Low framerate due to thermal throttling

NOTE: If you just closed your game and are seeing this page, don't be alarmed. We've detected that your computer was thermal throttling, and we wanted to take you to this page that explains what it is and what you can do to address the throttling.

If your game runs sluggish, especially if you're a few games into playing, It is quite possible that your  computer is being thermal throttled.

What is thermal throttling?

Thermal throttling is used to describe a processor operating slower than expected and is generally associated with a system running too hot. This is a direct result of poor temperature management. In other words, the computer works as intended (by stepping down its voltage and frequency to maintain safe operating temperatures). Still, the system has an issue with overheating.

How can you check if your computer is throttling?

Here is a shortcut to the resource monitor:

• Right click on your windows button and find the "Run" option.
• In the Run window type "perfmon.exe".

• A window called "Performance Monitor" will open.
• In this window, under the message "Overview of Performance Monitor" you will see a blue link to "Open Resources Monitor", click this link as this will open the Resource Monitor.

• With the resource monitor open on the CPU tab, use your system as you normally would - ideally, try a variety of programs with different hardware demands including running Spellcraft as you normally would.
• In the Resource Monitor, look for the little blue square in the top right, labeled Maximum Frequency. This percentage value will indicate the current speed of your computer relative to its base clock speed and corresponds to the blue line on the graph to the right. In other words, it shows the computer’s current power consumption.  If the percentage appears to cap out at a given value and doesn't go beyond that point, then your computer is being throttled.

How can you address thermal throttling?

Good housekeeping:

As mentioned, thermal throttling happens when your computer is running too hot. There are a few things that you can do to prevent this.

• Keep your system in a well-ventilated area and ensure air can flow in and out.
• Make sure the chassis is clean, i.e., there’s no dust build-up. so clean your computer regularly.
• Make sure the fans are working correctly.
• Your computer may be throttled on battery power, so stay connected to a power source.
• Close any unneeded programs while playing and make sure that your computer isn't downloading software updates, is running other games, etc. 
• Avoid overclocking your computer.

Change game options:

We have a few settings available that will help run the game smoother.

• Once your game has launched go to the settings by pressing F9.
• Select (1) "Graphics".
• (2) Reduce your screen resolution to the lowest possible - fewer pixels to draw means the computer doesn't have to work as hard.
• (3) Uncheck windowed mode and run in full-screen mode.
• (4) Reduce the graphics quality from high to low.
• (5) Check V-Sync, which will auto-limit to the lowest display frequency.
• (6) Click "OK" to accept the changes you've made.

Change computer options

• Enable best performance mode: Sometimes, battery saver mode can be the reason behind thermal throttling. If power saving is the priority, it could increase the temperature of your computer.

  • Start typing "control panel" in the Windows search bar
  • Set the (1)"View by" as "Large Icons" then select Power Options from that view
  • Select (2) "Power Options"
  • Select "Change Plan Settings"
  • Then change the power plan to "High Performance" mode

• Edit power plan settings Another way to control thermal throttling is to edit the power plan settings.
  • Follow the first four steps as mentioned above to get to the "Edit Plan" settings
  • Select "Change advanced power settings" from this view
  • Clicking this, you will get a pop-up window showing "Power Options"
  • Expand "Processer power management" by clicking on the + sign
  • Expand both "Minimum processor state" and "Maximum processor state"
  • Set for both Minimum and Maximum processor state the "On battery" and "Plugged in" value to 100%
  • Click "Apply" and then "OK"

If you have an Intel processor, you can find more information about overheating symptoms on this page.

For AMD processors here is a link to a general troubleshooting page, that includes a section about "Unstable overclocking and overheating". 

If none of the suggested fixes above helped, you can visit our Q&A community to check if others have the same issue and can help, or you can contact Player Support for help.