Computer cannot run games without it stuttering here and there.

Understanding and Troubleshooting Stuttering Issues in Modern Gaming PCs

Introduction

Encountering stuttering or jittery gameplay can be highly frustrating, especially when your computer’s specs are presumed to be adequate for gaming. In this article, we explore common causes of performance hiccups in gaming systems, using a detailed example of a recent user query. We will also discuss potential solutions and diagnostic steps to help optimize your setup for smoother gaming experiences.

Case Study Overview

The user reports experiencing frequent minor stutters during gameplay across multiple titles, despite possessing what appears to be a respectable hardware configuration. Notably, they mention that lighter games like Minecraft still exhibit jitters, alongside issues with frame rates. The system’s specifications are as follows:

Processor: Intel Core i5-12600K 3.7 GHz (10-Core)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z690 UD DDR4
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Force Xtreem ARGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3600 CL18
Storage: Two Western Digital Blue SN570 2TB NVMe SSDs
Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT
Power Supply: Cooler Master MasterWatt 750W 80+ Bronze Semi-modular
Cooling: Vetroo V5 CPU Air Cooler with 5 Heat Pipes
Additional: Addressable RGB lighting

Understanding the Symptoms

While the hardware listed is generally suitable for gaming, the user experiences:

Occasional in-game stutters
Undermined frame rates
General sluggishness during gameplay

Potential Causes of Stuttering

Software or Driver Issues
Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers
Background processes consuming resources
Storage Performance Problems
While NVMe SSDs are fast, issues such as system fragmentation or firmware problems can cause delays
Insufficient Power or Cooling
Although a 750W PSU is ample, possible power delivery issues or thermal throttling can occur
System Configuration or BIOS Settings
Incorrect memory timings or outdated BIOS versions
Hardware Bottlenecks or Defects
Faulty RAM or GPU, though less likely given the specs
Game Optimization and Settings
High or mismatched graphics settings leading to performance drops