Some Games Running Slowly, Others No Problem -- CPU Issue?

5678bam

Honorable
Jun 2, 2016
7
0
10,510
Hey, so I recently just upgraded my CPU fan to the CoolerMaster 212 EVO, and since I upgraded, games such as Overwatch and League of Legends have been running at unplayable FPS's whereas I got around 200fps on League before, but on Skyrim, I noticed that I don't get FPS lag at all. Also, I did a 3DMark test and I got a "passable" score, but it also says I was getting 20-30fps there, too. So basically I'm really lost. According to OpenHardwareMonitor, my temperatures should be good, but maybe that's wrong? I can still move the heatsink if I tried to, like rotate it left and right, is that normal? I honestly have no idea what I could be missing here...
My CPU is an AMD Phenom II X4 940 Processor. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: I should also add that no matter what the settings I have on League of Legends, I get a solid 20-30fps. 20-30fps on max settings with AA, and 20-30fps on the worst settings no AA, so that just doubles down on how confused I am about this
 
Solution
I presume you were previously using the stock cooler and you probably use a cheap motherboard that requires VRM cooling. Unfortunately a 212 Evo doesn't cool it and when it gets too hot, it throttles the CPU to protect itself.

5678bam

Honorable
Jun 2, 2016
7
0
10,510


I was actually using a zalman zf1125bth cooler, but the fan stopped working and it was really old and dusty and just gross in general so I switched. Can you go into more depth on what VRM cooling is and how I'd know if my motherboard needs it?
 
It's fine if you understand the risks. If the cooler is installed correctly and the ambient temperature is normal, I doubt the CPU is throttling itself; are you sure the VRM isn't getting too hot? If your motherboard has a 4+1 phase VRM, then a MOSFET may eventually fry.