The PC is experiencing stuttering, but the exact reason isn't clear.
The PC is experiencing stuttering, but the exact reason isn't clear.
It began a few months ago while I was watching YouTube videos, and I observed the audio would stutter every few seconds.
I assumed my headset was defective since it was several years old, so I replaced it with a new one.
After getting the updated headset, the audio still kept stuttering. I dismissed the headset as the cause because I connected it to my work laptop and the problem didn’t appear there.
I considered that the front USB panel might be faulty, so I tried connecting via the rear ports, but the issue persisted.
I attempted to update all sound drivers as suggested online, but nothing resolved the problem. I also double-checked the audio settings to ensure they were correct.
The issue possibly lies with my sound card, especially since it became noticeable during a game session—Rocket League was running while YouTube played in the background.
I usually run Chrome alongside YouTube and have never faced this problem before.
It seems the issue worsens when the PC has been running all day, leading me to suspect a hardware fault.
However, I checked temperatures and everything appeared normal. My CPU stays around 70°C during gaming and YouTube playback, while the GPU is similar (65-75°C).
My RAM reaches about 40% usage, and the hard drives are at roughly 50% free space and 90% free.
I thought about applying more coolant to the CPU again, possibly switching to a different cooler, since I haven’t done that in a while.
My motherboard is X670 Aorus Elite AX, the CPU is AMD Ryzen 9 7900X, the GPU is AMD Radeon RX 6800, RAM is Corsair Vengance DDR5 32GB at 5600MHz.
If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
PSU: provide make, model, wattage, age, and condition details (original to build, new, refurbished, used)?
Disk drive(s): list make, model, capacity, and current usage?
Check system performance via Task Manager and Resource Monitor simultaneously, using each tool at a time to track changes during stutters.
Alternatively, utilize Reliability History/Monitor and Event Viewer to detect error codes, warnings, or events preceding stutters.
Run built-in Windows troubleshooters; they might resolve issues.
Also execute "dism" and "sfc /scannow".
Links provided for further guidance.
Hey Ralston, thanks for your quick response.
PSU: EVGA Supernova 850W G6, 19 months old, just bought new.
Storage: Samsung SSD 850 Evo 274/464 GB free, Crucial BX 500 SSD 812/931 GB free
I played a game using the task manager resource – GPU usage was 16%, memory 44%, CPU 5%.
No issues reported in the reliability monitor.
Windows troubleshooters didn’t show anything.
DISM scan found some SFC problems, but after fixing and restarting the stuttering persisted. It’s quite mild at first but becomes slightly worse after a few minutes.
An important factor to note is that the stuttering could be connected to temperature changes. However, this isn't about temperatures exceeding limits or fluctuating constantly. It's more about the case and components expanding or contracting. As the temperature rises, the case expands, which can either resolve the issue or initiate it, depending on how it interacts with connections—pushing them closer or further apart. This might affect parts like the case, I/O panel, or audio pins/plugs. Keep this in mind while testing and monitoring performance, noting when stuttering occurs or alters. Disconnect the side panel to help maintain cooler operation. Observe the direction of airflow from the fans. Check if any cables are running downwind. Temporarily turn off each case fan one by one to see if it makes a difference.
Take a closer look inside.
Power off, unplug, and open the case. Confirm visually and physically that all connectors, cards, RAM, jumpers, and case connections are securely installed.
Use a bright flashlight to spot any signs of damage—such as exposed wires, melted parts, discolored components, swollen sections, cracks, corrosion, loose screws, or pinched cables. Inspect slots and ports for debris.
Inspect plugs and pins for any signs of wear.
Another approach is to use Process Explorer.
It requires more effort but aims for the same result. Attempt to identify changes in behavior when stuttering occurs.
Process Explorer (Microsoft, free): https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysint...s-explorer
This type of issue usually needs systematic testing and careful observation.
Set up the system to be as simple as possible, ideally in a state free of stuttering.
Then gradually reintroduce components one by one, allowing time between each change. You should be able to pinpoint what specifically triggers the stuttering again.