FPS drops, in sync with CPU usage drops.

tribalbaboon

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Sep 21, 2014
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4,510
While playing almost any game, my fps will tank periodically- for example, while playing CS:GO I'll hold 190 fps, and then every 10 seconds or so I'll have 5 seconds of 30fps.
I found that the CPU usage (in task manager) would drop in sync with the frames.

Here's my build:
2 monitors 1920*1080
GTX770 2GB
AMD FX 8350 8-Core
16GB RAM
2x 1TB HDD
600w PSU

What I have tried:
Installing more RAM
New CPU cooler (Cooler master 212)
Unparking cores
Using a duster to clean out the heatsinks of the GPU and CPU
Removing one monitor from the build
Clearing out some of the shit in my main HDD (the new one was added after I started experiencing this problem)
New case fan
Disabling firewall and defender

What I Intend to try next:
New thermal paste (needs replacing anyway)
Clean wipe of the whole thing and reinstalling windows (would rather not)
Buying a new graphics card with more VRAM (would rather be sure it'll actually help, since it's expensive)

Thank you for any help you can offer.
Here's a screenshot of my temperatures and cpu usage while playing counterstrike: https://gyazo.com/5fc9dd4f0ab210744e637b8d32fc67d7
 

tribalbaboon

Reputable
Sep 21, 2014
12
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4,510


I'll run Prime95 now. What would you recommend for GPU testing? I have msi Kombustor. Would a GPU burn-in test be ok?

 

tribalbaboon

Reputable
Sep 21, 2014
12
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4,510
I used Kombustor's benchmark tool and got an average of 229 fps and didn't see any CPU drops at all. The GPU Burn-in had it at 99% load and 120 fps but still nothing from the CPU,

When I ran prime95 on the mode that tested the most CPU and least RAM, I got a completely flat line for about 30 seconds on 95% usage, then I got very clear drops periodically: https://gyazo.com/415c39b35641b2172c3ba35033927043 ---- https://gyazo.com/d2aab0f71d224bd3618450584fdb8fe9

What now? The problem is quite clearly the CPU, but I replaced the cooler about 5 months ago and cleaned it out last month. It started throttling at around 65 degrees, which is where I usually hit while I'm playing games.
**please note: this is a fairly new CPU, I had the fx8320 but it died because the stock cooler didn't work and it fried itself.

Should I replace the cooler again when I swap out the thermal paste? Also, is it bad for me to run the computer with the side of the case off? I like to watch my fans spin, but is it possible that the case being open causes airflow problems?
Thanks for your help :)