My computer isn’t running smoothly during gameplay, and I'm unsure why this is happening.
My computer isn’t running smoothly during gameplay, and I'm unsure why this is happening.
I enjoy playing Fortnite and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Within CS, my frames per second consistently remain low, rarely exceeding 50. In Fortnite, I can achieve a peak FPS of 200, though it frequently drops below 30. My computer’s specifications are as follows: an Intel Core i5-4590 running at 3.3 GHz, a GeForce GTX 960 with 2GB of memory, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and it’s a secondhand machine. It currently lacks gaming performance, though I have updated all drivers; I am unsure of how to proceed.
Assess your computer's components against the suggested hardware requirements for the games you enjoy.
Nearly all game developers offer specifications, typically categorized as minimal, recommended, and optimal.
It’s best to avoid the minimum requirements and aim for as many of the recommended or ideal specifications as your budget allows.
Additionally, utilize Task Manager and Resource Monitor to identify all processes running in the background, including any applications automatically starting up. You may find that you don’t require these programs if you don't need them at all.
Investigate potential performance limitations—for instance, consider whether your memory is configured effectively: a single large RAM module or multiple smaller ones? Confirm that the system’s settings are suitable for your PC and motherboard.
Regarding drivers, it's beneficial to keep them current, but double-check their accuracy. Obtain drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website and verify that they precisely correspond to your device and operating system (e.g., 32-bit or 64-bit).
What brand and model monitor are you utilizing? How is the monitor set up?
The configuration outlined here should comfortably meet the performance demands of both titles you're interested in.
This represents CSGO utilizing comparable hardware, yet requiring twice the minimum specifications for operation. Examine his settings and observe that he disables both Vsync and Anti-Aliasing.
Fortnite, with similar hardware, necessitates twice the memory (RAM) and video memory (VRAM). Although his VRAM remains close to 2GB and RAM approximately 6GB, this should not significantly impact performance as long as your settings remain below his.
If the issue continues after reviewing and modifying your settings, investigate potential dust accumulation within the CPU and GPU heatsinks. If cleaning is necessary, proceed with caution. When purchasing secondhand computers, it’s important to inspect for this type of issue. Furthermore, verify the voltage levels delivered by your power supply unit (PSU). The output should remain consistently between 12 and 12.5 volts under heavy load, never dipping below 11.5 volts. Providing the PSU brand and model would be beneficial.
Utilize monitoring software, such as MSI Afterburner, to track your temperatures during gameplay. Within the monitoring section, select specific sensors like GPU and CPU temperature to display on your screen. Optimal temperatures for these games typically shouldn’t exceed 65°C for the CPU and 75°C for the GPU.
However, many processors will reduce their performance when temperatures reach the mid-80s, which can result in substantial frame drops. To mitigate this, consider adding additional case fans or reapplying thermal paste to the CPU and GPU – though applying thermal paste requires some expertise, so consulting tutorials beforehand is recommended.