What to do to fix the screen flickering problem while running in Sniper Elite 4
Solving Screen Flickering Issues in Sniper Elite 4: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction Screen flickering is a common issue that can hinder gameplay experiences in Sniper Elite 4. This problem can arise due to a variety of reasons, including driver issues, incompatible graphics settings, and hardware conflicts. In this guide, we will explore the potential causes of screen flickering in Sniper Elite 4 and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.
1. Understanding the Causes of Screen Flickering Before applying solutions, it’s important to understand what might be causing the issue. Common causes include:
- Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers
- Incorrect game settings (V-Sync, refresh rate, or resolution issues)
- Incompatible DirectX versions
- Hardware compatibility problems
- Overclocking instability
- Background applications interfering with the game
- Power supply inconsistencies
2. Updating Graphics Drivers One of the primary reasons for screen flickering is outdated or corrupted GPU drivers. Follow these steps to update your drivers:
- For NVIDIA users:
- Open GeForce Experience.
- Check for driver updates.
- Install the latest driver and restart your PC.
- For AMD users:
- Open AMD Radeon Software.
- Navigate to the “Drivers & Software” section.
- Download and install the latest driver update.
- For Intel users:
- Visit the Intel Driver & Support Assistant website.
- Download and install any available updates.
3. Adjusting In-Game Graphics Settings Tweaking the game’s graphics settings can help resolve flickering issues. Try the following adjustments:
- Disable V-Sync and check if flickering persists.
- Set Refresh Rate to match your monitor’s native refresh rate.
- Lower Anti-Aliasing settings to reduce graphical inconsistencies.
- Switch between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 to see if the issue is version-specific.
- Enable Full-Screen Mode instead of Borderless Windowed mode.
4. Modifying GPU Control Panel Settings Some issues can be fixed by adjusting settings in your GPU’s control panel.
- NVIDIA Control Panel:
- Right-click on the desktop and open NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Go to “Manage 3D Settings.”
- Under “Program Settings,” locate Sniper Elite 4.
- Set “Power Management Mode” to “Prefer Maximum Performance.”
- Enable “Triple Buffering” and “V-Sync.”
- AMD Radeon Settings:
- Open AMD Radeon Software.
- Navigate to “Graphics Settings.”
- Disable “Radeon Chill” and “Radeon Anti-Lag.”
- Set “Wait for Vertical Refresh” to “Always On.”
5. Checking Hardware Components Hardware issues, such as overheating or power supply instability, can also cause screen flickering. Perform the following checks:
- Monitor Connections: Ensure HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI cables are properly connected.
- Power Supply: If using a high-end GPU, ensure your PSU can handle the power load.
- Overheating Issues: Use tools like MSI Afterburner to monitor temperatures.
- Test on Another Monitor: If possible, test Sniper Elite 4 on a different monitor to rule out hardware faults.
6. Disabling Overclocking If your GPU, CPU, or RAM is overclocked, reverting to default settings may solve the issue. To do this:
- Use MSI Afterburner or BIOS to reset overclocked values.
- Check if screen flickering persists with stock settings.
7. Checking for Windows & Game Updates Running an outdated game or operating system can cause conflicts leading to screen flickering.
- Windows Updates:
- Open Settings (Win + I) and go to “Update & Security.”
- Click “Check for Updates” and install any available patches.
- Game Updates:
- Open Steam and go to Library.
- Right-click Sniper Elite 4 > “Properties.”
- Under “Updates,” ensure automatic updates are enabled.
8. Disabling Background Applications Some background applications, such as overlays and third-party software, can interfere with the game. Try disabling:
- Discord Overlay
- NVIDIA/AMD Overlay
- MSI Afterburner
- Any recording software (OBS, Fraps, etc.)
9. Reinstalling the Game If all else fails, a clean reinstall may resolve the problem:
- Open Steam and uninstall Sniper Elite 4.
- Delete any remaining game files from “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Sniper Elite 4.”
- Reinstall the game and check if the issue persists.
10. Conclusion Screen flickering in Sniper Elite 4 can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it is possible to resolve the issue. By updating drivers, adjusting settings, and ensuring hardware stability, players can enjoy a smooth and immersive experience. If the problem persists, consider seeking help from Sniper Elite 4’s official support forums or contacting the game developers for assistance.