Mouse lag/delay with new system driving me crazy (Win 8.1 and 7)

Status
Not open for further replies.

Slythas

Reputable
Jun 26, 2015
49
0
4,530
I've posted about this a few times before about a some specific mouse delay "suspects", but of all the help I've received, nothing so far has helped me get rid of the input lag.

Before I upgraded to the new system, I ran hardware from 2008 with Windows Vista Ultimate, and it was mouse delay-free in most games (especially WoW, which I play the most). Now, with the new system and Windows 8.1 (and Win 7, bought it after trying Win 8.1, but it didn't completely fix the issue), there's a very noticeable delay in mouse-movement.

My System

Motherboard: ASUS Z97-A
CPU: i7 4790k @ 4.0GHz
GPU: ASUS Strix GeForce GTX 970 4GB
RAM: Corsair Vengeance Pro 2400MHz CL11
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB SSD
PSU: Corsair RM850W

My OLD System

Motherboard: ASUS P5Q Deluxe
CPU: Intel Quad Q9550 @ 2.83GHz
GPU: Gainward GeForce GTX 760 2GB (Borrowed from a friend two years ago)
RAM: Corsair Dominator 8GB 1333MHz CL8
Storage: Samsung 32MB 7200RPM 1TB HDD
PSU: Corsair TX750W

When I say input lag I only mean mouse lag, or delay/sluggishness. whatever you want to call it. It feels like its a few miliseconds behind my hand-movement, which is insanely annoying. It's a constant both while working in Windows as well as in games.

It's not as bad during games with Fullscreen on, but it's still noticeable enough that playing isn't enjoyable. Windowed / Windows Fullscreen are terrible.

Basically, it feels like the computer has V-Sync enabled on fulltime.

I've googled, asked on forums, watched video tutorials. Nothing so far has helped me. I recently got this new system (with Windows 8.1) and the lag was terrible. WoW was unplayable, same with FPS games. It seems Microsoft's fix (KB:2908279) is already installed on my system. I've tried downloading it but I just get an error message saying it's not applicable to my system. I can't see it on the Installed Updates list on Windows Update.

I've tried adjusting the mouse pointer options, to no avail.

I applied the MarkC Windows 8.1 Mouse Acceleration Fix, and it only makes the mouse akward and slow. Atleast that's how I feel. (http://donewmouseaccel.blogspot.co.nz/2010/03/markc-windows-7-mouse-acceleration-fix.html).

I've installed all the drivers for the motherboard (USB, Audio, VGA, Chipset, new BIOS), got the latest NVidia drivers, and I tried installing mouse drivers for the Logitech MX518 that I use (never had Logitech drivers for it before, just used Microsoft drivers). Doesn't help.

I've tried with a newer monitor that what I have myself. The new monitor is a BenQ 60Hz 1080P with 2ms. No difference. I also bought a brand new laser gaming mouse. No difference.

I'm beginning to suspect that some of my new hardware is causing this. I haven't tried running Vista on the new system as I don't have the install DVD anymore, so I'm still not ruling out software issues, namely Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. Can the USB ports on the motherboard be faulty? Is it something else?

About Mouse Polling Rate. After trying the MouseMovementRecorder program, I see the mouse runs at 125Hz. Can that be why it feels like there's a delay? The fact it's NOT running at 1000Hz? And if so, does Vista let you run 1000Hz out of the box? Because I never had to "fix" anything about the mouse in Vista. It just worked 100% perfectly.

Also, something I read about a week ago. Can it be my RAM and CPU working at different speeds? Not being 1:1 with the FSB/DRAM frequency?

I will greatly appreciate ANY help anyone can give me. I'm about to lose my mind about all this. I feel like returning all the parts I've bought and buying new ones at a later time. It's beyond frustrating to have a 1500-2000$ system give me so much trouble.




 

noshift

Reputable
Jul 14, 2015
25
0
4,540


Hi Slythas,
That is some reasearch you have made, congratulations!
It is hard to help by not experiencing this personally, but let's start anyway.

1) If it IS V-Sync causing this, try disabling it in the "Nvidia control panel" "Global Settings section". Reboot.

2) This problem may occour if you have a faulty USB device connected to your PC (external HDD, USB powered speakers, anything powered by USB ...)

3) To filter out hardware problems, I would suggest using some kind of live system, booted either from DVD or a pendrive (eg.: Debian Installer - or if you are a Windows fanatic you can try Hiren's boot CD - will do).
With a Live system running, try unplugging any unnecessary devices connected to your PC one-by-one (start with USB devices then HDD, you get the idea).
After each unplugging, reboot, and check if the delay is still present.

Also, I would try other input devices as well as an other electric outlet in the house IF not in other's house, in case of some sorft of electric feedback.

Sorry for my engrish.
 

Slythas

Reputable
Jun 26, 2015
49
0
4,530
Hello, noshift, and thank you for replying!

1) I'm 99% sure I've disabled V-Sync everywhere. I hate it with a passion. It's caused so much input lag in the past, the tradeoff for a better picture is hardly worth it, in my opinion. I'll still check again if it _might_ be enabled somewhere.

2) The only USB devices I have hooked up is my keyboard and mouse. I can try having only the mouse hooked up and see what happens.

As for 3), I'm not sure what a live system is (I'll google it and see if I can get any smarter, hehe) but I'll definitely give it a go.

And as for your last input; I ran my old system in the exact same place in the house, with no issues. Only after installing the new hardware did it start. I should also mention, I used the OLD PSU on the new system for a while before I got the new one, so it's not the PSU either, seeing as I used both the new and the old on the new system. But still, I'll try to re-configure the wiring behind the case chassis, and also try other output sockets in the house. At this point I'll try anything :)

Thanks a lot for helping! If you or anyone else have any other tips or tricks I should try out, let me know! :)
 

noshift

Reputable
Jul 14, 2015
25
0
4,540


An update to 3)
Try minimalising the used peripherials and hardware devices (disconnect sound system - in- and output -, only integrated graphics - if available - strip it!)
 

Slythas

Reputable
Jun 26, 2015
49
0
4,530
I'll definitely try that too! Forgot to mention; I'm at work at the moment, so it'll be an hour atleast from now before I'm able to try these things out.

Question by the way: How do you disable integrated graphics? I was looking for it the other day, couldn't figure it out.
 

noshift

Reputable
Jul 14, 2015
25
0
4,540


You misunderstood me. I was trying to tell you: use only interated graphics. By the way, you can disable it in the BIOS - if possible - but generally it is disabled automatically if the BIOS recognises an installed VGA.

More possibilities:
- Before you start taking apart your PC you should make sure there is no software interfering (are drivers up to date?).
- 99% is not enough. Be 100% sure that v-sync is turned off. Search for "Global Settings - Vertical sync - Force off" in Nvidia control center.
- Check your monitor's (!) settings (pre-set profiles might have something to do with this, make a factory reset, or disable ECO mode)
- How did you connect to your monitor? Are you using any kind of adapter, like "DVI to D-Sub"? Cable quality?
 

Slythas

Reputable
Jun 26, 2015
49
0
4,530
Ah, I misunderstood you regarding Intergrated Graphics, sorry.

Anyways, I've formated the SSD and installed Windows 7. Right now, with only chipset and LAN drivers installed, the mouse seem to work okay. I'm in the process of installing the Nvidia drivers now. When that's done I'll check for V-Sync.

When it comes to the monitor, I haven't really messed with its native settings at all (by configuring it with the buttons on its side), so that shouldn't be an issue. For thoroughness sake I've checked it anyways and there is no ECO setting or anything else on.
 

Slythas

Reputable
Jun 26, 2015
49
0
4,530
My monitor is connected with a HDMI cable, no adapters involved. V-Sync was off in the global settings of Nvidia Control Panel. I haven't yet installed the USB drivers, and I'm not sure I want to. Last I did that with Windows 7, xHCI stopped working, so I had to disable it (and USB 3.0. support along with it) to be able to use my USB 2.0 mouse and keyboard. It also didn't fix any delay issues I had, it might even had made it worse.
 

Slythas

Reputable
Jun 26, 2015
49
0
4,530
I just installed the latest USB drivers from https://www.asus.com/support/Download/1/45/6/19/CvqKzJNNKOJPrwHT/30/ and it only made the lag worse. Doesn't that point to the USB controller itself? Or something that's faulty with the motherboard's USB settings or something..?
 

noshift

Reputable
Jul 14, 2015
25
0
4,540


After installing the appropriate drivers you should not experience these flaws.
I don't think your problem is software releated, however you can try drivers provided by Intel and not by Asus - Intel Driver Update Utility.
I read some reviews about your currently used motherboard. On newegg, the people complain about problems can be tracked to the mobo's southbridge which has the USB controller.
If possible, borrow a socket LGA1150 motherboard from a friend and try it out (or request a replacement mobo from your dealer, if possible a different brand and type - GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK would satisfy your needs -).
 

Slythas

Reputable
Jun 26, 2015
49
0
4,530
I could try a new Motherboard, but won't I have to buy a new OS then aswell? Aren't they locked to the first Mobo you register them to? I'll try the Intel Driver Update Utility when I get home from work.
 

noshift

Reputable
Jul 14, 2015
25
0
4,540


You don't have to buy another license, but re-installing Windows is recommended.
If you replace a crucial part like the motherboard of your PC, there is a little chance that it will start up and not fail to BSoD upon the boot process, but I am 100% sure, that you will be prompted to re-activate your Windows if it starts up.
 

Slythas

Reputable
Jun 26, 2015
49
0
4,530
I'm really sorry but I'm not sure I understand. I blame early morning and English not being my native tongue. :p

You're saying I don't need to buy another lisence. My Windows 7 Ultimate x64 digital order (Bought via a Norwegian website, it gave me a lisence and a download link to the Win 7 ISO file) says it's for 1 PC. Can I somehow "deactivate" the lisence from my ASUS Z97-A motherboard, and then "activate" it on a different board?

Also, and again I'm sorry, English BAD, no coffee yet BAD, etc.. "there is a little chance that it will start up and not fail to BSoD upon the boot process" Are you saying it might not start and bluescreen on me? Or are you saying the opposite?

EDIT: I also have a full version of Windows 8.1, so in case I can't use Win 7 I'm guessing a full version can be installed as many times as I want.
 

noshift

Reputable
Jul 14, 2015
25
0
4,540


I meant to say: if you change your motherboard, there is a great chance that your currently installed Windows won't start up. And even if it does, you still have to re-activate it.

Also, if you purchased an OEM license, Windows 7 activation might be impossible. But I am not sure.
If you contact your local Microsoft support team and tell them that you had to replace your motherboard, they might give you a new serial number.

In Windows 8.1, it is a different story. You can safely reinstall it.
 

Slythas

Reputable
Jun 26, 2015
49
0
4,530
Ah okay, that clarified things! The Windows 7 license I bought didn't say if it was OEM, so I'm guessing it's a "real" retail version.

I've now contacted a local PC repair company. I'll have them come over - hopefully with a new motherboard to test as well - and see how it goes. If they cant fix it, I certainly can't :p

I appreciate all the helpful information you've brought me, thanks a lot for helping! :)
 

noshift

Reputable
Jul 14, 2015
25
0
4,540


You are welcome
 

noshift

Reputable
Jul 14, 2015
25
0
4,540


Not at all.
 

Slythas

Reputable
Jun 26, 2015
49
0
4,530
I've now put both my OLD and my NEW system on a table, side by side, with my old system running Vista Ultimate, and the new system running 7 Ultimate. I'm running them one at a time (only got the 1 PSU) and I'm also using 1 graphic card (GTX 970) for each of them, so I have to install it again for each test I'm doing.

Now to the point

On my OLD system (see first post for specs) Everything loads incredibly slow compared to the new system, as expected with an HDD and other old components, but games (tried WoW and A Story About My Uncle) have no input lag as far as I can tell. It feels like it did before.

On my NEW system (see first post for specs) Everything loads incredibly fast compared to my old system, as expected with an SSD and other new components, but games (same as above) still have a very slight input lag that's actually not as bad as I think it was before, but it's still there. I made sure V-Sync and Aero was turned off completely. So this tells me a few things: It's not the PSU, it's not the GPU and it's not any of my peripherals. It has to be either the motherboard (ASUS Z97-A), the CPU (i7 4790K), the RAM (Corsair Vengeance Pro 2400MHz CL 11 13 13 31) or Windows 7/Windows 8.1.

Anyways, I've ordered the ASUS Maximus VII Hero. It was between that and the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H-BK. I chose the ASUS board mostly because I'm more familiar with ASUS products and have been happy with them so far, well, except for the new motherboard maby IF it is the cause of my problems.

Still looking for any advice of what to try and not try etc., so if you or anyone else come up with something, let me know! :)
 

Slythas

Reputable
Jun 26, 2015
49
0
4,530
So I'm at work now and I believe I may have found a solution, though I have no chance to test it until I get home in about.. 7-8 hours.

Anyways! Desktop Window Manager.

I stumbled upon that service and it seems to be what's controlling Aero and other stuff like that. I have Aero off but people are saying you have to turn off DWM too to remove all input lag when in windowed mode gaming.

This post explains how to fix this in Windows 8 and 7 - https://www.reddit.com/r/SSBPM/comments/34o69w/a_guide_on_how_to_reduce_input_lag_pc/ - so I'm gonna try that later today.

Do you think this may be the cause of my input lag problems?
 

Slythas

Reputable
Jun 26, 2015
49
0
4,530
Another update.

I hooked up my old system, (with the 970 and the SSD instead of the old HDD) and installed Windows 7 on it. It works just like my old system with Vista, meaning it's NOT OS-related either. Therefore, as far as me and "all my expertise" can tell, it has to be either the Mobo, the CPU, the RAM, drivers or any of those parts together that don't synergies well.

Still looking for a solution, or a pinpoint on what exactly the issue is. The worst part about all of this is the Not Knowing what's wrong. Had I known specifically what causes this, I'd get some peace of mind. @-@
 

jtl999

Reputable
Jan 19, 2015
7
0
4,510


Been having the same issue too, new motherboard never helped. Using a Macbook Pro as my main system right now and it is better, just like my old system. :)
 

Seba__

Reputable
Oct 23, 2015
3
0
4,510
Hey man, I've got the same issue, I notice it even on windows desktop, can't play any games (I play cs:go and dota2) I also have a z97 mobo but by gigabyte (z97x-gaming3) i5 4440 - asus strix geforce gtx 960 2GB - 8gb memory. I think it's the mobo but it's just brand new
 
Status
Not open for further replies.