CPU runs at minimal speeds during games.
CPU runs at minimal speeds during games.
I'm using an ASUS GL553VD laptop with a GTX 1050 and an i5 7300HQ. Recently, I've noticed my games are running at very low frame rates, even though they used to be smooth. In the Task Manager, the CPU clock drops to around 1-1.5 GHz during gaming but returns to 2.8-3.3 GHz when I open other apps like Chrome tabs. I'm unsure why this happens and would appreciate any guidance or help to resolve it. Here are some screenshots from Intel Extreme Tuning Utility showing this behavior. This issue is most noticeable while gaming, but I'm not sure what it means or how to fix it.
Thermal throttling occurs, meaning overheating is a risk... XTU even points this out.
Your CPU is overheating and throttling. The laptop and fans might be clogged with dust. Consider cleaning it, and if you prefer, use compressed air instead of opening it up.
Thank you in advance. I plan to try it tomorrow because it’s quite late at night and I want to see if it works. I’ll let you know the results and update tomorrow.
I checked your laptop and found an assembly manual nearby. You can simply remove the bottom panel to reach the heatsink directly. With a quality thermal paste from a reputable brand, take off the heatsink and put on fresh paste. Make sure to wipe away the old paste thoroughly and clean the fan as well. Using a non-oily contact cleaner like WD Special Contact Cleaner can be effective, but avoid applying it while the cooler is still attached to prevent liquid from reaching the motherboard. Cleaning the fan will assist, and swapping the thermal paste can lower CPU and GPU temperatures by 2 to 5 degrees. This small improvement can significantly reduce throttling if it helps.
I currently don’t have any thermal paste or contact cleaner, but I can help you find some good options. Your older brother who understands computers might be able to assist with cleaning the inside if needed. If you’re curious, he didn’t know about thermal throttling—he’s more familiar with it than I am. Let me know if you’d like recommendations!
Most thermal pastes outperform the ones you apply yourself. I favor Noctua NT-H1—it's reasonably priced and works well. It’s also simpler to reapply, such as with Arctic Silver 5. For higher performance, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is an option, though it’s quite costly.
Cleaning the interior and using a single fan might help, but it could not fully prevent thermal throttling. Applying new thermal paste is usually recommended for better performance. Laptop cooling pads can also assist in reducing heat buildup and improving cooling.
Applying new thermal paste is straightforward. Watch a YouTube tutorial before you start, as it can guide you through the process. Regarding cooling pads, are you referring to the ones placed on the laptop with fans inside, or do you mean thermal pads instead of paste? The cooling pad might offer some assistance with heat dissipation, but you should clean the laptop first to check if it resolves the issue. If you meant thermal pads, they’re generally less effective than paste and can be more difficult to apply properly.
Thanks for sharing, my brother and I both took it open. The main concern was the heat sink—it was quite simple to remove, and we cleaned it with compressed air. I plan to purchase Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste, though my brother mentioned he used these thermals from day one. He did point out that the thermal paste eventually needs replacement, which might help reduce thermal throttling. I was also mentioning the cooling pads with the built-in fans. Thanks for keeping me updated.