High-end computer struggling to run games?

phonts

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Aug 31, 2013
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10,510
I've been attempting to run games such as Saints Row 2, Final Fantasy 14: Realm Reborn and Guild Wars 2 and my graphics are always very unstable.

I can't run any of these games on maximum even though my system specs should allow me to.

Even running these games on semi-high settings gives me unstable frames between 30-50.

Specs:

GeForce GTX 670

i-5 3570k @ 3.4ghz

8 GB RAM

750W PSU

Windows 7 64-bit Home Edition


I've tried fresh installing Windows 7 and updating the graphics driver to the newest beta driver and I'm still seeing a performance loss on these games.

Checking my temperatures with SpeedFan, everything seems fine. My GPU sits around 35-40C on max fan speed and my CPU sits around 40 as well.

What is some basic troubleshooting I can do to test if something is bottlenecking my computer?

 
What you can do is to load one of the games and play it on your regular settings and note the average FPS. The overclock your CPU to about 4ghz or 4.2ghz which ever your comfortable with and run the same game and note the average FPS and see if there is a difference, it will tell you is the CPU is bottlenecking the video card.

You also can't rule out that the video card may be defective and not performing up to the best performance for that model.
 

phonts

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Aug 31, 2013
15
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10,510
So after running the OCCT tests, I have some results.

My GPU seems to run at 1.037V on idle and 1.1750V under load with a temperature of about 65C using the EVGA Precision tool to auto-maintain my fans.


My CPU on the otherhand is a bit weird. The voltages seem to be very jumpy while idle, fluctuating between values of .952V and 1.032V with a handful of values inbetween.

While it's underload, it goes back and forth between 1.104V and 1.112V.

Another odd thing I've found is that while running the OCCT stress test, GPU-Z would have a value under "Perfcap Reason" and it listed "Pwr" which I'm assuming is power.

Does that mean that my PSU is bottlenecking my entire build?

Here's some screenshots of the OCCT tests.


GPU: http://i.imgur.com/OdPbaoh.jpg

CPU: http://i.imgur.com/LSlJSYp.png


Thank you for taking the time to look over the problem I'm having and helping me find a solution.

ALSO, regarding the GPU test screenshot, it shows my FPS to be in the 30s. I actually maintain a solid 60 FPS. It just shows a reduced number I'm assuming from having the GPU-Z window brought over it.

AND, one more piece of information! The CPU test screenshot is a bit poor. My CPU cores were hitting around 65-70C on a full load. The screenshot only shows between 55-60.
 
Cou-z is not a very accurate program to use for temps , Real Temp is a much better program for that. The voltages will fluctuate while the CPU is on and the fluctuations are very small, same with the GPU.
You want to see if the CPU is at 100% while the video card is at 60% or so to see if the CPU is bottlenecking the GPU.
 

phonts

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Aug 31, 2013
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10,510


Well I was getting the temperatures mainly from OCCT.

What sort of stress test could I use to find out if the CPU is bottlenecking? Do CPU benchmarks effect the video card as well?
 

phonts

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Aug 31, 2013
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10,510


And I can check the voltage variations on OCCT?

Also, is 65-70C on my cores really bad under 100% stress?
 
Under 100% stress those temps are not bad at all because when using the computer there isn't anything besides a stress test that will give the CPU 100% stress so you won't reach those temps. There may be some very stress oriented software that could get the CPU up there but for the every day user those programs will not be a normal occurance.
 

phonts

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Aug 31, 2013
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10,510


So to clear up confusion, I'll be able to find out if my CPU is bottlenecking my GPU through a stress test? I'm not sure which stress test to really use or appropriate programs to use to check those. I have CPU-Z, GPU-Z, EVGA Precision and that OCCT benchmark.
 

phonts

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Aug 31, 2013
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10,510


I was referring to your response earlier up in the thread.

"You want to see if the CPU is at 100% while the video card is at 60% or so to see if the CPU is bottlenecking the GPU."
 

phonts

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Aug 31, 2013
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10,510


I changed the power management mode to "Prefer Maximum Performance". Was this what you were referring to?
 

phonts

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Aug 31, 2013
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10,510


I'm sorry, I don't see it.

http://i.imgur.com/Ggzk79X.png