GPU drops clock speed under load

Feb 15, 2018
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Hi all
Im having an issue with my gtx 970. When in idle i get around 1000 clock speed. launch a game or bench marking tool like furmark, the clock speed drops to around 700.
its not to do with thermal throttling as if i keep the fans at 100% it will stay under 50 degrees. i have also changed power settings in nvida control panel and windows 10 settings as well. it was working fine few weeks ago any ideas any one??
 
Solution
how does it work with real games? software like furmark are considered as "power virus" by GPU. so when running the stress test the clock can drop very low to protect the GPU from being fried.