The newly launched Nvidia App is causing frame rate drops in certain games and on specific computer setups. Dive deeper to understand this performance issue linked to Nvidia's latest game optimization software.
Nvidia App Impacting Game Performance
Unstable Framerates in Select Games and PC Configurations
The Nvidia App is affecting the performance of some PCs and games, as confirmed by testing conducted by PC GAMER on December 18. Several users have reported stuttering issues while utilizing the application. In response to these concerns, a Nvidia staff member suggested a temporary solution: disabling the "Game Filters and Photo Mode" overlay.
In their tests, PC GAMER initially evaluated Black Myth: Wukong on a high-end setup featuring a Ryzen 7 7800X3D and an RTX 4070 Super. The game was played at 1080p with settings on Very High and the overlay disabled, which resulted in a slight increase in the average frame rate from 59 fps to 63 fps. At 1440p, no significant change was observed. However, activating the overlay and switching to Medium settings led to a substantial 12% drop in frame rate.
Further tests on Cyberpunk 2077 using a Core Ultra 9 285K and an RTX 4080 Super showed stable frame rates, whether the overlay was enabled or disabled. These findings suggest that the Nvidia App's impact varies across different games and PC configurations.
PC GAMER's investigation was spurred by player feedback on Twitter (X), and they adopted the temporary fix suggested by a Nvidia staff member on the company's forum—turning off the Game Filters and Photo Mode overlay. Despite this, some players continue to report unstable game performance.
In the same Twitter (X) thread, users suggested reverting to older graphic drivers to circumvent the performance issue, while others inquired about which games might be affected by the application. To date, Nvidia has not released any updates to resolve this issue beyond the recommendation to disable the overlay.
The Official Launch of Nvidia App
On February 22, 2024, the Nvidia App was released in beta, serving as a successor to GeForce Experience. Designed for PC users with Nvidia GPUs, the app enables users to optimize GPU settings, record gameplay, and more.
Following an extensive beta testing phase, the Nvidia App officially launched in November 2024, replacing GeForce Experience. This release was accompanied by a graphics driver update in anticipation of upcoming game releases. The new application introduced an enhanced overlay system, eliminating the need for users to sign into their accounts.
While the Nvidia App offers improved functionalities, Nvidia might need to address its impact on the performance of certain games and PCs to ensure a smoother gaming experience for all users.
