System performance is slow despite stable CPU speed measurements, leading to overall delays across the machine.
System performance is slow despite stable CPU speed measurements, leading to overall delays across the machine.
I started using my computer and was working normally until suddenly it became extremely slow. My mouse felt unresponsive, programs froze, and games didn’t run properly. I think a CPU problem might be the cause, but I’m not certain. Here are the details I have: all drivers and updates are current, Windows scans cleared viruses, I power-cycled the machine a few times, scrolling in apps is slow, Discord switching servers feels sluggish, and even launching Call of Duty took a long time to start or load. My CPU temps are normal, but performance numbers look okay. Could someone help me figure out what’s going on? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
I completed these steps but haven’t resolved the issue yet:
- Removed CMOS
- Updated BIOS
- Ran a memory check (no results)
Keep searching for assistance if needed.
What storage device do you use and what’s its capacity? A deteriorating hard drive may lead to significant problems. ThrottleStop https://www.techpowerup.com/download/tec...ottlestop/ Cinebench R23 https://www.techspot.com/downloads/7579-...h-r23.html While the test runs, launch ThrottleStop to verify your CPU maintains steady performance. Press the Limits button to reveal the ThrottleStop reasons panel. Are any red indicators appearing under the CORE section? This suggests throttling is occurring. Make sure the Log File option is selected before testing so you retain a record of your CPU activity. The log will capture speed, temperatures, and throttling causes. Include a log file in your upcoming update. Share screenshots of the main ThrottleStop interface along with FIVR and TPL outputs. What is your Cinebench rating?
You're running a 1TB Samsung 970 EVO NVMe SSD with the OS installed. A failing drive can lead to significant problems. The system uses chkhdk and crystaldisk, both report good health, while CD shows 83% utilization. It's been around 80% full recently and before this situation. Are any warning lights on the red side under the CORE column? That usually means throttling is occurring. The log file from TS Log - BASE.txt and Limit Reasons indicates throttling due to PL1 and EDP Other, though I'm not entirely certain about the exact sequence. I previously had TS installed but haven't used it much lately. I've attached screenshots of the ThrottleStop window, FIVR, and TPL logs, plus some images of the main interface. The post also mentions a preference for mint green. The multi-core Cinebench score was 1552, and the Limits reason stayed the same. Overall, it appears throttling is present, likely not thermal, and it happened suddenly while I was using the PC for YouTube and gaming. I hope this covers everything you need. Let me know if anything was missed. Thanks for your help @unclewebb!
I've implemented your suggestions from your own forums, setting the ICCMAX to 255 200 for both core and cache. It seems to have temporarily resolved the problem. However, I'm still puzzled about why it occurred unexpectedly at first. I look forward to your further explanation.
I frequently recommend configuring IccMax for both the core and cache to their maximum values, which is 255.75 for your processor. Setting it only to 200 seems unnecessary. It could be that the BIOS isn't updating the IccMax register properly or some of your software isn't handling it correctly. Any application can alter the IccMax setting at any moment. Are you using any MSI control utilities on your system? Some of their programs have known issues. Your FIVR image indicates IccMax is stuck at the minimum level, 1.00. This explains why your CPU is constantly throttling to 800 MHz. The processor is being forced to operate at its slowest possible speed. It keeps decreasing until it reaches 1.00 Amps. That’s not feasible. Are you running ThrottleStop 9.5 when version 9.6 is available? Did you previously use ThrottleStop? Could it be that IccMax was accidentally set to 1.00? If you're aiming for peak performance, consider clearing the Disable Controls option in the TPL window and setting both PL1 and PL2 to at least 210. As long as your cooling is adequate, your CPU should function normally. If you wish to enable the 49 multiplier when all eight cores are active, that would be overclocking. Look at the Overclock section in the FIVR interface while you're doing it. Both log files you shared reveal significant EDP throttling, with the CPU consistently capped at 800 MHz regardless of workload. Even with all the suggested adjustments, run another log file and perform another Cinebench test. Remove any previous logs to avoid confusion. A 9900K running smoothly at 4900 MHz would yield much better results than the same chip operating at just 800 MHz. There’s no valid reason for any throttling during Cinebench unless that’s your intention. Your color theme doesn’t suit me. Whatever works best for you!
I haven't used ThrottleStop in a while, so I guess I almost forgot it was installed. I'll make sure to update it soon. Regarding setting it to maximum, does that simply let the CPU operate at its full capacity, or does it require the CPU to run at its highest setting? Honestly, I mostly adjusted just the cores to 4.9MHz. I only have MSI Afterburner for my GPU and haven't touched it in months either. Maybe something was running in the background that I'm not aware of. For the overclocking, I've never experienced any issues with thermal management before—thankfully, I'm safe there. I'll apply everything you mentioned and check the BIOS for any unusual behavior. Thanks a lot for your assistance!
The CPU operates only with the power it requires. Setting strict limits can restrict its performance. Removing these caps lets the CPU run faster and more efficiently. Skipping EDP and power restrictions boosts both speed and reliability. All these approaches Intel designed are actually unnecessary.
It's great to hear you found the answers helpful! I'm glad you're learning more about computers—keep up the good work!