View source for Performance issues FAQ

As mentioned in the [[technical issues FAQ]], Spiral Knights has certain hardware requirements.  If you only meet the minimum requirements, there are some things that you can do to try to improve the performance of the game on your computer.

== Graphics Options ==
*In the [[Options#General|General Options]] Menu you should select a low resolution and toggle Graphics Quality to "Low."
*In the [[Options#Advanced Video Options|Advanced Video Options]] "Compatibility Mode" should be toggled on.
*On Windows Vista and Windows 7 the Aero Glass (see through effects) should be disabled while running the game to free up additional system resources.
#Right click the Spiral Knights icon on the desktop or in the Start menu
#Select "Properties"
#Select the "Compatibility" tab
#Select the box "Disable desktop composition"
#Click "OK"

== Background Tasks ==
*If at all possible, try to close any unnecessary programs while playing the game. This will help free up additional system resources.

== Poor Loading Times ==
*If a hard drive is fragmented than the loading time of Spiral Knights will suffer. Using the Operating System's built in disk defragmenting program can help.
*If another program is using the hard disk to move a lot of data, like a high speed download, loading times will increase. Try to avoid these types of activities while playing.

== Lagging Gameplay ==
*Spiral Knights is suprisingly sensitive to network response times, more so than many other popular MMOs.
*Make sure that your are not downloading anything while trying to play the game.
*If you use a wireless home network where you play, make sure you have a consistent connection that does not drop.
*Unfortunately satellite or wireless broadband connections may not provide the low latency connection needed to have an enjoyable experience.
*A good site to test the stability of your connection is [http://www.pingtest.net Pingtest.net].
**Any packet loss is a cause for concern and can affect many internet applications.
**High ping is what causes a delay in actions.
**Jitter is the fluctuation of ping. If this value is high it is responsible for the "rubber band" effect where a character will lurch forward in sudden spurts. Low jitter (less than ~10ms) is very important to a smooth game play experience.

== Game/Computer Crashes or Becomes Unresponsive ==
*If your game or computer crashes after you have been logged into the game for a while, it is possible your computer is overheating.  
*Make sure your computer is dust free.
*Use a fan or cooling mat to keep your computer's temperature in check.


== Flickering Textures ==
*Users with ATI/AMD Radeon 3000 and upwards dedicated graphics cards may experience lighting flickering while plying the game.
**This is a confirmed bug with the Catalyst 11.4 and 11.3 drivers and how they handle OpenGL; not a game bug.
**A temporary fix is to use Catalyst 11.2 until ATI/AMD corrects this problem.
***Those technically inclined can report instances of the bug using the [http://www.amd.com/us/CatalystCrewSurvey Driver Feedback Form].