- Nov 9, 2016
- 2
- 0
- 1,510
Hello,
The background
I've been playing mainly WoW and Overwatch with all settings set to maximum for a good moment with no performance issue at all. Two weeks ago, my power supply died, which I replaced. Unfortunately, when I restarted my computer I had an error message preventing me to start Windows causing me to format my main drive (SSD) (actually I also formatted my secondary drive (HDD)) and install a fresh copy of Windows 7. I installed the most up to date drivers for all devices and everything works fine... except when playing games.
The problem
Overwatch is installed on my SSD. I notice a significant amount of stutter in the game, to the point where I had to stop playing because it was not enjoyable / almost unplayable. The game lists an FPS ranging from 45 to 60 with all settings at maximum and a ping of 45-55ms, which I hear is not exceptional but should not cause major concern.
World of Warcraft is installed on my HDD. This game plays smoothly, however from time to time the game lags for a good 2-4 seconds, which is demonstrated by actions not causing a reaction but the game still otherwise looking like it's working.
The analysis
I've been looking everywhere to find where I was wrong. I double-checked every logical driver (network adapter, GPU, CPU, mobo). I downloaded Real Temp GT 3.70 only to discover that my CPU temp was at a whopping 90-98C. I fixed this by installing a CoolerMaster 212 Evo and applying Arctic Silver thermal paste. This resulted in a drop to 38-45C (light browsing, some applications open but no intense processing). GPU is sitting at 40-44C.
As you'll see from my build, I have plenty of RAM (although I did have to take a 1x4Gb RAM out to correctly install the heatsink and fan of the 212 Evo cooling system). I have tried switching to another router, using a cabled connection to the router, etc. No change at all. It's also worth noting that I nobody else in the family has complained of similar issues and we are two gamers (other gamer playing FF XIV).
Finally, I listed the different installation (SSD vs HDD) of WoW and Overwatch as this would almost rule out the possibility of a faulty drive (unless they are both ruined due to the previous faulty PSU or due to me being careless and destroying them unknowingly).
The build
EVGA GeForce GTX 570 HD 1280MB GDDR5 PCIe
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64Bit DVD OEM
NZXT Tempest Blk ATX Mid Tower Case
OCZ Technology Vertex2 120GB SATA II 2.5 SSD
Corsair Vengeance 12GB PC12800 DDR3 1600MHz 3x4
Seagate 1TB Serial ATA HD 7200/32MB/SATA-6G
Logitech Keyboard K120
Razer Death Adder 3500 3.5G Infrared Gaming Mouse
Sony Optiarc 24X DVDRW SATA OEM
D-Link DWA-160 Wifi Receiver
Gigabyte Z68A-D3H-B3 Intel Z68 LGA1155 MB
Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3Ghz Unlocked LGA1155 CPU
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120 mm PWM Fan
Running on Windows 7 Ultimate with all updates done.
No overclocking of any sort was ever done on this computer.
All parts (except for PSU and wifi receiver) were purchased in early 2012, the wifi receiver was purchased in 2015 and the PSU obviously was purchased two weeks ago.
The question
What would be the following course of action to identify the issue that I have here ?
Please do not hesitate if I have not provided enough information to correct me. I will edit this post.
Best,
The background
I've been playing mainly WoW and Overwatch with all settings set to maximum for a good moment with no performance issue at all. Two weeks ago, my power supply died, which I replaced. Unfortunately, when I restarted my computer I had an error message preventing me to start Windows causing me to format my main drive (SSD) (actually I also formatted my secondary drive (HDD)) and install a fresh copy of Windows 7. I installed the most up to date drivers for all devices and everything works fine... except when playing games.
The problem
Overwatch is installed on my SSD. I notice a significant amount of stutter in the game, to the point where I had to stop playing because it was not enjoyable / almost unplayable. The game lists an FPS ranging from 45 to 60 with all settings at maximum and a ping of 45-55ms, which I hear is not exceptional but should not cause major concern.
World of Warcraft is installed on my HDD. This game plays smoothly, however from time to time the game lags for a good 2-4 seconds, which is demonstrated by actions not causing a reaction but the game still otherwise looking like it's working.
The analysis
I've been looking everywhere to find where I was wrong. I double-checked every logical driver (network adapter, GPU, CPU, mobo). I downloaded Real Temp GT 3.70 only to discover that my CPU temp was at a whopping 90-98C. I fixed this by installing a CoolerMaster 212 Evo and applying Arctic Silver thermal paste. This resulted in a drop to 38-45C (light browsing, some applications open but no intense processing). GPU is sitting at 40-44C.
As you'll see from my build, I have plenty of RAM (although I did have to take a 1x4Gb RAM out to correctly install the heatsink and fan of the 212 Evo cooling system). I have tried switching to another router, using a cabled connection to the router, etc. No change at all. It's also worth noting that I nobody else in the family has complained of similar issues and we are two gamers (other gamer playing FF XIV).
Finally, I listed the different installation (SSD vs HDD) of WoW and Overwatch as this would almost rule out the possibility of a faulty drive (unless they are both ruined due to the previous faulty PSU or due to me being careless and destroying them unknowingly).
The build
EVGA GeForce GTX 570 HD 1280MB GDDR5 PCIe
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64Bit DVD OEM
NZXT Tempest Blk ATX Mid Tower Case
OCZ Technology Vertex2 120GB SATA II 2.5 SSD
Corsair Vengeance 12GB PC12800 DDR3 1600MHz 3x4
Seagate 1TB Serial ATA HD 7200/32MB/SATA-6G
Logitech Keyboard K120
Razer Death Adder 3500 3.5G Infrared Gaming Mouse
Sony Optiarc 24X DVDRW SATA OEM
D-Link DWA-160 Wifi Receiver
Gigabyte Z68A-D3H-B3 Intel Z68 LGA1155 MB
Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3Ghz Unlocked LGA1155 CPU
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120 mm PWM Fan
Running on Windows 7 Ultimate with all updates done.
No overclocking of any sort was ever done on this computer.
All parts (except for PSU and wifi receiver) were purchased in early 2012, the wifi receiver was purchased in 2015 and the PSU obviously was purchased two weeks ago.
The question
What would be the following course of action to identify the issue that I have here ?
Please do not hesitate if I have not provided enough information to correct me. I will edit this post.
Best,
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