Question About Random Stutters Post-AIO Installation. BIOS, CPU, GPU? Seeking Clarification
Question About Random Stutters Post-AIO Installation. BIOS, CPU, GPU? Seeking Clarification
MY SPECS
CPU: i5-13400F
MOBO: ASUS Prime B760-Plus D4
RAM: 32 GB Lexar 3200MHz (operating at optimal speed)
GPU: RTX 4070
Monitor: 1440p (2K)
Cooler: Recently added 240mm AIO unit
What Triggered the Issue
After adding the AIO, I removed the CPU to perform a clean boot.
Upon restarting, the BIOS prompted
“New CPU detected – press F1 to enter setup.”
I followed up by updating the BIOS.
Right after these steps, I experienced:
- Frequent stutters across most games, sometimes with menus freezing for a brief moment before loading content
- Lowered frame rates in certain titles (e.g., Delta Force, Where Winds Meet, etc.)
- Possible impact of DLSS: frames remained stable, extra frames appeared, and stutters stayed consistent—often resembling a clock rhythm in specific titles like War Thunder
What I Already Investigated / Changed
1. CPU Power Limits (PL1/PL2/Tau)
- PL1/PL2 values are correct; the CPU can boost freely
- No power throttling detected
- Cinebench indicates stable ~3.9 GHz under multi-core load
→ CPU behavior appears normal
2. PCIe / GPU Related
- In GPU-Z, PCIe x16 reads: 4.0 at idle, switches to 4.0 under load – typical
- Resizable BAR is active
- No signs of GPU throttling
→ Possible GPU bottleneck in some games remains a consideration
3. RAM
- Operating at the correct 3200MHz
- No issues reported
4. Performance Metrics
- Temperatures remain stable post-AIO installation
- No thermal throttling observed
- Frame times are consistent after changes
5. BIOS Configuration
- Both factory and custom settings failed to stabilize the system
- Certain options (e.g., “IA DC Loadline / TDC limit”) are locked in Auto mode
→ Motherboard does not display:
- Intel Speed Shift
- C-states
→ Attempted GPU underclocking (to -50mhz) didn’t improve frame rates; Native TUNE from MSI Afterburner kept FPS capped at monitor refresh rate, resulting in smooth performance
What I’m Trying to Determine
I’m attempting to pinpoint the exact cause of these fluctuations despite a fresh 1-year build.
With DLSS enabled, games run smoothly—stability improves significantly.
CPU limits seem appropriate, GPU functions normally, and temperatures are under control.
FPS issues only appear when using DLSS, suggesting the GPU might be limiting performance in those scenarios.
how was the cleaning done? were any pins bent during the process?
maybe the aio cooler is over-tightened, causing screws to come loose after one half-spin
gpu fans should spin freely?
all power connectors remain securely connected?
is the motherboard assembled correctly in the case? could it be better to breadboard it?
I just verified the GPU cables, removed them, and reinserted them. I checked the MMO pins and noticed they were slightly loose, but everything remains secure and in position. All temperature readings are normal.