Losing PC performance
Losing PC performance
I recently assembled my first computer about a month ago, and its performance has been declining. The components include an i9-9900k processor that was overclocked with Intel Performance Maximizer to reach 4.8 Ghz, and an RTX 3060 Ti gaming trio that I further boosted using MSI Afterburner. I’m currently using a Corsair A500 air cooler for the CPU and only the stock GPU cooling. Other details are: 16GB 3600MHz RAM, 500GB WD Black M.2 drive, Asus Prime Z-390 A motherboard, and a 750W bronze PSU.
The only games I’ve played recently are COD Cold War. Previously, I could run the game at nearly full settings at 1440p and 165fps. Now, to achieve 165fps I have to lower most of the settings to low or medium. Honestly, it looks like overclocking affected performance. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Verify your RAMs profile in CPUz for any XMP settings before attempting overclocking. If they vary from the BIOS profile, it might not function properly and you'll need to enter them manually. This AI Overclock tuner should be set to manual mode if no XMP profile exists or if the existing one differs.
The optimal method involves adjusting the BIOS settings, removing Intel's performance optimizer, and resetting the CMOS to its default value. Update the BIOS and chipset if necessary. Adjust the GPU overclock back to its standard setting. Use AIDA64 to run a stress test at the original frequency, monitoring rail voltages and temperatures for up to 10 minutes. Capture screenshots at the 10-minute mark and stop the test if temperatures exceed 80°C. For additional details, HWINFO64 is recommended as a monitoring tool. You may also use IMGUR to share photos of your results. Running a GPU test in AIDA64 works well, but Cinebench is preferred for comprehensive evaluation. List the case and fans you are using?
Thanks for the reply! Okay I will do all of those things tomorrow and share the results.
The case I am using is the msi Gungnir 111m. It has 3 intake fans, and one fan for exhaust. The fans are just stock msi fans. The thermals of my system seems to be quite good to be honest, at least on the GPU side. I haven't checked CPU temp as there is no way to tell the temp of the CPU on windows 10.
This helpful video on YouTube covers manual overclocking for the Asus Prime Z-390 A. Even though it doesn't specify your exact processor, the ideas and methods are similar. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD1Ze80GpLo
I removed the performance maximizer, set my BIOS to default, and reset my GPU overclock. I updated the BIOS chipset and several drivers on the ASUS website. I downloaded AIDA and performed a CPU test for 10 minutes. Here are the results:
https://imgur.com/a/fYsuu8s
For the GPU, I used FurMark, as it was already downloaded for the stress test. The results are available here:
https://imgur.com/a/AySYXDo
I just watched a straightforward overclocking tutorial on YouTube for an ASUS motherboard, but my computer wouldn’t start, so I had to go back to the original settings and only allowed XMP at 3600MHz on my RAM. I’m not sure what happened during that process.
Review your RAMs profile in CPUz prior to Overclocking. If it varies from the BIOS profile, the process might fail and you'll need to enter it manually. This AI Overclock tuner should operate in manual mode unless an XMP profile exists or if the profile is different.
Now we have a starting point for Overclocking: your PSU delivers rail voltages within acceptable limits. Your temperatures are elevated at standard speed, reaching 81°C after just 10 minutes, with a peak boost frequency around 4800MHz on one core.
The CPU core voltage remains stable under current settings and frequency.
This suggests minimal extra load from the CPU cooler, given your base clock of 3600MHz and core voltage at its maximum of 1.332V.
When you increase the Overclock, avoid jumping directly to the target frequency. Adjust in 200MHz increments and perform a stress test.
At each stage, raise the core voltage slightly to ensure stability. If the system won’t boot, increment the core voltage by 0.02V until it starts up. Keep the core voltage below 1.4V for longevity.
Synchronize all cores and set the CPU core ratio limit/Multiplier to 46.
Be cautious during Overclocking—start simple. Use the multiplier setting, test at 4600MHz with turbo disabled across all cores. Set core voltage to 1.375V and run a stress test for 10-20 minutes. Halt immediately if temperatures surpass 80°C.
Avoid making random adjustments until you understand their effects. If uncertain, stick with AUTO settings. Ensure your RAM supports XMP 1 or 2 SPD profiles; otherwise, the setup may fail.
Based on the outcomes, further tweaks such as offsets and LLC (Load Line Calibration) might be necessary to compensate for voltage drops.
Conclude with a stress test and document the findings.