Nvidia's New App Causes FPS Drops in Some Games
Nvidia's recently released application is causing frame rate drops in specific games and PC configurations. This article explores the performance issues stemming from Nvidia's latest game optimization software.
Performance Issues Across Games and Systems
Testing by PC Gamer revealed inconsistent frame rates in several games. While some users experienced stuttering, a temporary fix—disabling the "Game Filters and Photo Mode" overlay—was suggested by Nvidia staff.
In tests using a high-end system (Ryzen 7 7800X3D and RTX 4070 Super), disabling the overlay improved Black Myth: Wukong's average frame rate from 59 fps to 63 fps at 1080p on Very High settings. A noticeable 12% drop was observed when the overlay was enabled and graphics settings reduced to Medium. However, Cyberpunk 2077 testing on a Core Ultra 9 285K and RTX 4080 Super showed no significant difference with the overlay enabled or disabled. This suggests the problem affects specific games and hardware combinations.
The issue was initially highlighted on Twitter (now X), prompting Nvidia's forum response with the overlay fix. However, many users continue to report instability even after applying this workaround. Some users suggested reverting to older drivers as an alternative solution. Currently, Nvidia hasn't released an official fix beyond disabling the overlay.
Nvidia App's Official Launch and Implications
Launched in February 2024 as a beta replacement for GeForce Experience, the Nvidia App officially debuted in November 2024, coinciding with a graphics driver update. The app offers enhanced features and a new overlay system, eliminating the need for account logins.
Despite these improvements, Nvidia needs to address the performance impact on certain games and PC configurations. Further investigation and a comprehensive fix are required to ensure optimal gaming experiences for all users.
