Beleive my GPU is Underperforming. Any way to know for sure?

Anzeroth · May 11, 2016

I have a GTX 760, which I have been using for over a year now on a Desktop PC.

About a month ago, I opened up my PC and removed the GPU, MOBO etc. to install an AMD 8350 and CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO. I know that normally there is no reason to remove the MOBO or the GPU, but unfortunately the way the case was built I could not install the CPU Cooler without removing the MOBO.

Anyways, ever since I have noticed a severe underperformance of my GTX 760. I have no concrete data to back my claim up, but I have the impression that games that I used to get a solid 60fps, now I almost never manage to reach that and I get horrible stuttering and FPS drops constantly.

I checked to ensure that everything was plugged in the correct places and that I had not screwed up when upgrading (although, its looking ever more likely that this is the case). Is there any way to test my GPU through somekind of software to confirm whether its underperforming or not?

Thank you in advance.

maxalge · May 11, 2016

Anzeroth :

run a benchmark like 3dmark or valley they are free and will give you a good estimate on where you stand

sounds like an improperly mounted cpu cooler though

install msi afterburner and turn on cpu/gpu temp monitoring in the OSD

what are your max temps while gaming?

Anzeroth · May 11, 2016

maxalge :

Will do that and get back to you.

Are there some standard scores that I will be able to compare to mine once I run 3dmark/valley?

Wil let you know about the temps as well.

maxalge · May 11, 2016

Anzeroth :

there are huge amounts of scores with comparable systems to yours to measure

just make sure you use extreme hd preset in valley

good luck

RobCrezz · May 11, 2016

I would check your cpu temps as a first check as its possible the new cooler isnt making good contact causing it to throttle performance.

dudeman509 · May 11, 2016

RobCrezz :

^^^This. Sudden performance hit after installing a new CPU cooler sounds like either CPU or motherboard VRM throttling.

Anzeroth · May 12, 2016

Ok, so I did everything that was pointed out here. Thank you for that.

These are my Valley results with the Extreme HD Preset. Whilst gaming my cpu temps did not rise above 58C, so I don't think the CPU cooler is at fault, but let me know if otherwise.
However, what I did notice were two things: during the benchmark I heard my PC making a sputtering sound for 1 second before loading a graphically-demanding scene, dropping my FPS to ~8 and going back to 30 shortly after. I cannot be sure whether its the GPU or the CPU, or the PSU for that matter. However, what I tested and am sure of, is that its not the GPU or CPU fans.

Whilst gaming to check my CPU temps, I also graphed my GPU usage, which was dipping high and low all over the charts (here).

What does this mean? Any further help would be appreciated

RobCrezz · May 12, 2016

Can you show your CPU Clock speed, core temps etc also? The low GPU usage is symptom of CPU bottleneck, usually caused by thermal throttling. The fact that this started with you fitting a new cpu cooler seems like too much of a coincidence.

Can you list your full specs too? What motherboard etc?

Anzeroth · May 12, 2016

RobCrezz :

CPU: AMD fx-8350
GPU: Nvidia GTX 760 MSI
MOBO: ASUSTek Computer INC. M5A78L-M/USB3 (AM3R2)
RAM: 2x4GB DDR3 @ 803MHz
PSU: Corsair CP-9020015-UK Builder Series CX750 ATX/EPS 80 PLUS 750W

And here is the rest

RobCrezz · May 12, 2016

Install AMD Overdrive, and look at the CPU status after running a game for a while and check the Thermal margins.

Anzeroth · May 12, 2016

So after some time testing:

I played two games for two hours each with AMD open to monitor the thermal margins. On one game the temperature never went above 20C, with an average of 18, whilst on the other game, it went as high as 23C, with an average of 22C.

Does that mean anything?

maxalge · May 13, 2016

Anzeroth :

Ok, so I did everything that was pointed out here. Thank you for that.

These are my Valley results with the Extreme HD Preset. Whilst gaming my cpu temps did not rise above 58C, so I don't think the CPU cooler is at fault, but let me know if otherwise.
However, what I did notice were two things: during the benchmark I heard my PC making a sputtering sound for 1 second before loading a graphically-demanding scene, dropping my FPS to ~8 and going back to 30 shortly after. I cannot be sure whether its the GPU or the CPU, or the PSU for that matter. However, what I tested and am sure of, is that its not the GPU or CPU fans.

Whilst gaming to check my CPU temps, I also graphed my GPU usage, which was dipping high and low all over the charts (here).

What does this mean? Any further help would be appreciated

i'm curious

run the health tool of your hard drive manufacturer

could be your hard drive is going

Thomas_115 · May 13, 2016

Anzeroth :

There is a software named Furmark. It really burns up your graphic card to its max level and test all components also done stress test. I have used this tool myself. Just download and select your card. Select full load from the options and run the test. It will show you FPS and temperature and resolution so you will be satisfied that everything is fine.
from here you can download it http://www.ozone3d.net/benchmarks/fur/

Anzeroth · May 13, 2016

Thomas_115 :

I have already used Fumark in the past and managed to pass the tests. Does that mean that the problem doesn't have to do with my GPU?

Thomas_115 · May 13, 2016

Anzeroth :

If Furmark says your card is ok then the problem is not in the GPU I think. Have you consider checking the Storage Drive?

Anzeroth · May 13, 2016

I will perform some tests on the storage drive and see if that's what causing the issue.
Thank you all for the suggestions, I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Anzeroth · May 15, 2016

So, I'm back.
I performed S.M.A.R.T Tests on all of my drivers, including the one I store my games in and the SSD that Windows is installed on. All of my drives passed the tests.

I guess that rules out the drives as the cause of my problem. What else should I do?

Thomas_115 · May 16, 2016

I say remove the cooler you installed earlier and then assemble everything back and do clean dust from them then try. Might give this a shot.

Beleive my GPU is Underperforming. Any way to know for sure?

Commendable

Champion

Commendable

Champion

Expert

Dignified

Commendable

Expert

Commendable

Expert

Commendable

Champion

Commendable

Commendable

Commendable

Commendable

Commendable

Commendable

Share this page