Identify the Stutter Type

Shader stutter happens when a PC game has to compile GPU programs at the wrong moment. Microsoft Advanced Shader Delivery moves much of that work off the player’s PC by preparing hardware-specific shaders ahead of time and delivering them with the game.

Seeing 7.8 GB used on an 8 GB graphics card can look like proof that a game has run out of VRAM. It is not that simple. This guide explains VRAM capacity, residency budgets, working sets, shared memory and how to tell whether memory pressure is actually causing stutter.

A game can report 120, 144 or even 200 FPS and still feel rough. This guide explains why average FPS can hide bad frame delivery, how frame time and 1% lows expose stutter, and how to diagnose whether the CPU, GPU or another part of the pipeline is causing the problem.

Shader stutter happens when new effects compile in real time. Learn how to identify it fast and the practical ways to reduce hitches without placebo tweaks.

Not all stutter is the same. Learn the three common stutter types, what they feel like, and the fastest way to diagnose before you change settings.