All Discussions > Steam Forums > Help and Tips > Topic Details
gabagool expert 28 Oct, 2012 @ 7:22pm
Intel HD Graphics: Random Lag Spikes!
Every Steam FPS game that I've played so far gives me these random lag spikes. They usually occur every 3-10 minutes and last for like a minute and a half, it's so annoying! Like, I lag a little with games as it is (these spikes happen with games that I already play only at like 25 FPS), but the spikes bring the game down to like 15 FPS, it's unbearable. I've tried Google searching and seeing if anybody else get's this problem and no matter what I search, I can't find someone with the same problem.

What happens is my FPS goes down to like 7-16 and my audio starts stuttering every time something happens on the screen (explosion, gunshots, even just wind noise). I updated my drivers and everything, and the spikes just started occurring again. This has ONLY happened with FPS games that I play through Steam. That includes TF2, CS:S, Killing Floor, GMOD. I think it might have happened with Terraria at one point, but I'm not too sure.

My system specs are:
Windows 7 64-Bit
Intel Core i5-460m @ 2.53 GHZ
Intel HD Graphics (very first generation, of course)
4 GB of RAM
750 GBS of hard disc space (although I don't think that impacts anything, I have enough space on my disc)

Don't just say my card sucks, I already know that, but nobody else with the same card seems to be having problems...

Thanks in advance, guys! :)
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Showing 1-4 of 4 comments
Boxks 28 Oct, 2012 @ 9:34pm 
You say that it's every game you play through steam, maybe try disabling the steam overlay for your games.
Also check for anything running in the background.
#1
Satoru 29 Oct, 2012 @ 7:05am 
Note you have an HD graphics card which is really really problematic.

But from your description Im actaully thinking your audio drivers are out of date. Try that first
#2
gabagool expert 29 Oct, 2012 @ 1:46pm 
I updated my audio drivers when I updated my GPU drivers; the problem still persists.

I know Intel HD Graphics is very bad and is problematic because it's an integrated GPU, but it can run most games a lot better than people expect it to. It does not cause this problem with games outside of Steam, either, so I really don't know what the problem could be...

Also, I tried Vanguaed: Saga of Heroes F2P yesterday. The same problem occurred. But I once played it not through Steam (before it was available on Steam) and the problem didn't occur.
#3
EliteLife 29 Oct, 2012 @ 3:15pm 
Let's try something, just a process of elimination. load a game up that has the problem. When done loading the game from a save and in-game, unplug your keyboard, then unplug your mouse. this will give you 2 pieces of information. 1. rule out malfunctioning USB(Hardware) ports. 2. Rule out possible USB driver conflict within the software environment. Next thing would be a complete removal of all graphical drivers, reinstall them through windows update,(sometimes you will get a driver with all optional functionality removed because of conflicts) compared to installing drivers manually through an internet search. Sometimes it is vice versa where the downloaded version of graphics driver for your model will be better. Experimentation with the 2 different ways could have a resolution. Regaurding Physx conflicts, did you look to see if the intel graphic drivers came with some form of Physx software (information found in install instruction of driver), if it did come with Physx software did you update the Physx to a current version. Sometimes they are minum drivers then need updating after install of initial driver, and sometimes must be updated in certain order(not always). I will check back and see if any of this information was helpful. I am a computer technician so we can go futher in diagnosis, but try these things first. good luck man.
#4
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All Discussions > Steam Forums > Help and Tips > Topic Details
Date Posted: 28 Oct, 2012 @ 7:22pm
Posts: 4
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