Hi,

I have just started a new game in COP and have around 42 - 45 fps in the bar with maxed out settings. is that ok or should i lower the settings a bit? outside everything is fine, with around 55-60 fps. and is there a way t o go beyond the 60 mark?

No, 42 fps minimum is good performance.
You might want to disable v-sync to improve performance and if you get screentearing, try different filtering options to see if that solves it.

You're likely running with a frame limiter or VSync in case you don't reach above 60FPS.

Anyway, if it's ok is subjective, both performance and image quality. If you want more performance I suggest lower shadow and AA settings along with any special settings like Sun, HDR, Ambient Occlusion, NPC flashlight and turn down from Full Dynamic Lightning to Object at least, maybe Static if you don't mind.

I forgot with COP you've have DX9, 10 and 11 I believe. Lower them should also help but remember to test yourself, you need to find your own balance. ;)

Personally I get decent frames most of the time, but every 30 or so seconds it will take a half second pause sometimes a little longer. The frames will sometimes drop a bit during an emission if there is a lot going on. Furthermore, I get the same performance whether the settings are on normal, high, or maximum, haven't tried low. The Vsync being on or off didn't seem to make a huge difference, but I turned it off for psychological reasons.

I'm still considered a NEWB to this game but I think the game just stutters every once in a while. It seems to happen when you enter a new area, or something "new" is about to happen, if that makes any sense. Very slightly lowers the immersion factor, imho but not enough to stop me from LOVING this game. Trust me, I am complete OCD when it comes to my video settings, FPS, AA, etc. They have to be perfect. I already tested low/high everything and it seems you will still get a couple stutters here and there. I would guess it's a game engine issue.

To nickaepi (For some reason it won't let me reply directly to you):

I think you're right, I heard it was an inefficiently designed game. I agree it is excellent, I kind of wish it would be a completely smooth experience that way it better suspends disbelief. I still find it a greatly atmospheric experience.

Is it possible to disable v-sync?
V-sync limits frames not in a very efficient manner and causes a lot of lag with fast moving textures and I rather use a framelimiter in cases when my card overheats.

RivaTuner

Download that and install it. It has a separate tool that you can then place somewhere else and uninstall RivaTuner if you want. It's called D3DOverrider, it's used to force VSync and Triple Buffering.

Add the *.exe for your game and keep VSync off (if VSync is off TB will be automatically off) and force it off in your graphics control panel as well.

Thanks.

Thanks, if Nirth suggestion doesn't work I might just do that.