Since installing GTX 670 my computer starts up really slow

Antoni · Apr 1, 2013

i5 3570k
8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600Mhz 9-9-9-24
ASRock Z77 Pro4

I was running off that for three months, boot-up and speed of the system was very fast, I wasn't gaming just browsing, media, general use. I installed my MSI GTX 670 Power Edition in late January, install the nVidia drivers/updates, and my computers boot-up speed is a LOT slower, considerably slower, not even just double, a lot slower. About 3x slower at least, more even.

I was happily playing GTA IV on complete maxed out setting at 1080p, literally all the draw distances at 100, every type of quality on the highest setting possible. I was getting about 55-65 FPS. About a month ago I just had a feeling the gameplay was going much slower than before, it wasn't moving so instantly as if it was real life like before. I installed Fraps, and it was about 55 FPS max and at a lot of points dropping down to 35 FPS. I could swear at some points my game was going as slow as 25 FPS though...

I don't know if my problem is getting worse/the PC is getting even slower, I really don't know.

One possible reason could be the SATA cable doesn't exactly fit comfortably into the HDD, it looked like there was a little bit of strain on it from the angle. I'm wondering if maybe my HDD isn't connected right. I did adjust the cable when I installed the GTX 670, I don't think it made it better than before, maybe slightly worse.

Kindredsouls · Apr 1, 2013

Another thing you can check is your BIOs settings. I had a similar issue with my computer after I built it. I found the Intel HD 4000 graphics were still trying to run, even with my discrete GPU installed. Went into the BIOs and switched the primary GPU to the PCIe port, and turned off the Intel HD 4000 graphics.

Antoni · Apr 3, 2013

Alright I will check that sometime, but its not just the occasional lag in GTA IV/lower than normal framerates.

Why is my computer starting up CONSIDERABLY slower than before since installing my GPU?

Kindredsouls · Apr 3, 2013

Could be a driver compatibility issue with something else in your PC. Try making sure all your computers drivers are up to date.

There is always the possibility the GPU is failing too. Fortunately it would still be under warranty for you.

Antoni · Apr 3, 2013

What does the GPU have to do with the startup? I thought thats the hard disk and CPU.

Kindredsouls · Apr 3, 2013

When a computer goes through the start up process (also known as POST: Power-on Self Test) it communicates with each piece of hardware that's attached to the unit. That's what the POST process is. Windows goes through a similar process as well when it loads. If a piece of hardware is failing, or there is a driver conflict, that can delay the whole process. It can even cause it to crash.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-on_self-test

I've seen just about every type of hardware cause a computer to slow down or crash during the POST process. GPUs, CPUs, Hard drives, RAM, Sound cards, laptop batteries, and even a USB hub. That's why sometimes techs will say remove as many parts from your PC as possible. Then, one at a time reattach one and test out your computer. When a component isn't in a state of complete failure that maybe your only method of diagnosing a problem.

Antoni · Apr 5, 2013

One of the reasons I believe it is the hard disk is because one of the big things I notice is it takes MUCH longer for Intel Rapid Storage Technology to connect to my hard disk than before.

Kindredsouls · Apr 5, 2013

Try running a hard drive diagnostic on it then. All the major manufacturers have a free diagnostic utility you can run on their respective drive. Plus there more universal free ones as well, such as Drive Fitness Test, which is part of Ultimate Boot CD.

Antoni · May 16, 2013

My default BIOS GPU was my graphics card all along, I scanned my hard disk and it's fine, and all my drivers are up to date.

Antoni · May 16, 2013

Any ideas why?

Paul Raver · May 16, 2013

Antoni :

Could be dust in your rig, damn the dust bunny's!

Kindredsouls · May 17, 2013

I would suspect the GPU at this point. Whenever someone says they installed a new part and now they're having a slow down, or another xyz issue; then its usually that new part causing the problem. If you have another GPU try removing the current one and install the alternate one. If things go back to how they were then I believe you've found your culprit. Fortunately, if your GPU is causing the issue it should be under warranty.

I hope that helps and I wish you luck!

Antoni · May 17, 2013

Kindredsouls :

I only have my intel integrated graphics, would that work? And could I leave my GPU in while I try it with integrated, it would be a pain to take it out and leave it hanging around.

jdowdy10 · May 17, 2013

Why don't you go into BIOS and disable Intel Rapid Storage Technology?

Not really needed in my opinion unless you are running a RAID array.

jdowdy10 · May 17, 2013

Also, I know this is the case with my card (also an MSI card), that you have to have it flashed to a certain BIOS (the card's BIOS, not the motherboard) to be able to enable Fast Boot in Windows 8. Not sure what you are running, but it is worth looking up.

Check this out...

http://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=168419.0

Antoni · May 17, 2013

jdowdy10 :

I can do that too, I kept it on because I thought it was protecting my data being lost if my power cuts out? Well do I need to disable it in BIOS or can I just uninstall it from Windows?

jdowdy10 · May 17, 2013

Antoni :

Yes, disable it in BIOS. The Windows application you downloaded is just monitoring software.

If it is causing problems during POST, get rid of it. It is made to back up your data if you are running in RAID.

EDIT: Check post above as I've updated it.

Antoni · May 17, 2013

Ok I will get on that, I have windows 7 by the way so will I need that?

jdowdy10 · May 17, 2013

Antoni :

I don't really know as I haven't needed to install these BIOS versions. I would assume that under the "Boot" menu in BIOS you would have an option for Normal, Fast, and Very Fast with the last two being greyed out if your GPU can't do it.

I'm just assuming though. You'll have to do more research yourself.

Antoni · May 19, 2013

Kindredsouls :

I have just plugged my HDMI cable into my integrated and set integrated as primary GPU in the BIOS. Turned my PC on again, it's practically the same.

I will take the GPU out soon and see if it's a difference. Right now I have a bad feeling it's not the GPU but the power supply. I have a CM GX 650W Bronze.

Antoni · May 19, 2013

1) With this BIOS how do I use it? I download it and when I double click any of the .exe or the .bat file it says it only works for 32-bit operating systems, but it's the only available download: http://uk.msi.com/product/vga/N670-PE-2GD5-OC.html#Download

2) Can I use my PC while running HDD diagnostic?

3) Where should I put my GPU when I remove it? It's £300 lol, don't want it to get ruined.

Kindredsouls · May 20, 2013

I would recommend completely removing the GPU, not just shutting it off in the BIOS. It is possible the PSU is causing the issue. If you feel its PSU and not the GPU then try using a different PSU since you don't have another GPU to test with.

Kindredsouls · May 20, 2013

Antoni :

1) Not sure what you're trying to ask
2) Depends on the HDD diagnostic, but really I would just let it do its thing and leave your PC be
3) Put it back in its box, or some place safe? I don't know what your living environment is. It is safe to just set it on a desk, or in a drawer.

Antoni · May 21, 2013

What I mean is, that BIOS, how do I install it? Every .exe and .bat file when I double click it says it will only work on a windows 32-bit system. As you can see it's the only available download in the BIOS section though. Do I need to run it off a disc or something?

And about the GPU, what I'm basically worried about is what side do I put it down on, to prevent it getting damaged or anti-static. Should I put it back in the anti-static bag before the box? I heard they get a ton of static around them and shouldn't be used again after opened.

jdowdy10 · May 21, 2013

Antoni :

The VBIOS for your graphics card needs to be flashed from DOS. You can find instructions on how to do it in the forum I linked to earlier.

You can set the graphics card anywhere, but I would try to avoid carpet while uninstalling or moving with it. It will be fine. I do it all the time.

Since installing GTX 670 my computer starts up really slow

Honorable

Distinguished

Honorable

Distinguished

Honorable

Distinguished

Honorable

Distinguished

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Distinguished

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Distinguished

Distinguished

Honorable

Honorable

Share this page