My computer’s speed is slow; what steps can I take to improve it?
My computer’s speed is slow; what steps can I take to improve it?
My computer's processing speed has significantly decreased recently. I’ve owned this system – an i5 6600, GTX 1070, and 16GB of RAM – since November 2016. I observed a substantial drop in performance when playing GTA V just a few days ago, with the game only running at 30 frames per second on minimum settings and 1080p resolution. Previously, I could comfortably achieve 60+ frames per second on high and ultra settings. Comparing my benchmark results to a YouTube video using the same configuration, I was consistently receiving approximately 50 frames per second lower. Other games, such as CS:GO, have also experienced noticeable performance degradation compared to their previous state.
To provide context, I recently performed a fresh Windows installation, cleaned the interior of my case, and confirmed that temperatures are within acceptable limits (the CPU typically reaches 60°C, as does the GPU). Interestingly, in CS:GO, both my CPU and GPU usage are consistently at 70%, which is unusual. However, with GTA V, the GPU is operating at 100% – a change from its previous role as the primary bottleneck. My power supply unit is a 700W model, and it’s not a low-quality one. The system is configured for high performance mode.
A benchmark test on userbenchmark.com indicated that my GPU's output was approximately 8% below the average. Despite extensive research, I haven't been able to resolve this issue, so I’m seeking advice. Please let me know if you require any further details.
Have you updated your graphics card software to its newest version? If so, remove your existing graphics drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller, then obtain and install the most recent drivers, as well as update your motherboard firmware from your computer manufacturer's website.
Kindly provide a comprehensive list of your system’s specifications, detailing all identifiable components in a bulleted format.
I’ve redone the drivers and the computer's BIOS was already updated.
CPU: Intel Core i5-6600, 3600 MHz (36 x 100)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A Gaming M3 (MS-7978)
Memory: G.SKILL Aegis DDR4 2400 C15 16GB (single stick)
Storage: Toshiba DT01ACA200 2TB (games are stored here)
Sandisk SD8SBBU120G1122 120GB (boot drive)
Operating System: Windows 10
Power Supply Unit: Unknown brand, 700 watts.
I don’t believe there are any further noteworthy components to mention; please let me know if you require anything else.
Attempt to reset the CMOS settings. You can find detailed guidance on doing this by searching online, as it typically involves moving a jumper on the motherboard to pins 2 and 3 instead of 1 and 2. You may also locate specific instructions through an internet search.
The results are identical, and there’s been no alteration in the outcome.
Employ the on-screen display of MSI Afterburner to observe your processor and graphics card activity when you're actively gaming. Also, utilize it to track temperatures during gameplay. Furthermore, conduct a CPU stress test with software like AIDA64 to identify any temperature-related performance reductions. Finally, run the Heaven Valley benchmark through MSI Afterburner to assess if your graphics card is experiencing thermal throttling.
It might seem unusual, but consider removing your existing graphics card software and attempting to revert to an older driver version – one from a period when you experienced higher frame rates. This is largely based on speculation, however, it’s possible that Nvidia intentionally reduces the functionality of older graphics cards through newer drivers to encourage consumers to purchase updated hardware. Please remember, this is purely a theory and does not imply any wrongdoing on the part of Nvidia whatsoever.
Does this concern only Grand Theft Auto V, or is it a general issue? Even if your graphics card's output lags 8% behind the typical benchmark – a common situation with modified cards – that represents a GTX 1070 playing a game at 1080p resolution. Such low frame rates, specifically struggling to achieve 30 frames per second with minimal settings, are unacceptable. Ensure the game isn’t utilizing Dynamic Super Resolution or similar experimental features via GeForce Experience. If that doesn't resolve the problem, verify the game is configured to use DirectX 11 rather than DirectX 9. Dynamic Super Resolution is largely unproductive, as it attempts to display the game at a higher resolution before scaling it back down to 1080p.