Computer Type: Desktop
GPU: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (8 Cores / 16 Threads)
Motherboard: ASUS TUFF Gaming A520M
BIOS Version: Latest available BIOS
RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200 (4×8GB)
PSU: Asus Tuff 850 Gold
Operating System: Windows 11
GPU Drivers: Latest AMD Adrenalin driver
Chipset Drivers: Latest AMD chipset drivers
Background Applications: Steam, Discord, AMD Adrenalin / MSI Afterburner + RTSS for monitoring
Description of Original Problem
I’m trying to determine whether I have a hardware problem with my RX 9070 XT or if these issues are caused by specific games, drivers, or my system configuration.
I have two different problems:
1. Severe stuttering and frame drops in Red Dead Redemption 2
RDR2 can run smoothly with high FPS, but I experience frequent microstutters and occasional major frame drops, especially in Saint Denis.
The strange part is that the problem remains even when I lower the graphics settings to minimum. The GPU also has plenty of performance headroom at lower settings, but the stutters still happen.
Things I noticed:
GPU usage is often between 80–100%.
Even when GPU usage is near 100%, sudden frametime spikes can still occur.
Vulkan has fewer/lower major drops than DX12, but Vulkan still has microstuttering.
The issue became much worse when I reached Saint Denis.
During some stutters, the reported VRAM usage appears to drop by around 200 MB or more.
I tested a memory pool/stutter fix mod with different pool sizes, but it did not solve the problem.
Lowering the graphics settings did not remove the stuttering.
I am wondering whether this could be caused by a CPU/engine/streaming stall even though the GPU can often be at 100% utilization.
2. Strange lighting/reflection artifact in Resident Evil Requiem
I also noticed a strange rendering issue on a specific shelving unit/open cabinet in Resident Evil Requiem.
The object is mostly in darkness, but some edges or corners appear to be incorrectly illuminated. The lighting/reflection changes when I move the camera.
It does not look like random pixel corruption. It appears to be related to the 3D object and changes depending on the viewing angle.
I attached an image showing the issue.
This made me concerned that there could be a GPU or VRAM problem, but I am not sure because the effect is tied to a specific object and changes with camera movement.
Troubleshooting
GPU tested with OCCT for 1 hour with no errors
No consistent artifacts in benchmarks
Other games and benchmarks generally run normally
RDR2 tested with Vulkan and DX12
Vulkan performs better regarding major frame drops
Tested RDR2 at minimum and high/maximum settings
Tested different FPS limits
Tested a memory pool/stutter fix mod with different pool sizes
Reset/cleared shader cache
GPU is currently running at stock settings
Tested CPU/GPU temperatures and they appear normal
No frequent crashes or driver timeouts
I previously tested a higher VRAM clock in MSI Afterburner, which caused instability, so I immediately stopped and returned everything to stock. I did not increase voltage. The GPU has been stable at stock settings.
Questions
Could the RDR2 problem be caused by CPU/engine/streaming stalls despite the GPU often being at 100% utilization?
Is the Resident Evil Requiem lighting issue more likely a rendering/lighting artifact or something that could indicate faulty VRAM/GPU hardware?
Does the fact that OCCT ran for 1 hour without errors make a hardware defect unlikely?
Could the combination of Ryzen 7 5700X + 4×8GB DDR4-3200 cause frametime problems in demanding open-world games?
What additional tests would you recommend to rule out a GPU hardware problem?
I would really appreciate feedback from anyone using an RX 9070 XT or similar hardware.