performance challenges Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 22, 2025

How Mindbody improved query latency and optimized costs using Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL Optimized Reads

Mindbody utilizes a cloud-based platform for the fitness and wellness industry, offering services such as client booking, scheduling, payments, marketing, and analytics. Their email marketing platform is built on an Aurora PostgreSQL cluster, currently at version 13.8, with a size of approximately 17 TB and a workload distribution of 80% reads and 20% writes. Mindbody faced scaling and performance challenges due to architectural limitations and increasing data demands, leading to all workloads being directed to the writer node. The average BufferCacheHitRatio was below 80%, indicating frequent disk access rather than cache hits, contributing to higher query latencies and I/O costs. To address these issues, Mindbody adopted Aurora Optimized Reads, which enhances caching capacity and improves latency and throughput for I/O-intensive workloads. Transitioning required upgrading the database cluster to version 14.9 or higher, and extensive testing was conducted in a proof-of-concept environment. The upgrade process involved a blue/green deployment strategy to minimize production disruption. After implementing Aurora Optimized Reads, Mindbody experienced significant performance improvements, including a 50% reduction in average daily CPU utilization and a 90% reduction in ReadIOPS. The AuroraOptimizedReadsCacheHitRatio indicated that 85% of read requests were served from the optimized cache. Cost analysis revealed a 23% reduction in monthly Aurora costs post-transition, with potential for further savings by downsizing instances.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

New Next-Gen GTA Online Update For PC Release Date Confirmed By Rockstar

Rockstar Games has announced that the next-gen update of GTA V and GTA Online for PC will be released on March 4th. This update will be free for existing owners of GTA V on PC and includes enhancements such as new vehicles, upgraded graphics, ray tracing capabilities, and faster loading times. Players will also be able to transfer their Story Mode and GTA Online progress. The update features new vehicles, including the Coil Cyclone II and Imponte Arbiter GT, and requires specific hardware for optimal performance. Ongoing support for the original version of GTA V and GTA Online will continue, allowing players with lower-spec systems to receive updates.

Tech Optimizer

December 12, 2024

Quest Software Accelerates PostgreSQL Adoption with New Monitoring and Migration Solutions

Quest Software has introduced two updates to enhance PostgreSQL adoption: 1. Foglight® with the Performance Investigator for PostgreSQL add-on, which provides database observability and advanced workload analysis to improve performance monitoring. 2. SharePlex®, a data replication and migration tool that now supports synchronization among PostgreSQL 17.0, Oracle 23ai, MariaDB 11.4.2, Google AlloyDB, and Google AlloyDB Omni, facilitating smooth data migrations and real-time synchronization. These solutions aim to optimize PostgreSQL performance, reduce migration risks, and support organizations in leveraging modern database platforms effectively.

Tech Optimizer

December 12, 2024

New Quest Software updates help accelerate enterprise adoption of PostgreSQL

Quest Software Inc. has released two updates to support the adoption of PostgreSQL. The first update, Foglight with the Performance Investigator for PostgreSQL add-on, enhances database observability and performance optimization, allowing administrators to analyze workloads, identify inefficient queries, and resolve resource issues. Foglight provides a unified view across multiple database environments, essential for managing complex multicloud or hybrid landscapes. The second update, SharePlex, offers robust data replication and migration capabilities for PostgreSQL 17.0, Oracle 23ai, MariaDB 11.4.2, and Google AlloyDB, ensuring real-time data synchronization and minimizing disruption during migrations. SharePlex includes "Compare and Repair" features to address data discrepancies and allows parallel operation of legacy systems with PostgreSQL for phased transitions. Quest Software has been owned by private equity firm Clearlake since 2021.

AppWizard

December 9, 2024

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a PC killer — in the best way

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is developed by MachineGames using a modified version of the id Tech 7 engine, known as Motor, which provides impressive visuals and performance despite minor issues typical of modern PC releases. The game is noted for its smooth performance, with minimal stuttering and slight frame time spikes during auto-saves, attributed to id Tech 7's architecture that distributes tasks across multiple cores and uses Vulkan for enhanced performance. However, during cutscenes, the game locks at 60 frames per second, potentially leading to sluggish animations when the CPU is heavily taxed. Players using 8GB graphics cards, such as the RTX 4060 Ti, may experience performance challenges due to VRAM limitations, particularly in larger game areas. MachineGames has released a patch to improve performance for these users and suggests adjusting texture and shadow settings to enhance the experience. The game employs ray-traced global illumination (RTGI) and offers path tracing options, though the differences may be subtle. As an Nvidia-sponsored title, it is optimized for Nvidia's DLSS 3 technology, with plans to introduce FSR support in a future update to benefit players using non-Nvidia GPUs.

AppWizard

December 6, 2024

Mandatory ray tracing makes Indiana Jones and the Great Circle pretty yet brutal, like Indy himself

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the first game to require hardware-based ray tracing, necessitating GeForce RTX or newer AMD graphics cards for optimal performance. The game has high system requirements, including substantial SSD storage and elevated RAM needs. Testing revealed that older GPUs like the GTX 1070 and GTX 1080 Ti cannot run the game due to a lack of ray tracing hardware. The Intel Arc A750 achieved an average of 67fps at 1080p on Low settings, while the RTX 4060 averaged 63fps at Ultra settings but dropped to 39fps on Very Ultra. The RTX 3070 managed 40fps at 1440p with DLSS enabled but struggled with higher settings. Upgrading to an RTX 4070 Ti improved performance to 70fps at 1440p in Supreme mode. The game features rich lighting effects and intricate environmental details, but the necessity for hardware-based ray tracing raises questions about accessibility. DLSS provides some performance relief but is exclusive to Nvidia GPUs, leaving Intel and AMD users with limited options. An update on December 9th is expected to introduce full ray tracing and Ray Reconstruction. Players with mid-range or lower-end systems are advised to adjust settings for better performance, with specific recommendations provided. Non-RTX graphics card users face challenges due to the lack of major upscalers.

Winsage

November 24, 2024

Microsoft pauses Windows 11 updates for PCs with some Ubisoft games installed

Microsoft has paused updates for Windows 11 version 24H2 on systems with specific Ubisoft titles installed due to user complaints about crashes in games like Star Wars Outlaws and various Assassin’s Creed entries. Microsoft is collaborating with Ubisoft to find a solution and advises against manually installing the update. Users may experience unresponsiveness or black screens in affected games, which include Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Assassin’s Creed Origins, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Ubisoft has released a temporary hotfix for Star Wars Outlaws, but performance issues may still occur.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Baldur’s Gate 3 on PS5 Is Essentially The Same As PC Version’s Ultra Settings

Eurogamer confirmed that the graphical settings on the PS5 for Baldur's Gate 3 are comparable to those of a high-end PC running the game on Ultra settings. The game has received numerous updates for performance improvement on PC, and it operates smoothly in Act Three, despite some shared issues between platforms. The game supports both keyboard and mouse controls as well as controllers on PS5 and PC, though the interface may become complex as players progress. The PS5 version runs natively at 1440p without dynamic resolution adjustments and offers two image quality options: Quality mode targets 30fps and Performance mode aims for 60fps, achieving this in most scenarios but experiencing performance dips in densely populated areas. Screen tearing occurs when frame rates drop below 60fps. Despite performance challenges, Baldur's Gate 3 has been well-received on the PS5.

AppWizard

November 2, 2024

As Monster Hunter Wilds PC players fight horrible polygons and struggle to hit 60 FPS, Capcom says the game is “already in a more improved state compared to the beta”

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is currently available on all platforms, but some PC players are experiencing performance issues, including graphical glitches and framerate struggles. These issues are attributed to bugs rather than fundamental performance problems, and Capcom has provided troubleshooting options for players. Recommendations include adding the game to anti-virus exceptions, granting administrative privileges, updating drivers, and verifying the game's Steam cache. Specific advice for stability issues includes deleting shader cache files and enabling 'GPU scheduling.' Players using NVIDIA DLSS should be cautious with changing the Upscaling Mode to avoid increased VRAM usage. Reports indicate that achieving or maintaining 60 FPS at 1080p or 1440p is challenging for users with outdated hardware, while stable performance is noted among those with RTX 3080 or 4070 GPUs. The game relies heavily on frame generation and upscaling, and CPU performance may also impact gameplay. Historical context shows that previous Monster Hunter titles faced similar performance challenges at launch but improved over time. A second beta test is expected in December or January, and players are encouraged to provide feedback and adjust graphics settings.

AppWizard

October 17, 2024

After Stalker 2 on Xbox Series S felt “impossible,” GSC now thinks any game can reach the console’s memory limits, and PC version is more optimized

Previews for Stalker 2 have started, with interviews revealing the challenges of adapting the game for the Xbox Series S. Initially, developers doubted the feasibility of the adaptation due to the game's complexity but found success through optimization and advanced streaming features from Unreal Engine. They believe any game can meet the Xbox Series S' memory limits with sufficient optimization. The team aims for a steady 30 FPS on the Xbox Series S, with potential for 60 FPS in certain scenarios. The discussion around the Xbox Series S has been mixed among developers, but GSC World maintains an optimistic view, highlighting the appeal of Stalker 2 on a more affordable console.