Client Side Video Lag

dedpoet · Post by **dedpoet** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 11:20 am

I know this isn't the EQ helpdesk, but this community knows more about the EQ process than just about anyone...

On my main EQ machine, I have a problem where any time I open any window or manipulate anything in that window, I get a little "chug" of graphics lag. It doesn't matter what the window is - if I open a bag, my inventory window, the options window, pick an item off out of a bag, anything.

My second box has a lesser processor, lesser video card, 1/2 the RAM, runs the same UI, runs MQ with the exact same plugins active (when running) and does not have this problem. The box in question is an Athlon 2000, 1 gig RAM, Radeon 9800 Pro video card running driver 6.14.10.6458. Windows XP SP1, DX9c, all windows updates short of SP2.

I have:

~ Tried at all resolutions
~ Tried with multiple UI's including default
~ Tried with and without MQ2 running
~ Tried with standard EQ client, WinEQ, and EQW
~ Turned off all models
~ Turned clip plane all the way down
~ Turned sky off
~ Turned texture details to low and turned off all graphic intensive options on the options screen
~ Tried multiple refresh rates at both color depths
~ Stopped my anti-virus software and killed all related processes
~ Stripped Windows down to using only 122 MB RAM before EQ
~ Turned Windows background off
~ Completely defragmented my hard drive

This happens in all zones under all conditions. I can't put my finger on exactly when it started happening, which is killing me. For a while it was just mildly annoying, but it's gotten to where it bothers me greatly, as I can't even move something out of a bag with a chug of video lag.

Does anyone have any ideas? Worst case...I guess it has been a while since I reloaded this box...

Thanks,
-ded

Lax · Post by **Lax** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 1:20 pm

Attaching a debugger or looking at SysInfo.txt from WinEQ 2 would show loaded modules, perhaps there's something you're not seeing. Might also help to watch the list of running processes, maybe something else is using cpu time you dont know about? Also try disabling sound to make sure its not sound related

dedpoet · Post by **dedpoet** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 2:10 pm

Thanks for the reply, Lax. Sound is off (has been all along). The problem occurs with or without MQ2 loaded. There are no running processes using any CPU time except for EQ itself, which is why I suspect this is a video problem, but I could be wrong. Here is my SysInfo.txt from WinEQ 2. You'll notice I tried using the Omega Drivers version of the Radeon driver just to see if it made a difference. It didn't. Those are the drivers I was using with I caputred this:

Code: Select all

WinEQ 2 System Information
System:
-----------------------------------
Windows Version: Microsoft Windows XP/Service Pack 1/2600.xpsp2.030422-1633
System Physical RAM: 430/1023MB
Page File: 1473/1950MB
Virtual Memory: 1431/2047MB (Extended: 0MB)
CPU 1: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2000+ @ 1670MHz
Video 1: \\.\DISPLAY1/RADEON 9800 PRO (Omega 2.5.97)
Video 2: \\.\DISPLAY2/RADEON 9800 PRO Secondary (Omega 2.5.97)
Video 3: \\.\DISPLAYV1/NetMeeting driver
Video 4: \\.\DISPLAYV2/RDPDD Chained DD
Monitor 1: \\.\DISPLAY1 (0,0,1280,1024) (1280x1024) PRIMARY
Sound: Santa Cruz(tm)
DirectX: 4.09.00.0904
Internet Explorer: 6.0.2800.1106
WinEQ: 2.05

Loaded Modules:
-----------------------------------
Module 0: C:\Program Files\Sony\EverQuest\eqgame.exe
Module 1: C:\WINDOWS\System32\ntdll.dll
Module 2: C:\WINDOWS\system32\kernel32.dll
Module 3: C:\Program Files\Sony\EverQuest\mss32.dll
Module 4: C:\WINDOWS\system32\USER32.dll
Module 5: C:\WINDOWS\system32\GDI32.dll
Module 6: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ADVAPI32.dll
Module 7: C:\WINDOWS\system32\RPCRT4.dll
Module 8: C:\WINDOWS\System32\WINMM.dll
Module 9: C:\WINDOWS\System32\WSOCK32.dll
Module 10: C:\WINDOWS\System32\WS2_32.dll
Module 11: C:\WINDOWS\system32\msvcrt.dll
Module 12: C:\WINDOWS\System32\WS2HELP.dll
Module 13: C:\WINDOWS\System32\DINPUT8.dll
Module 14: C:\WINDOWS\System32\IMM32.dll
Module 15: C:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll
Module 16: C:\WINDOWS\system32\SHLWAPI.dll
Module 17: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ole32.dll
Module 18: C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.1515_x-ww_7bb98b8a\comctl32.dll
Module 19: C:\WINDOWS\system32\comctl32.dll
Module 20: C:\Program Files\WinEQ2\WinEQ2.dll
Module 21: C:\WINDOWS\Lavish.dll
Module 22: C:\WINDOWS\System32\PSAPI.DLL
Module 23: C:\Program Files\WinEQ2\WinEQ2-EQ.dll
Module 24: C:\WINDOWS\System32\MSIMG32.dll
Module 25: C:\Program Files\WinEQ2\WinEQ2-D3D9.dll
Module 26: C:\Program Files\WinEQ2\WinEQ2-D3D8.dll
Module 27: C:\Program Files\WinEQ2\WinEQ2-DI8.dll
Module 28: C:\WINDOWS\system32\mswsock.dll
Module 29: C:\WINDOWS\System32\wshtcpip.dll
Module 30: C:\WINDOWS\System32\DNSAPI.dll
Module 31: C:\WINDOWS\System32\winrnr.dll
Module 32: C:\WINDOWS\system32\WLDAP32.dll
Module 33: C:\WINDOWS\System32\rasadhlp.dll
Module 34: C:\Program Files\WinEQ2\EQPlayNice.dll
Module 35: C:\Program Files\Logitech\MouseWare\System\LgWndHk.dll
Module 36: C:\WINDOWS\System32\MSCTF.dll
Module 37: C:\WINDOWS\System32\NTMARTA.DLL
Module 38: C:\WINDOWS\System32\SAMLIB.dll
Module 39: C:\Program Files\Sony\EverQuest\EQGraphicsDX9.DLL
Module 40: C:\WINDOWS\System32\d3d9.dll
Module 41: C:\WINDOWS\System32\d3d8thk.dll
Module 42: C:\WINDOWS\system32\VERSION.dll
Module 43: C:\Program Files\Sony\EverQuest\dpvs.dll
Module 44: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Logitech\Scrolling\LgMsgHk.dll
Module 45: C:\WINDOWS\System32\MSVCP60.dll
Module 46: C:\WINDOWS\System32\mslbui.dll
Module 47: C:\WINDOWS\system32\OLEAUT32.DLL
Module 48: C:\WINDOWS\System32\HID.DLL
Module 49: C:\WINDOWS\System32\SETUPAPI.DLL
Module 50: C:\WINDOWS\System32\usp10.dll

Direct3D9:
-----------------------------------
Driver: RADEON 9800 PRO (Omega 2.5.97)/ati2dvag.dll/6/14/10/6497
Adapter Display Mode: 1280x1024 D3DFMT_X8R8G8B8
Game Display Mode: 1280x1024 D3DFMT_UNKNOWN
Current Adapter: 0

Direct3D8:
-----------------------------------
Adapter Display Mode: 0x0 D3DFMT_UNKNOWN
Game Display Mode: 0x0 D3DFMT_UNKNOWN
Current Adapter: 0

DirectInput8:
-----------------------------------

EverQuest:
-----------------------------------
Profile 1: WinEQ 2.0 Default Profile
EQ Path: C:\Program Files\Sony\EverQuest
EQClient.ini: .\eqclient.ini
Patch: OFF  Test Server: OFF  Locale: us
Video Adapter: Application Controlled
Luclin models: 2 (+10 min RAM)
MipMapping: ON (+4 min RAM)
Dynamic Lighting: ON (+4 min RAM)
Texture Quality: MEDIUM (+30 min RAM)
Calculated minimum RAM: 331MB (BASE+48MB)
Level of Detail: 1
MaxFPS: 50
Additional setting: VertexShaders=1
Additional setting: 20PixelShaders=1
Additional setting: 1xPixelShaders=1

EQPlayNice:
-----------------------------------
EQ Version: eqgame.exe Oct 11 2004 15:21:50
Foreground
Mode: FPS Limiter
Max FPS: 40
Rendering: 1/1
Background
Mode: CPU Limiter
Max FPS: 30
Rendering: 1/30

KungFuHamster · Post by **KungFuHamster** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 2:43 pm

Well, when you open a bag, it triggers an audio event.

I'd check your IRQ list and see if your NIC / video / sound are sharing IRQ's.

Under XP, right click on My Computer, and go to Manage. Click on Device Manager, and expand the Interrupt Request (IRQ) (+) thingy. See if any of the devices listed have the same IRQ #.

It's depressing how IRQ conflicts can cause so much performance degredation. And it's so common. Windows is supposed to be able to share IRQs between hardware.... yeah right. Ever since Windows 98 they've touted IRQ sharing is fine, but from my personal experience you're just asking for problems.

dedpoet · Post by **dedpoet** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 6:24 pm

I checked the IRQ settings and see no conflicts at all. What's weird is that it was doing this with any window, not just ones that had sound events. I could be running along in any zone, and just press the I key to open my inventory window, and get the little delay. Same with alt-O to open my options.

I was playing around with different things and noticed that it didn't do it nearly as severely on another character. I logged out, renamed my INI files for my main character, and when I logged back in the problem is almost completely gone. There is still a very slight chug, but nothing like what I was getting before. I'm going to finish setting up my UI again and play like this for a while and see how things go. It doesn't make any sense, but it worked. Thanks for the replies.

A_Druid_00 · Post by **A_Druid_00** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 7:15 pm

I've had the same problem for god knows how long. Essentially, if I'm opening a window for the first time after logging in, it'll chug majorly and then open fine after that; unless I go a very long time without opening that window.

I also still freeze up for a short time anytime anyone enters the zone I'm in. Likely related to loading the textures for whomever happened to zone in. The longer I spend in that zone, the less it happens.

Been like that for 2+ years, doubt it's changing anytime soon.

eqjoe · Post by **eqjoe** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 8:20 pm

I had a similar problem until I put 1 GB RAM in my system. The difference in performance going from 512 to 1GB is hugh.

-j

leptoid · Post by **leptoid** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 6:26 pm

I have that problem sometimes... all I do is run O&O Defrag. I first defrag and sort all files by file name, then do a complete defrag and EQ runs good. Another thing that helps is freeing up a bunch of space on the drive EQ is installed on and setting your page file to always be like 1500megs.

Icus · Post by **Icus** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 10:35 am

In addition to checking which proccesses are running, I would check the "Disable All" box in "Services" Tab in "Run msconfig". It will stop all Non-essential XP services and any others that you have in addition to what comes with XP. It will not stop services that are essential to run Windows XP. It may stop your ability to connect to the internet but that is fixed simply by reactivating the services one at a time until you can connect (for noobs) . The Microsoft XP services dont use a lot of CPU but they do eat up memory and page file space. I also went into the EQ directory and deleted the window options and default UI files. Clear the Logs file in your EQ directory also, they add up and take a lot of room if left unattended for long periods. Do all the EQ client shaving that you can also. Turn off "Do proper tinting" , "Show Grass" and all the eye candy stuff you can find. My machine has the "opening a container or bag" burp occasionally but its mostly when I am in a packed zone. these measures seemed to have cured it.

bho · Post by **bho** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 12:14 pm

i didnt read everything because im lazy, so sorry if this has been suggested. if you have any onboard stuff (NIC, sound, video) that is NOT being used, shut it off in the bios.

misterpiggy420 · Post by **misterpiggy420** » Wed May 11, 2005 4:40 pm

Quote from Kungfuhamster

Well, when you open a bag, it triggers an audio event.

I'd check your IRQ list and see if your NIC / video / sound are sharing IRQ's.

Under XP, right click on My Computer, and go to Manage. Click on Device Manager, and expand the Interrupt Request (IRQ) (+) thingy. See if any of the devices listed have the same IRQ #.

It's depressing how IRQ conflicts can cause so much performance degredation. And it's so common. Windows is supposed to be able to share IRQs between hardware.... yeah right. Ever since Windows 98 they've touted IRQ sharing is fine, but from my personal experience you're just asking for problems.

ok i did this my self and i have acouple sharing the same number now im not sure if this is a conflict.......

(ISA) 9 Microsoft ACPI Complaint System
(PCI) 9 Intel(r) 82801BA/BAM SMbus Controller - 2444
(PCI) 10 Intel(R) 82801BA/BAM SMbus Controller - 2443
(PCI) 10 Linksys LNE100TX Fast Ethernet Adapter (LNE100TX v4)
(PCI) 11 56K PCI Voice Modem SF-1156IV R9A
(PCI) 11 NVIDIA Vanta/Vanta LT

is this whats causing me to lagg so mad on EQ??

dedpoet · Post by **dedpoet** » Wed May 11, 2005 5:27 pm

This is a pretty old thread, but my particular issue was solved in another thread and turned out to be anti-virus related. Every time the UI INI file for my character was modified (every time a window was manipulated in game), my anti-virus software was scanning it. The solution was to tell it to ignore INI files in its scans, which completely eliminated the problem.

As to why you are lagging, it could be dozens of things. You didn't post the specs of your computer, your connection type, your clip plane and particle settings, zones this is occuring in, whether running or not running MQ changes anything, whether you have models on or off, what video resolution you are running, your shoe size, or any other information that might be relevant. Is it a server-like lag, where mobs warp around or players disappear or act strange? Is it a video-like lag where your system can't draw the scene fast enough? We'll need some information to help you out with this.

Agripa · Post by **Agripa** » Wed May 11, 2005 8:09 pm

I have not run into IRQ conflicts or sound causing this problem yet but in the past have had issues with virtual memory being accessed or what would seem to be lack of enough texture memory on my video card causing texture swapping or AGP texture mapping. Both caused problems similar to what you describe.

Usually the virtual memory issue comes up if I leave a toon logged on doing nothing for a long time and then come back from afk and start playing. I can duplicate this by starting tasks on the system that use up available free memory. Zoning normally clears it up.

It may be worth moving your swap file to an independent drive and monitoring access to it as a diagnostic.

misterpiggy420 · Post by **misterpiggy420** » Sat May 14, 2005 8:15 pm

Windows: Windows XP or .NET server 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 2
Internet Explorer: 6.0.2900.2180
Memory (RAM): 128 MB (rambus)
CPU Type: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 1400MHz
CPU Speed: Not detected
Sound card:
Video card: NVIDIA RIVA TNT2 Model 64/Model 64 Pro
Screen Resolution: 1024 X 768
Network Card: Linksys LNE100TX Fast Ethernet Adapter(LNE100TX v4)
Power Status: High
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
CD Burner: Installed
COM Ports: COM4 COM1
LPT Ports: LPT1
Hard Disks: C:\ 18.6GB
BIOS Date: 03/09/01
Manufacturer: Intel Corp.
Product Make: E-4600
PCMCIA (Laptops): Not Installed
USB Controllers: Detected: 2 host controllers.
Firewire (1394): Not detected

Running on Cable connection 100mps
all options on EQ turned all the way down or turned off
i have texture caching on and texture compresion on.
im not sure what MQ is im guessing Macroquest and i havent tryed using it yet.
i lagg big time in kunark most of the time i cant even zone into EJ
PoK is horrible on lagg only cause theres los of people there.
models are off and screen rez is same as my system spec ( i know if i lower it to 800 x 600) it will help but prefer to keep at current.
my shoe size is 11.5 USA

I know i only have 128 megs of RD ram but i have all fetures turned down and i shouldnt lagg this bad specially on a dead server like Terris Thule.
im gonna be upgrading to:
AMD 2600
512 DDR Ram
New Mother Board not sure which one just yet

Lax · Post by **Lax** » Sat May 14, 2005 8:34 pm

Hmmm misterpiggy420, EQ uses 300MB with all options turned OFF. With 128MB of RAM you can barely run Windows XP let alone a game. Secondly, your TNT2 is roughly ... 6 or 7 years old? Not a good thing either -- video cards are uhhh... let me count.. .1....2.....3....4....5... ... 6? Something like 6 generations past that now.

So yeah... I would expect EQ to lag. A lot.

The upgrade you describe will get you back on track, but you need to make sure to replace your video card as well. You can get a GeForce 4ti for really cheap, and they're still pretty good. Just *dont* get a card that says MX.