Decide between CPU or Mobo – your PC is running sluggishly.
Decide between CPU or Mobo – your PC is running sluggishly.
I’m starting by noting that I’ve made significant adjustments to this setup to verify the issue: switching to SSD, updating RAM, PSU, GPU, even the cooling system, and performing a fresh OS install plus a complete BIOS reset with all settings cleared, including CMOS. The only potential culprits remain the CPU and the motherboard. After running the system for a few hours (sometimes less), it began to move extremely slowly—seconds to open an empty folder. I ran OCCT tests, but it didn’t crash; however, the findings suggest something is amiss. Now I’m uncertain whether the CPU is the problem or if the motherboard is at fault. In the UEFI/bios interface, it behaves erratically, barely responding and not updating text even when scrolling. The AIDA64 test showed complete failure, and the reported clock speeds match what’s listed in AIDA. Additionally, the RAM images display EXPO profile speeds, yet the issue persists even at standard JEDEC rates.
Temperatures seem to be a concern too. Starting smoothly but then lagging feels similar to an AIO dropping out. In Task Manager, look at the real clock speed under Performance during boot and when performance drops.
Times stay good, around the mid-60s when the SSD starts up. Initially I used a Crucial T500, later changed to a 990 Pro with the newest firmware. I also experimented with an old SATA Samsung 850 Evo and even a random spinning rust drive to see what works best.
This seems to be your motherboard. If the CPU was functioning properly, you'd likely notice a BSOD or failed post. Ensure all drivers are installed, especially the chipset and BIOS update. You can check HWinfo while it's lagging. If your CPU operates at a lower voltage during lag, it may indicate a VRM issue. If the problem persists, examine the motherboard closely for any leaking or bulging capacitors (bulging top indicates leakage) and check the VRM condition. Also, verify the CPU pins are correctly seated.
VRM and capacitors appear to be in good shape from a visual standpoint. All drivers are installed and the BIOS is up to date. I ran a six-hour stress test on the OCCT and it performed without issues—no errors, no BSOD, and the CPU clocks at around 4.8GHz across all cores. It would really help to know which component to send for warranty, since I’m unsure whether to choose the motherboard or the CPU.
Sorry for the repeated update, here are some changes. I moved to the F6 BIOS, the UEFI/Bios was still having issues, then I upgraded further to what I believe is the default BIOS, F3. Now the system runs smoothly, though when not in EXPO the RAM speed reaches 2000MT/s. The performance issues remain, which makes me question if it's the CPU or memory controller. The random cache numbers from AIDA64 seem very odd.