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trics22

7 Posts

40849

March 5th, 2013 12:00

Input lag spikes

Hi everyone,

I have discovered very strange issue with input lag and I'm out of ideas. The thing is that during gaming I started noticing random keyboard lag spikes. I'm not talking about constant input lag when v-sync is on for example. There are moments when my keyboard stops responding. For example sometimes when I hit a key, the game is not registering that for not more than one second. Sometimes when I release a key the character still moves in the last direction before stopping etc...

I tried reinstalling windows, reseated graphics card, cleaned graphics card, checked temperatures (nothing major apart from my 690 going up to 90 degrees while under full load while playing crysis 3, in other games it doesn't go above 81), tried new and old drivers, changed some power management and keyboard settings, tried playing the game with 1 pre-rendered frame... nothing really helped.

It happens in more than just one game, usually when the scene is graphically intensive and my fps is lower than 60. I'm not really sure but it could be also happening while not playing games - browsing or just going through folders and mouse could be also affected or I'm just going nuts. Any advice please? Thanks

My spec:

aurora r4

intel i7 - 3820, 3.6 ghz

8gb, 2133mhz

gtx 690

soundblaster x-fi xtreme audio

bios: A05

NataliaatAW

2 Intern

 • 

835 Posts

March 6th, 2013 13:00

That can happen on some games when enabling VSync, this article explains it very well:

www.tweakguides.com/Graphics_9.html

Tesla1856

8 Wizard

 • 

17K Posts

March 6th, 2013 14:00

What keyboard are you using? Try another.

Connect straight to back panel USB 2.0 port (not 3.0 port).

Are you holding down keys or pressing a bunch at once where you might be running into "key scan-line ghosting issue"?

trics22

7 Posts

March 6th, 2013 14:00

It happens with vsync turned off as well

trics22

7 Posts

March 8th, 2013 11:00

I have a generic dell multimedia keyboard model: SK-8135 always connected to back panel usb 2.0 port. I also tried Saitek Cyborg keyboard but the same thing happens. I think it's less frequent but it's still noticeable with the new keyboard.

What exactly is the "key scan-line ghosting issue"? I usually hold one key for a short period of time before pressing another key. When the problem occurs there are maximum of two keys pressed at once. For example sometimes I'm running in a straight line (W) and when I press (W + A or W + D) the character keeps running straight for one second before changing direction.

I think it's somehow related to the performance. It usually happens when fps is below 60 and I think it happens when I look at something different. Perhaps the game is loading required files which creates input lag?

Alienware-L_Por

842 Posts

March 11th, 2013 16:00

Have you tried installing the Microsoft Intellitype utility?

trics22

7 Posts

March 11th, 2013 17:00

Would it help? I thought it's just for remapping of multimedia keys on microsoft keyboards

morblore

2.4K Posts

March 12th, 2013 03:00

I have a generic dell multimedia keyboard model: SK-8135

 


You should buy a gaming keyboard. There is a reason why they cost more

trics22

7 Posts

March 12th, 2013 10:00

I have been thinking about that for some time now. I have this keyboard for 4 maybe 5 years but I never had a problem with it. I tried the new keyboard as I mentioned earlier which might have reduced the lag spikes however I still think it was there as it's difficult to reproduce the problem. I might actually look for a new keyboard either way

Tesla1856

8 Wizard

 • 

17K Posts

March 12th, 2013 12:00

1. I have a generic dell multimedia keyboard model: SK-8135 always connected to back panel usb 2.0 port. I also tried Saitek Cyborg keyboard but the same thing happens. I think it's less frequent but it's still noticeable with the new keyboard.

 

2. What exactly is the "key scan-line ghosting issue"? I usually hold one key for a short period of time before pressing another key. When the problem occurs there are maximum of two keys pressed at once. For example sometimes I'm running in a straight line (W) and when I press (W + A or W + D) the character keeps running straight for one second before changing direction.

 

3. I think it's somehow related to the performance. It usually happens when fps is below 60 and I think it happens when I look at something different. Perhaps the game is loading required files which creates input lag?
 
1. The SK-8135 is an oldie but a goodie ... standard Dell branded KB with USB ports and nice volume control. They sold those with XPS system back in the day. At one time my brother, wife, and myself all used them. Only problem with those is the keys eventually whore away after years of use and pounding on them. While not a "gaming keyboard" ... never had any key ghosting issues with them.
 
Nowdays, I use a SK-8165 (stock AW with lower keys) and my wife uses a Logitech G110. G110 is nice for $50. No ghosting issues with either one. I wore out my first SK-8165 and bought another for $25. Wife loves the G110 and if this SK-8165 wears-out again, I'll likely get myself a G110. It's nice when used with a Logitech gaming mouse because they both use the same software control suite. I play FPS games and wife plays WoW and Diablo.
 
I can't really speak about Saitek Cyborg, but I really doubt is has ghosting issues or can't game. Looks about like G110.
 
 
3. All that said, I doubt you are having ghosting issues. If it does it with the Cyborg and several different games you likely have a system wide problem affecting performance and keyboard response. It would help if you can remove games from equation (easier said than done).
 
Oh, and Intellitype is not required. It's the enhanced software control suite for Microsoft mice.

t.gif

3 Posts

April 15th, 2013 12:00

I'm experiencing this issue as well - it's not just in games, though, it's in Windows in general.

It appears that it stops accepting all USB input commands for a brief second, then resumes. It still tracks the mouse cursor, for example, but doesn't track mouse clicks/key presses, like it's buffering them.

I've done a full format and reinstall, ran a full AlienAutopsy scan - zero reported errors but the issue persists.

I'm going to attempt to replace the motherboard and see if that fixes anything.

t.gif

3 Posts

April 15th, 2013 15:00

It's an Alienware Aurora R3, running the A06 BIOS.

I've tried multiple keyboards, mice and ports and the issue persists. I still have the system under warranty, so I'm going to try the motherboard replacement.

Tesla1856

8 Wizard

 • 

17K Posts

April 15th, 2013 15:00

It's an Alienware Aurora R3, running the A06 BIOS.
 
Makes sense.
 
Other R3 owners reported similar problems.

Tesla1856

8 Wizard

 • 

17K Posts

April 15th, 2013 15:00

I'm experiencing this issue as well - it's not just in games, though, it's in Windows in general.

 

It appears that it stops accepting all USB input commands for a brief second, then resumes. It still tracks the mouse cursor, for example, but doesn't track mouse clicks/key presses, like it's buffering them.

 

I've done a full format and reinstall, ran a full AlienAutopsy scan - zero reported errors but the issue persists.

 

I'm going to attempt to replace the motherboard and see if that fixes anything.
 
What exact machine do you have?
 
I would try another back-panel USB 2.0 port or another keyboard. Or, test your existing KB with another PC.
 
Worst case (if it is the motherboard and you have no warranty) ... drop in a $20 USB PCIe card.

NataliaatAW

2 Intern

 • 

835 Posts

April 15th, 2013 16:00

Hi everyone,

I know this doesn't seem like a graphics card/power issue, but check out this article:

Alienware Aurora ALX, R1, R2, R3, R4, May Crash Or Experience Blue Screen Errors Due to Graphics Card Power Cable

It might help.

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