CPU Clock Speed Drops Causing FPS Issues

Loops89

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Apr 30, 2017
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Hi all,

I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times, but I'm a complete newbie when it comes to internal workings of a PC! I bought a PC from Overclockers.co.uk not too long ago, and I'm having a bit of trouble in game (Dota 2) with fps drops. I've only just noticed while watching a game that the fps drops are linked with CPU clock speed drops. The system isn't overheating, and its not linked to a particularly "busy" moment in game with loads of particle effects etc. It happens quite predictably, every 1 min 45s for 10s. I haven't messed with any BIOS settings so it's still on factory defaults.

What information should I post to help you guys? Here are some pics of the CPU clock speed drops. http://tinypic.com/r/30m974g/9 http://tinypic.com/r/orkync/9

My system specs according to windows 10 System Information:
http://tinypic.com/r/c2b7o/9

My GPU:
http://tinypic.com/r/z3g1t/9

Thanks for any advice,
Ben
 
Solution
I suggest you create a new thread when you're ready. Provide a list of parts you need (CPU, motherboard and memory if peripherals are excluded) and your budget. Also indicate if you'll keep your GPU and if so, we need to know which one; if the main purpose of your system is gaming, then it's useless to buy a very powerful CPU for an entry level GPU unless you plan to upgrade it in the near future.

If you are satisfied with the performance of your FX-8320, then replacing the motherboard may be an acceptable solution. You can read Intel Kaby Lake and AMD Ryzen processors reviews, but take into account all hardware they use (usually a very powerful and expensive GPU to maximize FPS, etc.)

marko55

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Nov 29, 2015
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11,660
Could be software related. First, have you verified you're running the latest nVidia driver for your 960? Second, are you running any anti-virus software? If so, could be worth disabling it completely as a test and see if the problem re-occurs.
 
Hmm sounds typical of a low end motherboard and a 125w cpu. Many low end motherboards claim to support 125w CPU's but under prolonged use (gaming) the motherboard VRM's overheat and the motherboard throttles the CPU to reduce the load on the motherboard. Which exact motherboard do you have?
 

Loops89

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Apr 30, 2017
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Hi, I have got the latest nvidia drivers, and I only have windows defender and firewall, both of which are turned off and the problem still happens.


Hi! I have checked the cpu temperature whilst watching the CPU clock speed etc, the temperature holds steady at 51 degrees, then drops to 36 when the clock speed reduces. 51 isnt overheating enough to require a CPU throttle is it?
 

Loops89

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Apr 30, 2017
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Hiya, I can't seem to get memtest to work for some reason... Is there another way?



Hey, I have just played another game with AMD Overdrive open. The thermal margins drop to a minimum of about 33°C, but never below 0. This shows the Overdrive window at one of the cycle speed drops. As you can see, the Frequency has dropped to 1400MHz. After the same amount of time as before, it goes back up to 3500... http://tinypic.com/r/b5fj86/9

 
It looks like the CPU is well cooled; what cooler is installed? The VRM most likely has to throttle the CPU to protect itself because it gets too hot (to be expected with that motherboard, particularly if the CPU cooler is not a top-down style).

The system would crash if you had memory errors; you can test it with Windows memory diagnostics.
 


VRM's temperatures are different to CPU temperatures, the VRM's are the voltage regulators that supply the CPU. Unfortunately they don't have a temperature sensor on them. What motherboard do you have?
 

Loops89

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Apr 30, 2017
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I have no idea how to find out what cooler is installed? Is there a way besides taking the side off the PC and looking for some product name?


Hiya, Seems a shame that a not-quite 2 year old system cant play a mid-tier game like Dota 2? My motherboard is MSI 970A-G43 (MS-07693)
 
You have to open the case to see what cooler is installed; no software can provide that info. The motherboard supports your CPU, but it has to throttle it when it's working hard for long enough to overheat the VRM. There's a large number of inexpensive motherboards with that same issue; unfortunately buyers seldom are informed of the drawbacks.

To better understand the importance of keeping the VRM cool enough, read this (you can see how hot the VR coils can get): http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/amd-wraith-cpu-cooler,4450-2.html They used an FX-8370 on a much better motherboard than yours (MSI Gaming 970); the VRM on your motherboard is 4+1 phase with no heatsink while the 970 Gaming has more phases and a fairly large heatsink. Hopefully that will help you understand why you have a throttling issue.
 

Loops89

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Apr 30, 2017
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510


So seems to be that I have to put up with it until I can afford a new pc? Damn. What motherboard would you recommend, or something to look out for when I buy the next one, to avoid this same issue?

 
Hopefully you'll buy a CPU that draws power in the future. Will you replace the motherboard or buy a new system with an AMD Ryzen or an Intel Kaby Lake CPU (65W processors don't have the VRM issue because they draw a lot less power than your 125W FX processor)? There are good motherboards for your CPU, but it's worth replacing it only if you'll keep it for a few years. A better motherboard can resolve your issue, but it won't make that system really good for gaming.
 

Loops89

Prominent
Apr 30, 2017
7
0
510

I will probably save up for a new system, rather than mess around changing individual parts - Seems like a lot of hassle. What sort of price range would you suggest is a good benchmark for a gaming rig, excluding peripherals?
 
I suggest you create a new thread when you're ready. Provide a list of parts you need (CPU, motherboard and memory if peripherals are excluded) and your budget. Also indicate if you'll keep your GPU and if so, we need to know which one; if the main purpose of your system is gaming, then it's useless to buy a very powerful CPU for an entry level GPU unless you plan to upgrade it in the near future.

If you are satisfied with the performance of your FX-8320, then replacing the motherboard may be an acceptable solution. You can read Intel Kaby Lake and AMD Ryzen processors reviews, but take into account all hardware they use (usually a very powerful and expensive GPU to maximize FPS, etc.)
 
Solution