a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle to carefully get rid of dust. Just be careful not to touch any components!
Another thing to consider is reapplying thermal paste. Over time, it can dry out and lead to overheating.
Thanks for that tip! Could you guide me on how to find the rendering device option in the control panel? And yeah, I guess a thermal paste change might be overdue.