microsoft / microsoft/terminal

GSync/Freesync refresh rate / FPS drops when using Terminal

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Area-Rendering Help Wanted Issue-Bug Priority-2 Product-Terminal
Dominant language
C++
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Description

My main monitor is 144Hz. An easy way of seeing the current FPS is wiggling the mouse - the movement in 144 FPS is much smoother than 60 FPS, and this is very noticeable.

While using Terminal, the FPS constantly drops, and moves between low FPS and full 144 FPS. I can't tell if it drops to 60 FPS or a different amount, but it's way lower than 144 FPS. Wiggling the cursor while typing shows this problem well.

It seems like every interaction with the Terminal can cause the FPS to "flip" between low and high: Focusing on the window, typing, etc. Sometimes waiting ~3 seconds is enough for the FPS to switch back to high.

Graphics card is an Nvidia GTX 1080 Ti and monitor is an Asus PG279Q.

C:\WINDOWS\system32>ver

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.18362.86]

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Research direction

Start by reproducing the refresh-rate fluctuation in Windows Terminal using the reported Windows 10 version, Nvidia GTX 1080 Ti, and Asus PG279Q setup. The issue names no source files or tests, so compare behavior while focusing, typing, and waiting; done means terminal interaction no longer causes the visible FPS or refresh-rate drops.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
cpp
Domain
cli, desktop, performance
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
15/100

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