Having "lag Peaks"...
FA_PhotonMan
Join Date: 2004-06-12 Member: 29260Members
Join Date: 2004-06-12 Member: 29260Members
in Tech Support
hi,
i run the latest ns beta with steam on a athlon xp 1800+ with gf2mx and windows xp. my internet connection is t-dsl (germany). i recently have the problem of "lag peaks" (don't know how to call them). when i join a game on a ns server (or any other steam game) i constantly have some kind of "freezes" repeating all 10-60 seconds. i made a screenshot, so you can better unterstand what i mean. i can play normally with a good ping, then out of a sudden the game freezes for about a second. then it resumes and my netgraphs looks like on the attached image. that is very annoying, to sneak upon a marine as a skulk, leap at him, then the game freezes, when it continues i'm dead. the network setting in steam is set to dsl 768k, thats the speed of my connection. is this a problem with my connection or is it the complete system that freezes, so i see the lag on the netgraph as a result of my pc not sending/recieving data for this time? would be very nice if someone could give me some hints how to optimize my network settings in ns via console/script or if someone has any other solution.
thank you <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
ps.: my english is not the best, hopefully you understand what i mean <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif' /><!--endemo-->
pps.: i even installed a firewall to check if any other program is causing traffic, but even with everything disabled/blocked and only my ns connected to the internet i get these lags...
i run the latest ns beta with steam on a athlon xp 1800+ with gf2mx and windows xp. my internet connection is t-dsl (germany). i recently have the problem of "lag peaks" (don't know how to call them). when i join a game on a ns server (or any other steam game) i constantly have some kind of "freezes" repeating all 10-60 seconds. i made a screenshot, so you can better unterstand what i mean. i can play normally with a good ping, then out of a sudden the game freezes for about a second. then it resumes and my netgraphs looks like on the attached image. that is very annoying, to sneak upon a marine as a skulk, leap at him, then the game freezes, when it continues i'm dead. the network setting in steam is set to dsl 768k, thats the speed of my connection. is this a problem with my connection or is it the complete system that freezes, so i see the lag on the netgraph as a result of my pc not sending/recieving data for this time? would be very nice if someone could give me some hints how to optimize my network settings in ns via console/script or if someone has any other solution.
thank you <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
ps.: my english is not the best, hopefully you understand what i mean <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif' /><!--endemo-->
pps.: i even installed a firewall to check if any other program is causing traffic, but even with everything disabled/blocked and only my ns connected to the internet i get these lags...
Comments
because those spikes could be cause by the server i think
and welcome to the boards <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
it's on every server i play on, and with several other steam games, too (flf, hldm)
Windows XP
Amd Athlon 1800+
Geforce 2 mx440
256mb ddr (this is not an issue whilst playing other steam installed games i.e counter-strike)
Also using Mcafee Firewall/Antivirus
aDSL modem, 512k broadband (running at 288/576kbps)
I have lag peaks every few seconds which last for a max. of 2 seconds. This occurs continually through the game but especially in firefights. Resting ping of 50-100, peaks of upto 450. I have only had this problem recently and never had lag issues on CS or other mods. My rates are set as follows:
rate 9999
cl_rate 9999 (console says min 0.0000 max 0.000 and wont allow me to set to 101 or infact make any changes)
cl_updaterate 101
cl_cmdrate 101
I have no fps problems, (fps_max 100) runs at up to 100 and obviously decreases during more complicated areas of maps/firefights etc...
This is really annoying me now and i just want to sort it out. Please, someone reply, even if it is just my rates set incorrect. In the meantime i will try re-installing NS and modify the post if it works.
Thanks NS team for a superb mod!
Then run 'adaware' and 'spybot s&d' (free downloads just google them) and some form of anti virus.
anyway I think it's the processor that is causing the problem since I have the same too... <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I tried reinstalling my graphic card, and it didn't help, i tried another one, didn't change a thing...
my system:
--------------
Windows XP
Amd Athlon 1800+
Geforce FX 5200
256mb ddr
--------------
anyway I think it's the processor that is causing the problem since I have the same too... <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I tried reinstalling my graphic card, and it didn't help, i tried another one, didn't change a thing...
my system:
--------------
Windows XP
Amd Athlon 1800+
Geforce FX 5200
256mb ddr
-------------- <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
I have the same processor, I dont get lag.
It is much more likely to be some rogue program periodlically checking its infection status or reporting your activity to some un-savy website/sever somewhere.
Ad-aware, from lavasoft.de, (as has been mentioned)
Spybot search and destory,
Spyware blaster,
Decent firewall, (Zonealarm, BlackICE, and IMHO, NOT NORTON)
Decent a/v scanner (also, IMO, NOT NORTON)
I also found a neat little program called CWShredder that removes various version of a nasty piece of spyware known as "cool web search." I doubt it uses much bandwidth, as its infections are merely passive; no rouge exes. Still worth a try.
After doing these steps re-post with results.
Hey, it may not help your problem at all, but it will prevent and remove other problems. <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
For photonman and me (or at least me) i recommend:
rate 10000
cl_rate 40 (if you can set it, i still cant set mine and its now set at 0.0000)
cl_updaterate 50
cl_cmdrate 40
cl_download_ingame 0 (think this is correct cmd but check it, sorry)
fps_max 100
fps_modem 40
These rates are suitable for my setup:
athlon 1800+
Geforce2 mx440 64mb
Windows XP pro
256mb ddr
512k (288/576kbps) aDSL modem (in the UK on BTinternet)
Customizing my rate has dropped my ping from around 150 to a VERY constant/stable 25 and i no longer get peaks and freezes or anything of the sort, no packet loss or anything.
If you believe im spouting rubbish or you wanna understand what all the rate commands actually do, goto <a href='http://www.tweak3d.net/tweak/halflife/2.shtml' target='_blank'>http://www.tweak3d.net/tweak/halflife/2.shtml</a>
Xero explains what all the cvars actually do and what you can do to manipulate them. He also has a nifty chart for working out the best rates for your sytem. Read through all 6 pages, follow his advice, and it should solve your problem.
Hope this helps somebody. If it doesnt, please let me know.
Cold
<a href='http://www.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=64421' target='_blank'>http://www.steampowered.com/forums/showthr...&threadid=64421</a>
dont un-install anygame or steam - becuase nothing can go possible wrong unless you have done.
Second Counter Strike will get very laggy if people are:
1. Chucking smoke grendas around the place.
2. Fire fighs.
3. If you play it in a window.
4. Starting at the begining.
This may happen for all games but I am using CS as an example.
If you try and close down all programs before starting NS or Steam that tends to help. Use System Mechanic Pro - to free up your RAM.
Also please defragment every week or so. If you need help on that ask in another topic or so.
If this doesnt help or u resolved your problem (happing gaming and welcome to NS boards).
Play on, play NS.
Regards
George
anyway I think it's the processor that is causing the problem since I have the same too... <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I tried reinstalling my graphic card, and it didn't help, i tried another one, didn't change a thing...
my system:
--------------
Windows XP
Amd Athlon 1800+
Geforce FX 5200
256mb ddr
-------------- <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I have the same processor, I dont get lag.
It is much more likely to be some rogue program periodlically checking its infection status or reporting your activity to some un-savy website/sever somewhere.
Ad-aware, from lavasoft.de, (as has been mentioned)
Spybot search and destory,
Spyware blaster,
Decent firewall, (Zonealarm, BlackICE, and IMHO, NOT NORTON)
Decent a/v scanner (also, IMO, NOT NORTON)
I also found a neat little program called CWShredder that removes various version of a nasty piece of spyware known as "cool web search." I doubt it uses much bandwidth, as its infections are merely passive; no rouge exes. Still worth a try.
After doing these steps re-post with results.
Hey, it may not help your problem at all, but it will prevent and remove other problems. <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
I agree too. Norton has to be most *** ever. Panda virus works good which comes with System Mechanic Pro.
thanks for all hints, there is no spyware on my computer, but as soon as steam has finished updating, i will try the settings 2sweetpea2 suggested <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
If setting your rate doesn't help, this could be an issue with spyware or viruses. I reccomend you run two seperate programs for each scource - no detection program is perfect.
If THAT isn't as issue, it could be a problem with steam or your connection's integrity. You might want to consider calling your internet company and asking them to test your connection for problems. You also might want to consider reinstalling steam. I do not feel that "becuase nothing can go possible wrong unless you have done". Steam is known to mess itself up at times. If absolutly none of these work, it's a hardware or software issue and you are totally on your own.
Quick recap for those of you too lazy to read:
The problem is CPU and/or memory related.
To resolve the problem, get more RAM, or just make the jump to a faster processor and buy 512 MB RAM for it.
If in doing this you still have a problem, your video card may be part of the problem. That means you should borrow a friend's card and play NS on it. If it is your video card, get a new, faster one.
Rates don't resolve this. I've been playing with rates for a long time, and it means that your system has to work harder to send all of those packets. If you have an entry level system without much RAM and an older processor, maxing out your rates means that your system now has to process all that new information. You're also using a lot more bandwidth.
i linked this topic here: <a href='http://steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=64421' target='_blank'>http://steampowered.com/forums/showthread....&threadid=64421</a> and vice versa, maybe someone finds new infos which help to solve this problem <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
my problem was connection related, so i dont really know what to suggest. refresh ur modem by switching on and off etc. the problem is generally not with rates - but on a 512k connection rates of 25000/101/101 can cause spiking.
thing is with my problem - before it fixed itself that is - was that when i spiked, the entire internet died temporarily.
go to control panel > nvidia nview and open.
Make sure desktop manager is disabled. You will know because all tabs will be grayed out except Profiles and Desktop Managemant.
(this is supposedly something that only XP does, and I know nothing about computers at all, so if this helps great, but this is about all I know about the problem)
Also by the looks of it all those who have reported to have the problem has an AMD Athlon.
My spec:
Windows XP Home Edition SP2 - Fully uptodate
<u>AMD Athlon XP 2600+</u>
Nivdia nForce2 chips on mobo
512 MB DDR 3200
ATI Radeon 9600 Latest Drivers to date.
I have played with this system for more than a year with no problems then suddenly one day quite a few months back this suddenly happens.
I found something interesting, If you start any HL Mod, join a server and CTRL + ALT + DEL find <u>hl.exe</u> right click it and set priority to <b>Below Normal</b> the problem will be supressed greatly it will hardy happen.
Just to see set priority to High it will mess up badly like do it constantly (RED LINEING) without a single break then when you set it back to Below Normal or Normal the game will resume where you where stood without timeing out like the server is still acknowlageing a connection and not dropping you even though you appear to be timed out!
WTH! - Summut CPU related mesa thinks???
Some more info.
Doesnt matter what server or mod it always does it, Infact it is not even limited to just steam, I have noticed it when downloading huge files, on Voice comms and in other games like Battlefield Desert combat etc...
Really HL is the only game so far where you would notice thiese pauses, its probably the mostly effectect game and thanks to its net graph it probably only thing where you can actually see it pauseing.
I know this thread is real old, I praise the fact that the NS forum search has actually worked for once rather than me starting a new thread as a result of it timeing out cause this forum is stuffed with so much useless crap! <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
basically i think they broke something in steam in around may, which caused problems with ppl with a different types of firewalls, when i switched to zone alarm pro and it was fixed i assumed that was the different, but unfortuanetly this change cant be made for many other ppl
well i was running the same version of zone alarm pro for awhile and decided that it really wasnt safe using an older version, so i downloaded the latest patch and installed it and at the time i wasnt really playing any hl mod's, so i logged in to ns for about 10 minutes and didnt notice any problems, well i started playing more frequently again the other day and noticed huge lag spikes myself, were things would seem fine, 0-1 choke, 50 ping, then all of a sudden, not even when others were around, i could be alone in a hive as a gorge and boom 400+ ping, 50+ choke and the hole thing slows to a halt, like i hit a wall in game and cant move, and this lasts about 2-4 seconds, then it goes back
its getting really annoying and i havent tested it with any other non ns mods, im gonna try cs 1.6 and see if the lag is there as well
thought the regular appearing peaks started when beta 5 was out.
but by reading this thread i recognized that i got WLAN around that time.
so i will try it now with good old cable power to test wether it depends on that...
more to come <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->