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Info: This bug was fixed on August 12th 2014 with the release of the month's Patch Tuesday. Make sure to install every update available for your system, if you're having the problem described on this thread.
Hello, I've been facing a "tough" problem with my computer running Windows 8.1 x64. I did not upgrade from Windows 8, I did a clean install and for the past month, everytime I play some of the new 2013 games (Assassin's Creed Black Flag, Battlefield 4, CoD:Ghosts etc.), I'm constantly getting a "low memory" warning from time to time.
So, giving that my laptop is capable of running these games (Asus N56VZ - Intel Core i7, Intel HD 4000 + Nvidia GT650 M, 6GB DDR3, 750GB 7200rpm, Full-HD 15,6" screen), I began searching for an answer. Here's what I've concluded:
When the game (eg: Battlefield 4) opens, the memory consumption begins to rise, and rise, and rise, non stop, until the system doesn't have more memory available and triggers the low memory warning. However, in the exact moment that I "alt+tab" out of game OR the memory warning does it for me, all of the occupied memory is emptied instantly, like magic!
I was able to "understand" this using Process Explorer by MS (sysinternals), heres a screenshot that shows the "climbing" and the sudden drops:
I cant really discover where all this memory is being allocated/used, and I have no idea on whats causing this. I also don't know if this is Windows-related, device-related or driver-related.
Is anyone facing this as well?
[UPDATE DECEMBER 9th] This issue is triggered when the resolution in which the games are being played differs from the resolution configured on Windows.
If you are playing a game, say, in 1366x768, you need to change the system resolution to the same 1366x768 BEFORE opening the game. That will stop the excessive memory consumption and you'll be able to play the game fine.
My system is in Portuguese, but I think it's easy to get it:
This also concludes that the issue is Windows-related and not driver related, so we'll have to wait for Microsoft to patch it. Meanwhile, remember to change your resolution when you're going to play.
[UPDATE APRIL 26th 2014]
According to some Intel folks at communities.intel.com (http://is.gd/71Vha2), Microsoft has confirmed the issue with Windows 8.1 in an internal email. It resides - as it was explained - on the DWM (Desktop Window Manager) which triggers a memory leak when running fullscreen games with a resolution different than the desktop resolution.
The memory leak fills the system memory and page file with junk until there's no more memory available.
We assume Microsoft is already working on a fix for this, altough we never heard anything "official" from them regarding the issue.
[UPDATE AUGUST 14th 2014]
The problem has been finally fixed by Microsoft with the release of the August updates on Aug. 12th.
Make sure to install every single update available - including the optional ones - and you'll no longer receive low-memory warnings when running fullscreen games/apps with different resolution/refresh rate.
Also make sure you're using the latest drivers available for your Intel and/or Nvidia GPU (it might be important).
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
I might be a bit cynical but I looked through all the support KB's from the updates today and couldn't find anything that related to fixing this issue (unless I'm missing something)...
Yesterday i have made the update and i found via the link also no description, but...
Yah!, after nearly 10 months, microsoft have now solved this bug.
With the latest patches (Patch Day 12.08.2014, also install the optional Updates),
all different resolutions and framerates works well.
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I dont care if you are a mac user or not.. Macs ARE PCs.. SAME hardware.. only difference is in the bios... and a few minor things...
PC laptop users suffer the same intel issue.. so please put the mac crybaby story away.. I dont own macs.. I wont pay for the hardware.. Its like buying an alienware PC.. over inflated prices....I just build my own PC.. or buy a very nice one and boot OS X or Windows and don't pay the high prices alienware or apple wants for a "mac pc"...
LOL my facts are in perfect order.. and if you are talking about a mixed intel/nvidia system... Then that's something many people on here have NOT been complaining about.. most people have been bitching about pure intel graphics.... but if you have this issue on a nv/intel hybrid... then the problem still lies with intel.. nvidia already fixed their issues.
Windows has no issues to fix. It was fundamentally changed from 8 to 8.1
With optimus, you are supposed to be able to disable the intel GPU on the cpu and run pure nvidia... but that's buggy and doesn't even work properly. So go complain to those who make it
Yes, I know the graphics are built into the CPU... it's build it's my desktop's cpu and it remains, forever disabled. Again.. there ARE EASY BANDAID FIXES.. EVEN FOR A MAC! But the fact you have a mac has ZERO.. and I mean ZERO bearing on this discussion as this is NOT a windows issue.. and it's NOT a hardware issue! it's an issue with the newer 8.1 drivers that INTEL botched..
Non mac PCs also have optimus and hybrid nv/intel systems.. mac peopel do not have the corner on this.... Until INTEL fixes it.. there's not much you can do except what you did... try to play an old fashioned "I have a mac card" (which no longer works) Macs, Ps4, Xbox one, they are all PCs now. .. or whine or attack someone...
So go bother INTEL - until then you ONLY have the following options.. and I will list them again cuz you seem thick headed
Keep complaining to intel because MS will ignore you as this isn't a MS issue.. Windows WAS CHANGED... drivers.. programs..etc MUST adapt.. if ppl dont like it.. don't run 8.1.. stay with 8.0
I've listed all you can do... So you can either keep whining or actually do something so you can game
ehem .. i have a MSI GT60 .. with Optimus .. and some people statet they have problems with that because what the nvidia card renders outputs the intel card ... the nvidia card isnt even attached to the lcd .. no way that you can disable it .. nvidia fixed their issues ? what issues ..
And you know that the first person that started this thread has an optimus system too ? sorry but you are retarted and the cry baby ..
Enjoy your broken computer then since yiu won't listen while I enjoy my gaming
ive said where the issue is , what to do in the meantime, yiu just want to whine. I don't care about the OP, did I say OP... No... I say most of the people complaining.
Keep buying half baked machines like this and this is what get
