Troubleshooting a Slow Computer (Could it be My Firmware?)
Troubleshooting a Slow Computer (Could it be My Firmware?)
The system specifications are as follows: Processor: Intel Core i7-6700K (LGA1151, single CPU with 4 cores and 8 threads, base clock of 4 GHz, turbo boost up to 4 GHz), Graphics Card: Nvidia GTX 1060 with 6GB of memory, Storage: A 2TB Seagate Desktop SSHD hard drive, Memory: 24GB of Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM, Motherboard: H170 Pro Gaming, Monitor: S2716DG 27” 2560x1440 TN 144Hz 1ms G-Sync widescreen LED gaming monitor, Power Supply: 750W.
My central processing unit and graphics card do not generate excessive heat—approximately 40-50 degrees Celsius at idle and 60-70 degrees Celsius during gameplay.
The issue I’m experiencing is that despite the system's robust configuration, it frequently fails to perform optimally. For example, in Arma 3, after meeting recommended specifications, I typically achieve frame rates of 40-50 FPS on nearly low settings. In older titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Payday 2, I maintain a steady 110-144 FPS. However, in Fallout 4, my performance is limited to 50-60 FPS (which is acceptable but doesn't fully utilize my 144Hz monitor, and the resolution of 1920x1080 appears noticeably poor on a 2560x1440 display).
Unless there’s another hardware component causing this underperformance that I haven’t identified, I am unsure of the root cause. The only option I have yet to investigate is updating my BIOS, which is approximately three years old. While BIOS updates are sometimes considered a final troubleshooting step and rarely resolve performance problems, I want to ensure I'm not overlooking anything before attempting this potentially risky procedure. Perhaps I’m placing too much reliance on the graphics card.
A recent benchmark test yielded the following results: UserBenchmarks indicated 73% for the Intel Core i7-6700K CPU, 56.8% for the Nvidia GTX 1060, 38.8% for the Seagate SSHD HDD, and 71.8% for the RAM. The motherboard was identified as an Asus H170 PRO GAMING.
I would recommend eliminating the single stick and maintaining the dual-channel setup with the paired sticks, followed by enabling XMP. I’d assess performance at that stage first. If 16GB of RAM proves insufficient for your needs, then, considering your budget and other considerations, you could explore a larger RAM kit as an alternative. However, remember that additional RAM might not address the original cause of the underperformance that initiated this discussion – monitor the situation further.
Okay... preliminary observations indicate the graphics card may not be well-suited for 1440p gaming. Userbenchmark indicates significant activity is occurring in the background.
Prioritize addressing the elevated CPU usage by identifying any processes running concurrently.
Furthermore, has the physics engine been updated for Fallout 4? Based on my prior experience with Skyrim, performance was limited to 60 frames per second, and exceeding that threshold caused instability within the physics system.
Additionally, are you utilizing G-sync? This should ideally contribute to a smoother gaming experience.
You’re experiencing a Frankenstein-like RAM configuration that is probably hindering performance; you have both 3000 and 2400 series modules combined inexplicably, yet they're operating at only 2133 MHz. Removing the 8 GB of the lower-priced RAM and enabling the XMP profile in your BIOS will allow your RAM to run at 3000 MHz.
Absolutely, the processor load was simply Firefox consuming excessive resources. Fallout remains equally problematic beyond 60 frames per second, and I’m not concerned by it. G-Sync is enabled, although I must concede that I don't observe a significant distinction, only that it eliminates the delay associated with V-sync.
Have you attempted to eliminate the single, unusual memory stick? I would recommend trying this approach, as 16GB should likely prove adequate for typical gaming applications.
I recently installed additional memory after initially believing my existing memory was faulty. It worked successfully, and I’ve also reinserted the original module. Could you tell me if X.M.P is compatible with my RAM type?
If you’re combining different sets, RAM is typically sold in bundles to ensure compatibility and proper operation. Altering these sets, even with identical models, doesn't provide this assurance.
However, it’s still feasible to utilize mismatched RAM together – including boosting their speeds – but it demands greater technical expertise. (I discovered this information through a Gamers Nexus video.) Nevertheless, your situation presents an additional challenge due to the absence of a dual-channel setup.
Could you offer a recommendation in this case? Do I require an upgrade to my memory?
I would recommend eliminating the single, isolated stick, maintaining the paired configuration in dual channel mode, and enabling XMP settings to assess performance. If 16GB of RAM proves insufficient for your needs, consider a larger memory kit based on budget and other constraints. Nevertheless, remember that the underlying cause of the initial performance problems might not be addressed by simply adding more RAM; this should be considered as a secondary option.