Permanent frame drop after OS reformat

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rbasketball99

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Nov 13, 2017
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Hey everyone! So here is the situation: I recently had a huge frame drop (came out of nowhere), where in game my frames in game would drop from my usual 180 rapidly down to about 10, then if I still didn't close the game my monitor would go black and I got "DVI no signal". I would then have to restart my computer. I reformatted trying to fix this, and it didn't work, I got the same issue. I tried a lot of driver updates and OS updates, and also opened my case and moved some cords around (there was a cord touching one of the GPU fans). No idea which of those helped, but now I can play again. My issue now is that I used to have 180 frames, now I only get about 90. Also, my computer feels very hot.

MSi Afterburner:

GPU Usage: 100%
CPU Usage: 100%
GPU Temp: 89 C
Fan speed: 100%

CPU temp was lower 60s

I have tried almost everything software wise, I downloaded malwarebytes and it found nothing, updated all drivers. I even bought a can of compressed air to clean out my computer this morning and it didn't help. The game I am playing is H1z1 but it is not the game, I am having the same exact issue in all games that I tested.

My specs:
Intel Core i5-4400
NVIDIA Geforce GTX 970
Aspire T-605
Stock acer CPU coolor

Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks.
 
Solution
Barty1884
If it's temp related (and, other than the PSU, it likely is), then you may just want to transplant the CPU/Mobo/RAM to another case with better airflow.

Ultimately, you'll need a new PSU and case for your upgrade - so just opt for those initially and move your components over. See if the issue persists.

If it does, move forward with your upgrade if that's what you want to do.
If it doesn't persist (with better temps and a quality PSU), there's no reason an i5-4460 + 970 combo can't last you a while yet).
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rbasketball99

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Nov 13, 2017
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All fans are working properly, the temperature is lower by about 2 degrees with the case open.

Just wondering what could have changed that so drastically made a difference, I have had the same specs for a while now. Did tests on benchmark and all individual parts seemed in good shape.
 
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richiestang_78

richiestang_78

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Mar 3, 2015
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I think it has to be thermal throttling on your GPU. Try and disbale the automatic fan control in Afterburner and put your fans on high just to see if performance increases.

I don't know why I didn'tt think of it but looking at the Acer specs, it only has a 200watt PSU. The 960 can pull 150 watts at peak during heavy load and you may have pushed your PSU too far. Unsuitable PSU can cause over heating in GPUs. You should have a 300 or 400 at least.

Nvidia lists a 400 watt minimum for the 960

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nvidia-geforce-gtx-960,4038-8.html
 
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rbasketball99

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Nov 13, 2017
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I have a 520 insignia PSU! I upgraded that when I bought my GPU

I have tried manually putting my fan at 100% but it was already running at 100% on auto anyways.

I contacted ZOTAC and they told me to try another machine, and if problem persists to change the thermal compound. I will try it out on another computer today and see what happens. I'm not sure if opening up the GPU messes with the warranty though.

Thanks for your help so far.
 
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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Apr 16, 2015
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OP, you've breached the rules of the forum numerous times - do not "bump". Might want to go back and delete those.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/19-73-forum-rules-read-first

Your GPU certainly could be throttling. 89'C is definitely a little high
Have you OC'd the GPU? May be unstable?

I'd try clearing your GPU drivers fully (since you've tried various) by running DDU in safemode:
http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/display-driver-uninstaller-download.html

Then reinstalling the latest release driver.

Which PSU did you install, specifically? I'm not aware of a "good" Insignia PSU, so may well be a problem from a power standpoint too.
Is THIS the PSU?
https://www.ebay.com/i/152101046992?rt=nc

Looks like junk to me. Dual 12V rails, 18A + 16A (which don't 'stack' for 34A) I'm thinking that's more like a 300W PSU.
 
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rbasketball99

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Nov 13, 2017
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Sorry about that! I wont bump again.

I have not OC'd my GPU, i did a clean install on the NVIDIA website. That is the same as running DDU right?

Also, yes that is my exact PSU. I bought it to go along with my GPU. I thought 520W should be enough for a GTX 970. I am planning on upgrading soon so I could definitely try buying a new one.
 
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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No, not exactly the same thing, no. In theory it is, in practice, there's definitely remnants left behind.

"520W" is more than enough.... if the PSU is of any halfway decent quality.

That unit is not good though. As I mentioned, dual 12V rails don't stack.... so it's not 18+16A. Combined is probably more in the 25-30A range x 12V = 300-360W where it actually matters.

Even then, it's a "peak" 520W unit, so can't even do what it claims on the label consistently, only at a "peak".

While it may not be the *only* problem you've got going on here (temps are high etc), it's definitely not helping the situation.

I don't see any mention of your RAM quantity..... what do you have installed? 4gb? 8gb? 16gb? etc....

Where are you located? A decent quality PSU doesn't have to break the bank.... for example, in the US:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($23.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $23.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-16 12:55 EST-0500
 
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rbasketball99

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Nov 13, 2017
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I can definitely try it. Wouldn't hurt.

I think one reason my PSU hasn't been changed for a while is because it barely fits in my case. I figured a higher power supply wouldnt fit.

Also, I can certainly afford a better PSU. I wasn't even aware mine wasn't sufficient until now. I am from the US (FL).

Oh, and I have two sticks of 4GB RAM. I ran some tests and they are working properly. My motherboard doesn't allow a RAM upgrade

Should I try my GPU on a different system before I purchase anything?
 
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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The PSU you have appears to be a standard ATX unit - the dimensions are standardized, so any other ATX PSU should also fit just fine. A "bigger" wattage PSU does not = a "bigger" footprint.

What does your RAM utilization look like "in game"? While CPU/GPU utilization hitting 100% can definitely cause stuttering, those usually recover a bit. If your 8GB of RAM is being utilized at 100% though, that's going to be more of a problem.

Your motherboard does allow a RAM upgrade (max 16GB), but, if you only have 2x DIMM slots, that would mean replacing the 2x4GB with a 2x8GB kit - which is highly recommended anyway, RAM doesn't always "play nice" with modules it wasn't sold with in a retail kit.
 
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rbasketball99

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Nov 13, 2017
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My ram utilization is usually in the 50-70% range I believe.

I was thinking of replacing my CPU/motherboard/RAM all at the same time. So il probably upgrade within the next few months. However, with this issue I might speed it up depending on what I need
 
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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Apr 16, 2015
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If it's temp related (and, other than the PSU, it likely is), then you may just want to transplant the CPU/Mobo/RAM to another case with better airflow.

Ultimately, you'll need a new PSU and case for your upgrade - so just opt for those initially and move your components over. See if the issue persists.

If it does, move forward with your upgrade if that's what you want to do.
If it doesn't persist (with better temps and a quality PSU), there's no reason an i5-4460 + 970 combo can't last you a while yet).
 
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