Extremely high CPU utilization and poor frame rates in games, along with numerous computer issues.
Extremely high CPU utilization and poor frame rates in games, along with numerous computer issues.
Hello everyone,
I’ve been experiencing significant difficulties with my computer recently; these problems arose suddenly and without apparent cause. I’m hoping to find a resolution quickly, but after months of infrequent use and without prior posts seeking assistance on forums, I’m finally reaching out for help.
Let's begin by outlining the issues. I will include my system specifications at the end for your reference. Initially, upon startup, I had Discord, Steam, Malwarebytes, and Wallpaper Engine configured to launch automatically – applications I frequently use. However, now, when my PC boots up, it exhibits extreme lag, with my mouse cursor freezing and exhibiting erratic behavior as I attempt to move it across the screen. Examining Task Manager, I observe that individual applications like Discord and Malwarebytes are consuming approximately 30% of my system resources per instance at startup, leading to a consistently high usage rate and rendering my computer unusable.
To address this, I disabled the auto-start for all applications, and my system usage dropped considerably during idle – a solution that proved temporary. While browsing the internet, I still encounter laggy mouse movements with occasional glitches, though less severe than before. Furthermore, I am now experiencing intermittent static noises in audio when watching YouTube videos. Finally, and most concerningly, I am unable to play any games.
My current hardware includes a GTX 1060 with 6GB of VRAM, which I acquired only a few months ago and previously performed exceptionally well. With OptiFine enabled in vanilla Minecraft, I consistently achieved over 1400 frames per second. However, now, even with OptiFine's settings minimized to the fastest possible configuration, I can barely sustain 40 FPS in Minecraft. Similarly, when attempting to play Grand Theft Auto V, the game suffers from significant stuttering and frequent frame rate drops, making it unplayable.
Here’s a summary of the steps I've already taken:
Previously, my computer occasionally froze during gameplay. After replacing the power supply – which resolved this issue to a large extent – I tested each RAM stick individually, ruling out memory-related problems. I also reapplied thermal paste to the CPU and re-seated it, but this did not resolve the issue.
At this point, I am seeking assistance. My current thought process is to: 1) replace the CPU or 2) replace the motherboard. I cannot identify any other potential factors contributing to these problems, although I did recently reformat my PC. It’s possible that the operating system itself could be at fault.
Please offer any guidance you can.
Specs:
GTX 1060 6GB
i7-4790
16GB RAM
500W gold-rated power supply (likely a Supernova)
Z170-E ASUS Motherboard
1TB Hard Drive
Two Samsung EVO SSDs
The RR212E20Pkr2 he recommended is
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/hmtCmG/...212e20pkr2. The following option is this one as well. Both represent excellent performance for the price in terms of cooling solutions. Considering the link you provided, I suspect that one would also be adequate. However, if you’re aiming to spend slightly less, omitting the lighting effects would be a viable choice.
Please verify your processor temperature.
Thank you so much for your prompt response.
I’ve observed that when running demanding games such as Grand Theft Auto V and similar titles, my CPU reaches approximately 85 degrees Celsius. This sometimes leads to temporary system freezes, though it’s less frequent than in the past.
BmoneyGames:
rgd1101:
Are your processor temperatures okay?
Thank you for responding so promptly.
I've examined my CPU’s temperatures while gaming – specifically with titles like Grand Theft Auto V – and it frequently reaches approximately 85 degrees Celsius during gameplay. This sometimes leads to my computer freezing, though it’s less common than it used to be.
That seems quite warm... How long has it been since you performed a thorough cleaning of your system? (Have you removed dust and hair from all the fans and other components?).
I would also recommend utilizing CPU-Z to share your system specifications with others.
Download CPU-Z:
here
Once installed, select the “Validate” option at the bottom of the window. This should then display a new window listing all your computer’s parts in detail, letting others understand your configuration.
magikholas :
BmoneyGames :
rgd1101 :
Is your processor overheating?
Thank you for responding so promptly.
Yes, I’ve monitored temperatures while gaming – specifically with titles like GTA V – and my CPU reaches approximately 85 degrees Celsius during gameplay. This occasionally causes my computer to crash, though it’s less frequent than previously.
That’s quite warm... How long has it been since you last cleaned your computer (removing dust and debris from the fans and other components)?
I recommend using CPU-Z to showcase your system configuration for others to examine.
Download CPU-Z here:
.
After installation, select the “validate” option at the bottom of the window. A new window should appear displaying all your PC’s components in detail, providing others with an overview of your setup.
Thank you for getting back to me.
That’s my assessment as well; it appears warm, but some other forum discussions indicate users experience temperatures up to 90 degrees Celsius while gaming without issues. I haven’t cleaned my computer in approximately two months; there is some dust present, but it isn't excessive.
I ran the validation test with CPU-Z and here is the link:
https://valid.x86.fr/i1bxl2
(My apologies, I'm running an i7-4790).
This appears to be a problem related to your device’s drivers. Attempting to start in safe mode and observing if you still experience the same errors could provide insight. Alternatively, consider removing all installed drivers – including chipset and network drivers – and downloading the necessary drivers beforehand, specifically focusing on network drivers. Maintain all drivers uninstalled, reboot your system, and then use the default Microsoft drivers temporarily. If no issues arise, proceed to reinstall drivers individually, thoroughly testing each one before installing the subsequent driver.
I believe your component selection is incorrect—a 4790 processor will not be compatible with a Z170 motherboard.
You possess a Z97 board, however. Furthermore, the temperatures you’ve described are excessively high, and it appears you are experiencing driver issues.
Should your computer’s desktop shift or be accidentally struck in any manner, a potential issue is that the heat spreader could become dislodged from the central processor’s integrated circuit substrate. If elevated temperatures persist even after applying a cleaning solution, it might be beneficial to consider substituting the thermal adhesive.