Reduced graphics card utilization in current video games results in a decrease of frame rates by approximately 50%.
Reduced graphics card utilization in current video games results in a decrease of frame rates by approximately 50%.
I'm struggling with this issue and feel quite confused. My computer has been acting strangely since March of this year. I recently purchased an FX-8350 processor around last Christmas, and when playing current games such as Grand Theft Auto V, Fallout 4, and The Witcher 3, I typically adjust the graphics settings to match my system’s capabilities – usually High or Ultra at 1080p, maintaining approximately 60 frames per second. However, occasionally, starting sometime in March, the game will run smoothly until my graphics card’s usage suddenly decreases by half, while my central processing unit's activity increases significantly and my frame rate is cut in half. I’ve conducted numerous tests and assessments, though I unfortunately didn't retain any of the results. All hardware components—CPU, GPU, RAM, and hard drives—appear to be functioning correctly. I'm increasingly concerned that I’m experiencing a mental problem trying to diagnose this perplexing situation, and any assistance would be greatly valued.
Tech Support Guy System Info Utility version 1.0.0.4
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro, 64-bit
Processor: AMD FX™-8350 Eight-Core Processor, AMD64 Family 21 Model 2 Stepping 0
Processor Count: 8
RAM: 8.174 GB
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB, -1.024 GB
Hard Drives: C: 930 GB (485 GB Free); E: 928 GB (21 GB Free);
Motherboard: ASUSTeK Computer INC., M5A78L-M/USB3
Antivirus: Windows Defender, Enabled and Updated
Temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees Celsius are considered abnormal, exceeding the typical operating temperature by more than 10 degrees for this processor:
https://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Bulldozer...-8350.html
There are two reliable methods for monitoring AMD FX temperatures:
- Employ AMD Overdrive software.
- Utilize Core Temp, but be sure to configure it to display the distance from Thermal Jitter Maximum – otherwise, the readings will be incorrect.
It’s likely that graphics card activity is decreasing due to either the processor overheating, CPU utilization reaching its highest point, or a combination of both.
What are the processor/graphics card temperature and activity levels while playing games? What is your power supply unit’s manufacturer and model number?
My temperatures are within a healthy range, consistently staying below 70-75 degrees Celsius on both my CPU and GPU. I’m unsure of the exact power supply unit manufacturer or model, but it provides 750 watts of power. I’ll need to disassemble my computer case to determine the specific details of the PSU’s brand and model.
Temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees Celsius are significantly elevated, representing a plus-10 degree margin above the expected operating temperature during heavy CPU load for this processor.
To accurately monitor AMD FX temperatures, you can utilize either the AMD Overdrive tool or Core Temp; however, with Core Temp, it’s crucial to configure the setting to ‘read distance to TJ Max’ to ensure accurate readings.
Given these elevated temperatures, it's likely that GPU activity is decreasing, potentially due to the CPU exceeding its thermal limits, or possibly a combination of high CPU usage and overheating.