Trouble with UT

I thought it might have been due to the last server update but now I know it's not related to any online play. My FPS seem to slow way down intermittently for a few minutes then back to normal for a while then slow way down again. I have made no adjustments what so ever to any settings and it even happens when playing "instant action" death match against bots (no server).

Any one have any ideas?

Could be anti-virus running in the background. Try switching it off and see if it makes a difference.

You could try running UT in a half size window rather than full screen, and on the other side run task manager - tab to look at the processes and sort by cpu. Then when UT is running slow, see what process is top of the cpu ratings.

That was my first thought at well, AV running in the background. But I also had that issue with another app I had.. I was running SETI@HOME (or any other distributed computing app, i.e. folding@home) They are very CPU intense apps, though they are supposed to be low priority, they still try and compete for resources during game play. I eventually removed it.
It also could be indexing in the background if you have the latest windows search installed.

Thanks for the help!

When UT is open, anti-virus is not, learned that when first playing UT.

I took Szlat's suggestion and ran UT in half screen and watched the task manager, the process at the top when UT was slowed: system idle process, in second place: UT2004.

I'm flabbergasted and frustrated because this renders UT unplayable.

Interesting. Something that slows it down without showing in task manager?

Could be some device interrupts, as that level of activity doesn't always show in task manager. Probably not though.

Could be a virus, as they sometimes hide themselves from task manager.

If it was my machine, I would suspect it of overheating. If you have a program which can check the temparature leave it running while you are playing. Also, make sure your fans etc are not clogged up with dust.

just thoughts.

Also check your start menu--make sure that there is the minimum of programs starting up and running in the background.

Does your harddrive seem to be thrashing around while you are playing. The windows indexer can be quite annoying if you haven't used your computer in a while. By default it tries to index your IE favorites, which for some people it seems to take forever.

You may want to try process explorer to get a better view of what processes are running.

Thanks again everyone!

Szlat had it ... opened the case to discover my exhaust fan locked up, temps well above normal so off I go to get new fans!

See you in game later

HighwratH wrote:

Thanks again everyone!

Szlat had it ... opened the case to discover my exhaust fan locked up, temps well above normal so off I go to get new fans!

See you in game later

Hmmm, some folks never learn about physical maintenance.................

(DC)DEMONSLAYER wrote:

Hmmm, some folks never learn about physical maintenance.................

Is that about about PCs or our own Physical Health?

Cos yes like so many I have a few surplus pounds

Szlat wrote:

(DC)DEMONSLAYER wrote:

Hmmm, some folks never learn about physical maintenance.................
Is that about about PCs or our own Physical Health? Cos yes like so many I have a few surplus pounds

I'd start a poll but no one would admit to it. The name would be:

"When was the last time you dusted and cleaned the inside of your pc?"

Must learn Personal Computer Hygiene!
This makes sense now... If your running a P4 or later intel proc. when they overheat, they down clock themselves so they dont burn up. self preservation. The canned air things dont work that well. Get a few good puffs from them but thats it.. gotta wait an hour b4 you can get another. Small air compressor with moisture catch at the end works best. Do it outside so you dont spread the love...

Flak Monkey wrote:

Must learn Personal Computer Hygiene!
This makes sense now... If your running a P4 or later intel proc. when they overheat, they down clock themselves so they dont burn up. self preservation. The canned air things dont work that well. Get a few good puffs from them but thats it.. gotta wait an hour b4 you can get another. Small air compressor with moisture catch at the end works best. Do it outside so you dont spread the love...

I use a combination of canned air and vacuum hose to clean mine and I do the cleaning every three months.

HighwratH wrote:

Thanks again everyone!

Szlat had it ... opened the case to discover my exhaust fan locked up, temps well above normal so off I go to get new fans!

See you in game later

I was wondering why I hadn't seen you on latey, glad your back to normal. I really like the side window on my new case, don't have to open the case to see the dust starting to gather. It was pretty easy to ignore the build up when I couldn't see it.

Case: Antec 900 Gaming Case

LOL I try to do my case cleaning at least once every 6 months sometimes sooner some times a lil later but I DO try at least twice a yr

speak'n about that

thinks its about time again lol