Server - NPC/CPU issue

Rufus · Post by **Rufus** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 4:46 pm

Okay, second topic in this forum already. Sorry, but I have to ask this...
Now, I run a small dedicated server for OC, it's not great, but it works.

The trouble is, while it's fine normally, when more than two NPCs become aggressive towards players, suddenly the server is overrun by lag.
Normally, the packets are carefully setup for a very very small line, now at first glance, I would have said that was the problem..
But I tried to reconfigure the packets for my LAN line on the server, which goes above the maximum packet configuration.
Unfortunately, the lag is still occurring with the maximum possible CPU/RAM/Packet setup.
So, I believe it's a CPU usage issue. Thing is, I've checked the OS, and it tells me that SRCDS doesn't use all too much CPU, even when this lag occurs. Even so, it seems to be a CPU issue to me, still...

Is there any way I can fix this?

Gary · Post by **Gary** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 8:36 pm

Whats the specs for this server?

Steam · Post by **Neico** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 8:49 pm

see if your scrds uses only 64 fps, if so there is your problem, you need a fps booster or a fast media timer service to speed it up, i also would suggest to take a look at the cvar information sticky thread in this section

Steam · Post by **Shana** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 8:51 pm

yeah use the netcvars from that thread, also post yours, would like to see what you used.

Rufus · Post by **Rufus** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:38 pm

Code: Select all

"sv_maxrate"			"2500"
"sv_minrate"			"1000"
"sv_maxupdaterate"		"40"
"sv_minupdaterate"		"20"
"mp_playercollide"		"0"
"sv_voiceenable"		"0"
"host_timescale"			"0.8"

There's what I was using - though, as I said before, I'd put maxrate/maxupdaterate right up (maxrate at about 30000 and maxupdaterate about 100) and I was still seeing the same lag.

I calculated the figures there roughly from a CSS dedicated server site, so, I'm guessing they're probably out somewhat.

Though, looking at the cvar thread, it looks like
"net_queued_packet_thread 1" might fix my problem, as it logically seems to be that there's too much network being used, and not enough CPU. If that's what it does.

Edit: Whoops, forgot the hardware spec.
CPU is 1.8Ghz Dual Core AMD.
RAM is 3.00GB.
And OS is Win/NT6.

Steam · Post by **Neico** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:48 pm

see my post about fps for cpu usage as server's fps is equal to how fast the server handles stuff so the more npcs that the more lags does it cause when it's limited to 64 (while a normal srcds runs on 300 which the fps boost restores)

Rufus · Post by **Rufus** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:51 pm

Neico wrote:see my post about fps for cpu usage as server's fps is equal to how fast the server handles stuff so the more npcs that the more lags does it cause when it's limited to 64

Only 64? The bar at the top of the console reports it's running 300 solid most of the time.
I'm pretty much ready to run some more tests but there's some people playing harvest right now.

So, is that 300 true, or is it running at 64, but thinks it's 300?

Steam · Post by **Neico** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 7:00 am

when it says 300 then it is so, maybe you're running Windows Media Player in the background or so? (which is just the same as a fps booster)

Rufus · Post by **Rufus** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 1:47 am

Neico wrote:when it says 300 then it is so, maybe you're running Windows Media Player in the background or so? (which is just the same as a fps booster)

No.. I also read on the CSS config site that it only needs an FPS booster to get to 1000. But, I'm running it on Windows Server, so I don't think it even has WMP.

Anyways I've reconfigured it to the setting suggested by the config topic. It's no longer lagging when in contact with NPCs, but it seems a bit shakey so I think I'll have to check the figures again. At least now the problem's been fixed. ^^