PC having a hard time with games (StarCraft 2)

[Trillionsin]

Yeah I've seen them, thanks though.

I'm pretty sure it is the CPU as the huge drops in fps happen at the same time as the CPU dropping from 3k to 800.

Pretty sure the pc is clean, I've also run 3dmark06 which suggests the CPU score is lower than is should be.

That sounds a little crazy to me, to think the CPU is bad... but like I said. I'm not an expert... and I'd try a fresh install before going out to buy a new CPU. It could also be your motherboard for that matter causing the problem with the CPU, instead of the CPU itself.

Has anyone looked at your PSU yet? What wattage do you have on that thing?

See if this applies to you at all: http://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/f15/amd-phenom-ii-x4-955-be-ht-link-problem-518325.html

Check to see maybe if you can do a BIOS update.

 

[Narey]

I've got the latest bios and that issue in that thread does apply to me. I actually bought it up with the people who made the computer and they assured me it would not effect performance. What do you think?

The PSU is 850W and I'm pretty sure its powerful enough, I requested it especially for what I have in the system. Its called "Avenge Power".

 

[Trillionsin]

I've got the latest bios and that issue in that thread does apply to me. I actually bought it up with the people who made the computer and they assured me it would not effect performance. What do you think?

The PSU is 850W and I'm pretty sure its powerful enough, I requested it especially for what I have in the system. Its called "Avenge Power".

yup, okay. I'm out of ideas... I didnt notice any other posts stating you had tested this issue with any other games, if i missed it I'm sorry.... and if you dont want to try to download some of those free games that i had suggested to test it out and see if it's just the game or every game then that is fine, sorry i couldnt help you.

 

[Narey]

Thanks for trying.

I've basically worked out that it is the cpu throttling for sure due to the temperature getting too hot. Disappointing as I thought getting liquid cooling fitted would finally remove any temperature problems...

I'm getting another fan fitted to see if it helps.

 

[Trillionsin]

Thanks for trying.

I've basically worked out that it is the cpu throttling for sure due to the temperature getting too hot. Disappointing as I thought getting liquid cooling fitted would finally remove any temperature problems...

I'm getting another fan fitted to see if it helps.

Narey, even with my experience I would be confident to say that will be a 5% chance that helps, at all.

If you are decent with PCs do a complete tear down, and rebuild. Reinstall windows again after that. I know that sounds like a lot of work, but it sounds like you are ready to try anything to get it to work, and that suggestion shouldnt cost you a penny.

 

[Narey]

Narey, even with my experience I would be confident to say that will be a 5% chance that helps, at all.

If you are decent with PCs do a complete tear down, and rebuild. Reinstall windows again after that. I know that sounds like a lot of work, but it sounds like you are ready to try anything to get it to work, and that suggestion shouldnt cost you a penny.

I've tried that a few times with this pc. I actually had this same problem when I ordered it originally and I did a few clean installs before they took the pc back (twice) and remade it entirely. I've been using the pc with the case open and this does actually fix the problem which suggests to me that it is getting too hot.

The company who made the pc are now sending me there most powerful fan free of charge. (I hope it isnt insanely loud).

I'll let you know if this fixes the problem.

 

[Trillionsin]

I've tried that a few times with this pc. I actually had this same problem when I ordered it originally and I did a few clean installs before they took the pc back (twice) and remade it entirely. I've been using the pc with the case open and this does actually fix the problem which suggests to me that it is getting too hot.

The company who made the pc are now sending me there most powerful fan free of charge. (I hope it isnt insanely loud).

I'll let you know if this fixes the problem.

You mind taking a picture of its innards and posting it? Curiousity's got me...

 

[Narey]

Not at all. Here you go:

 

[Narey]

Oh god that is quite large...

 

[Trillionsin]

Narey, you may want to check your memory configuration. Most of the time these need to be staggered. Here is an example for you, this is from my PC.

Not that this will fix the problem... but there are certain memory configuration that are preferred over others... and this will be in the manual for the motherboard. I'll see if I can find it after this post.

I hate to disbelieve someone requesting help... it looks dirty, and likely you havent disassembled that lately... have you disassembled it yourself or did someone else do it for you? I think I've asked that, but want to verify.

Make sure thermal paste is properly applied before the water block it put on? If overheating is an issue... maybe this needs to be re-set. Arctic Silver 5 is some of the top-of-the line thermal compound.

Also, unfortunately I found someone talking bad about your PSU. Check your voltages and make sure you are getting 12v 5v and 3.3v. Personal opinion here again, that PSU doesnt look like it can actually output 850W... you can do this with a voltage tester, or see if you can find the voltages in the BIOS.

Alternatively you can download AIDA64 and you can check voltages there... some information isn't view-able with the free trial. I use this program for all my testing and checking needs. I have it running constantly.

http://www.overclockers.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-678884.html

Here is an AIDA64 example of my PC at work. (not same PC as other picture)

You can see where I start the stress test and my CPU starts to heat up, then I turn it back off and it slowly cools off. This is air cooling.

Now dont get me wrong... I'm only thinking of the possible things, I'm not 100% certain on any of this.. because your PSU should still be enough to power that PC you showed me a picture of, but if it's junk, and starting to fail... maybe it's not providing enough power for the video card. I see you had to have an adapter, maybe two?

06-11-11, 04:17 PM
Avenge POwer PSU, is likely a POS. A quality 650W PSU would power 2 460's and not break a sweat. Grab another PSU.

 

[Trillionsin]

Narey... I'm confused. I'd swear that I can see 4 slots in your pic, but when I look up "ASUS M4N68-T" it doesnt look like the same motherboard in the picture... looks close, but not the same. Only two slots of RAM and the SATA ports are in different placements... what the heck??? Different version maybe? Can you specify?

 

[Narey]

You are right... hmm I'll have a look see if I can see anything written on the board.

In response to the previous post: The shop have taken it apart a few times, I've taken it apart myself apart from removing the cpu cooler from the processor because I have never attached liquid cooling myself and was reluctant to mess about with it. I have removed the radiator a few times though when messing about with the fans.

Checking the board now..

 

[Narey]

Found it. Here it is, I'll update my system specs in my profile.

http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3/M4N68T_V2/

 

[Trillionsin]

I cant seem to find a manual in that for english. I'm pretty sure than the stick in the 2nd slot needs to go in the third slot... which would be the preferred configuration... this probably isnt your problem though. Edit: I mean, your problem with the cpu throttling and having trouble running games.

There are a few other things that require your attention in my previous post, please review it.

 

[Narey]

Will do, I'll post again when I've had a look at it. Cheers for the help.

 

[Trillionsin]

Will do, I'll post again when I've had a look at it. Cheers for the help.

I am just leaving this post here so that I get a reply when you post back. I wont be checking back anymore unless I get an email notification saying youve replied. So dont reply unless you are ready for more help or have solved the problem.