Troubleshooting FPS Drops When Your Laptop is Plugged In

If you’re a gamer, experiencing sudden FPS (frames per second) drops during a session can be frustrating, especially when they occur on a relatively new piece of hardware. The excitement of immersing yourself in the gaming world is hindered by these interruptions, making it difficult to maintain the seamless gameplay that every gamer desires. But why do these annoying FPS drops happen when your laptop is plugged in? Let’s explore this issue using a particular case study, and delve into solutions to enhance your gaming performance.

Case Study: FPS Drops on the Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED (UM5302)

Let’s examine a specific instance: an Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED (UM5302) user experiencing FPS drops only when the laptop is plugged in. The user has been playing older games smoothly until a week ago, when they started noticing frame rate reductions—from a stable 50-60 FPS down to 30 or even lower—while charging the device. The issue resolves itself when the charger is disconnected.

Here are the specifications for reference:

• Model: Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED (UM5302)
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
• Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Battery: 67Wh battery; 65W USB-C fast charging

Understanding why these drops occur involves exploring potential causes and solutions.

Understanding the Root Causes

1. Power Plans and Resource Allocation

Most laptops, especially those with Windows operating systems, come with preset power plans that balance performance with energy consumption. When plugged in, the computer might automatically switch to a power-saving mode to preserve battery lifespan, ironically throttling performance.

Solution:

• Check Power Settings: Navigate to your laptop’s power settings via Control Panel or System Preferences, and ensure that when plugged in, the laptop is set to “High Performance” or equivalent. Disable any power-saving features that might be restricting resource use.

2. Thermal Throttling

Another issue could be thermal throttling. When laptops overheat, the processor intentionally slows down to reduce temperature, which can prevent damage but at the expense of performance.

Solution:

• Ensure Proper Cooling: Check that your laptop’s vents and fans are free of dust and obstructions. Consider using a cooling pad to help dissipate heat, particularly if you’re gaming for extended periods.
• Monitor Temperatures: Use Software like HWMonitor or Core Temp to record CPU and GPU temperatures during gameplay.

3. Driver Updates and Software Glitches

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause FPS drops. Specific to integrated graphics, an old driver might not efficiently manage playing light games when switching between power states.

Solution:

• Update Graphics Drivers: Visit the AMD website or utilize the AMD Radeon Software to ensure you have the most up-to-date drivers.
• Check for System Updates: Make sure your operating system is current, as system updates often fix bugs that might affect performance.

4. Voltage and Power Supply Issues

Issues with the laptop’s power supply can cause unexpected performance changes. An inconsistent or insufficient power supply might not deliver the necessary watts under charging conditions.

Solution:

• Use the Manufacturer’s Charger: Ensure that you’re using the official charger that came with your laptop, as third-party chargers can sometimes deliver inadequate or fluctuating power.

5. Background Applications and Resource Hogs

Background applications might utilize more resources when connected to power, believing the device is in a safe state to perform regular updates or backups.

Solution:

• Close Unnecessary Programs: Before starting your game, close applications that are not needed.
• Task Manager Insights: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc in Windows) to identify any applications exerting extra load on the CPU or memory.

Other Considerations

Battery Health and Calibration

Over time, your laptop battery could deteriorate, affecting how your system allocates resources. Calibrating the battery might solve counterintuitive issues like inconsistent performance when plugged in:

• Battery Calibration: Some laptops have built-in utilities for battery calibration; this process can sometimes resolve anomalies caused by poor battery readings.

BIOS/UEFI Settings

As a last resort, exploring your BIOS settings for power management or thermal throttling options might reveal toggles that impact plugged-in performance:

• BIOS Access: Reboot your laptop and enter the BIOS (the key often varies by manufacturer—typically F2, F10, DEL, or ESC).
• Search for “Power Management” or “Thermal Control”: Tweaking settings here is advanced and should only be attempted with clear understanding or guidance.

Conclusion

Experiencing FPS drops when your laptop is charged is an unexpected hindrance but resolving it often requires a blend of straightforward troubleshooting methods and slightly advanced adjustments. One crucial takeaway is to remain patient, as it might take several trials of different solutions to identify the optimal settings.

While the Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED’s specs indicate it should handle light gaming efficiently, external factors like power management and thermal control play significant roles in overall performance. Being proactive with updates, cooling equipment, and resource management ensures a smoother gaming experience without the nuisance of intermittent lag caused by issues like these.

For hardcore gamers or those using their laptops as primary gaming rigs, considering a dedicated gaming laptop might circumvent some of these common performance inconsistencies. Once you understand the roots of FPS drops and equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools, you can navigate the lion’s share of gaming frustrations with ease—even if your device happens to be charging.