Struggling to find the weak link in my build!

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callisto34

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Dec 10, 2015
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Hey guys, I'm nearing my wits end with my computer lately. I built it originally in 2012 with a budget of about $800, and have since replaced the GPU and PSU, but am still not getting the performance out of it I think I should be. I use it primarily for gaming, most recently for playing the Overwatch Beta where I most noticeably saw a huge discrepancy in what I would expect out of my current gaming rig, especially compared to friends that had considerably better performance with similar builds. Getting an inconsistent 40fps in Medium settings feels really awful for the amount of money I have put in. =\

So here's the info I have, if I left anything out please let me know, I'm just really hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

Mobo: ASRock Z75 Pro3
CPU: i5-3450 @ 3.10GHz
8GB DDR3 RAM
GPU: ASUS GeForce GTX 970
 
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callisto34

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Dec 10, 2015
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So I just downloaded HWMonitor, and took a screenshot of the output it gave me. Just glancing at these and a quick google search, are my CPU temps too high? http://imgur.com/BheJfki
 
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Karadjgne

Karadjgne

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Whoa. Yep. That's the problem in a nutshell if those core temps are accurate. The cpu is throttling like crazy. What cpu cooler? What paste? Did you remove the clear plastic protective film from the base of the cooler? Is it installed correctly? Is the fan even spinning?

And the gpu clocks are crazy low too. Should be 1050/7000 or better for a gtx970
 
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callisto34

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Dec 10, 2015
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Welp, I feel kind of dumb. I haven't installed another fan or CPU cooler, just the built in one that came with the CPU when I bought it. Any suggestions? I'm really bad at this stuff apparently. =\

Also, what should I do about the GPU clocks being that low? I really am out of my element when it comes to this stuff...
 
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nikoli707

nikoli707

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Jan 4, 2012
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callisto34

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Dec 10, 2015
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Is this any better? http://imgur.com/bD9wcc9

I followed your steps, I'm entirely amazed you were able to figure that out with how little information I gave you, haha.
 
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logainofhades

logainofhades

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Agreed on the CPU temps. I believe some graphics turn down their clocks, much like speed step, when not being utilized very much.
 
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Karadjgne

Karadjgne

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It's not anything you'll need to purchase. It's something that you need to learn. Cpu coolers have a job to do, but they do require specific circumstances in order to do it right.

When coolers are packaged (stock and some aftermarket) there is pre-applied paste on the cooler base. This is protected from damage by a clear plastic strip. This strip needs to be removed during installation. In order to prevent bunching of the paste, the cpu cooler is tightened in a X pattern until stops or you hear the 'click' from the push pins.

Failure to install the cooler correctly can and will result in high temps, and/or damage to the cpu.
 
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callisto34

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Dec 10, 2015
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Ok, so I just checked the fan/CPU. the paste was pretty clumped up, but I didn't see any plastic strip or anything like that. Should I invest in new thermal paste? A new fan/cooler? If I go about replacing the thermal paste, how do I go about scraping off the previous?
 
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