Hi, I'm running fallout 4 just fine, but I have a question:

Using default .ini launcher settings (low, no mods) I get locked at 30 fps at 1280x800. (Running around Concord.)

Using default .ini launcher settings (low, no mods) I get ~45-55 fps at 1440x900. (Running around Concord.)

Until I go into various interior buildings the game performs and feels better at the higher resolution. Also note that I experience much longer load times at the lower resolution when coming out of these interior locations.

The mouse is much more responsive at the higher resolution, I assume because of the higher framerate.

Why am I locked at 30 fps at the lower resolution but not the higher resolution?

Is there some programmed issue in the game engine that is causing these descrepencies?

Can I change the locked fps in the lower resolution to 60 fps instead of 30 fps?

*Note I'm running a Geforce 450 GTS, 1GB VRAM. 6GB system RAM. Intel Quad Core Q6700 2.66Ghz CPU. Windows 10-64bit.

Thanks,

Shortwind

Could be your desktop/monitor limiting refresh rate, because it doesn't support higher refresh rate at 1080p resolution. That's why you have higher framerate/refresh rate at higher resolution.

Likely the cause. On my big TV, GTA V at 1440p is locked to 30fps/30hz. 1080 and 4k it isn't.

This could be an issue with Vsync.
What happens is that with Vsync enabled, you get 60 FPS (if your rig can maintain it).
If not, you don't get 59 or 58 FPS...
Your frames per second will fall right to 30 FPS.
IOW they will not increase above 30 FPS unless 60 FPS can be maintained!

I would first setup my nVidia Control Panel for all maximum high performance (from within Windows).
Use the global settings master slider first - it's a good starting point - and you can then go in individually, line by line, and milk even more performance from the individual settings.
Disable any and all AA from within the Control Panel, and (last line) disable Vsync.
nVidia Variable Vsync is fantastic, assuming your rig can reach 60 FPS!
At which point it would automatically engage Vsync.

As for why you appear to be getting more FPS from the higher resolution?
The native resolution of your monitor will always be the fastest.
If you select a lower resolution, the image must be interpolated and scanned down...
Which (depending on your resources) might be slower than the higher, but native, resolution.