Sudden FPS drops in Valorant

If its always approx 5 minutes then it sounds like a heat issue. That will build up roughly around the same time with the biggest difference being fully cold or warm parts. But, even fully cold shouldn't take much longer since the heat generated is really fast. Heat may cause various performance issues from hard drives to GPU throttling.

You can run benchmark tests or other games that push the GPU and see if fps also drops there. That would be a good start. If it worked fine there then its game or driver related only to that game. If it has an issue there then its probably heat.

I am glad to hear of the progress being made here.

Did you complete every step in each tutorial? Go back and make sure none were missed.

1. The Display driver is so important here that merely updating it is sometimes not enough. So let's try everything possible to get it working correctly:

First make sure you have updated the Display driver from the PC or Display adapter maker's Support Downloads web page for your exact model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag - from the sticker on the PC.

If necessary first remove the old driver using DDU https://www.wagnardsoft.com/content/ddu-guide-t... (not necessary with Microsoft Basic driver which is a placeholder if nothing else is available) and/or installing in Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet), or Safe Mode, accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

While there check also for newer chipset, BIOS/UEFI firmware (very important), network, sound, USB3 and other drivers, comparing to the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.

If this doesn't give you the latest or ideal driver for what you need, compare it to the driver offered by the Intel driver update Utility here: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/...

or the Nvidia Update utility here: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=e...

or the AMD autodect utility here: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/P...

For Display issues one fix that is working is to Roll back or Uninstall the Driver on the Display Device > Driver tab, restart PC to reinstall driver.

You can also try older drivers in Device Manager > Display device > Driver tab > Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick.

Then you will know you've tried everything in addition to Windows Update drivers.

Adjust the screen resolution until it fits and looks best at Settings > System > Display.

Check for a monitor driver by expediting Windows Updates (including Optional Updates) in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates to install all Updates until no more are offered.

2. Try these additional steps for optimizing Windows 10 gaming performance:

https://techcult.com/how-to-optimize-windows-10...

https://thegeekpage.com/optimize-your-windows-1...

https://www.windowscentral.com/tips-tricks-incr...

https://www.alphr.com/optimize-windows-for-gaming/

https://www.pcgamer.com/optimize-windows-for-be...

https://beebom.com/optimize-windows-10-for-gaming/

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/optimize-windows-...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH2FCmBg7VA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYKFQu3Vr4A

3. If you have any doubt about your Windows system itself Go over Windows using this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account to replace yours which may be corrupted. Then if necessary continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Great. Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

This happens with other heavy games too. So it may not be a Valorant issue but a heat issue like you suggested. Do you have any suggestions for how I can prevent my laptop from overheating and hurting the performance?

Hey Pop. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

Try these fixes for known issue of FPS drops in Valorant:

https://techcult.com/how-to-fix-valorant-fps-dr...

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-to-fix-valor...

(Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://www.technewstoday.com/valorant-low-fps-...

https://www.reddit.com/r/ValorantTechSupport/co...

https://www.reddit.com/r/ValorantTechSupport/co...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lwdOU47_I8

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.