Path of Exile 2: CPU Optimization Guide

Path of Exile 2 is a visually stunning and intense action RPG, but like many complex games, it can sometimes experience performance issues on certain hardware setups. One common issue reported by players is CPU stuttering, particularly on multi-core processors when using multi-threading settings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to optimize your CPU performance in Path of Exile 2 by addressing the problematic idle state transitions that cause stuttering, especially when using multi-core CPUs.

CPU Optimization Guide For Path of Exile 2

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Understanding the CPU Stuttering Issue in Path of Exile 2

Before we jump into the solution, it’s important to understand why this stuttering occurs in the first place. Path of Exile 2’s engine does not always handle CPU idle states properly, particularly with multi-core processors that are configured for multi-threading. Essentially, modern CPUs use something called C states (also known as sleep modes) to conserve power and reduce heat when the CPU isn’t under load.

  • C0 State: The CPU is fully active, running at its maximum clock speed (e.g., 4.4 GHz for an Intel i7 4790k).
  • C7 State: The CPU is idle, running at a significantly reduced clock speed (as low as 0.4 MHz).

While C states are designed to improve power efficiency, Path of Exile 2’s engine does not handle the transition between these states smoothly, causing noticeable stuttering or freezes in gameplay. This issue is most apparent for players who use multi-core CPUs with multi-threading enabled.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Optimize Your CPU for Path of Exile 2

Fortunately, this issue can be fixed with a simple tweak to your Windows power settings, specifically disabling C states and ensuring that your CPU stays at its maximum performance level while playing Path of Exile 2.

1. Ensure You’re Using Multi-Core CPU and Multi-Threading

This optimization is most effective for players using multi-core CPUs with multi-threading enabled in Path of Exile 2. If you’re not using multi-threading, or you have a single-core processor, this fix will likely not help you. Most modern processors are multi-core, so this guide should apply to the majority of players.

To check if you are using multi-threading:

  1. Open the Path of Exile 2 launcher.
  2. Navigate to the Settings and go to the Graphics or Performance tab.
  3. Ensure that Multi-threading is enabled.
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2. Download and Run the PowerShell Script

The core of the optimization is a simple PowerShell script that configures a special power plan in Windows, which disables C states and keeps your CPU operating at full power during gameplay. This prevents your CPU from going into idle states, which are causing the stuttering issue.

Here’s how you can download and run the script:

  1. Download the PowerShell script from the following link:
  2. Right-click the downloaded script and select Run with PowerShell.Note: Running this script will create a new custom power plan specifically designed for Path of Exile 2.

3. Testing the New Power Plan

Once the script runs, it will automatically switch your power plan to a customized version that keeps your CPU from entering power-saving modes. At this point, you can launch Path of Exile 2 and check if the stuttering issue has been resolved.

  • If the game runs smoothly without the usual stutters, then the optimization is successful.
  • If you still experience stuttering or performance issues, it’s possible that the script didn’t work as expected. In that case, proceed to the next step to disable the custom power plan.

4. Revert to Your Previous Power Plan (If Necessary)

If you find that the optimization didn’t work for you or you want to go back to your original power settings, you can easily disable the new power plan. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Control Panel on Windows.
  2. Go to Power Options.
  3. Select your original power plan (e.g., Balanced or High Performance).
  4. Disable the custom power plan created by the PowerShell script.
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Additional Tips for Optimizing Path of Exile 2 Performance

While the above steps should help resolve the CPU stuttering issue, there are a few additional things you can try to further boost your performance in Path of Exile 2:

  • Update Drivers: Make sure that your graphics card drivers, motherboard chipset drivers, and CPU drivers are up to date.
  • Reduce Background Processes: Close unnecessary background programs to free up system resources for Path of Exile 2.
  • Lower In-Game Settings: If you are still experiencing performance issues, consider lowering the in-game graphics settings, such as texture quality, shadow details, and effects.
  • Overclocking: If you’re comfortable with it, you can also consider overclocking your CPU to increase its performance during gameplay. Just be sure to monitor temperatures to avoid overheating.
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To close it off

If you’ve been facing CPU stuttering in Path of Exile 2, especially with a multi-core processor, this guide provides a simple but effective solution to keep your CPU running at full power and eliminate the annoying lag. By following these steps, you can enjoy a smoother, more immersive experience without interruptions.

If the issue persists, it might be worth checking with the Path of Exile 2 community or seeking additional troubleshooting help. Happy gaming!


Last Updated on January 3, 2025

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