Possible bug and/or system/network issue - posting here first.

POE has always had the occasional random server disconnect—typically a weekly or monthly annoyance rather than something frequent. However, over the past month or so, I’ve been experiencing severe stuttering, especially during large, flashy, FX-intensive fights. The client either freezes or slows down significantly, followed by a strobing pattern of movement: move, stop, move, stop.

I’ve checked Windows performance monitoring across my three monitors and haven’t seen any obvious network issues. My PC is connected via gigabit Ethernet to my router, which is successfully linked to my ISP (Charter). No signs of slowdown, latency, or packet loss locally. Of course, routing from my home to GGG’s servers is another story—and I don’t have visibility into that.

Could this be a networking issue, like lockstep mechanics reacting to delayed or lost packets? Or does it sound more like something else?

I’ve also checked the in-client F1 performance overlay but didn’t notice anything unusual—though I may not be interpreting it correctly.

Additionally, I’ve been using the new Steam Overlay to monitor CPU/GPU utilization and thermals. POE 1 can push both my CPU and GPU to high usage (GPU even hitting 100%), but temps stay around 65–70°C, well below rated safe limits (7950X3D ≤85°C, 7900XTX ≤85°C). This makes me think it’s not a thermal issue, especially since I don’t experience similar behavior in other games.

Interestingly, the issue seems to occur more often between midnight and 2 AM pacific. That could be coincidental, as I tend to play during those hours—but I figured I’d mention it.

Any helpful thoughts, ideas on root cause, or suggestions for further investigation and resolution would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

EB