CPU or Motherboard issue

[joecap]

I have a Intel Core i5-6600K, ASUS ROG MAXIMUS VIII RANGER Intel Z170 Motherboard, and an EVGA 1080. My frames went from consistent 120+ to 10 to 15 FPS while playing Hitman. It was working fine, then just started dogging in the middle of the game. I put my old 970 back in thinking my card went bad, but it's doing the same thing. Ran PassMark and 3DMArk and getting horrible results... Would you think this is a CPU problem or a MB problem? I reloaded WIN10 using a new SSD, so it shouldn't be an OS issue... I hope. Also, I'm inclined to go for a new MB. What would you guys recommend for my current CPU? I want to be able to upgrade to I7 next year...

 

[alexoiu]

Try ruling out a software issue. Can you reinstall windows and test?

 

[joecap]

Thanks for the reply! Yes, I completely reloaded WIN10 yesterday... even used a new SSD. Same results.

 

[alexoiu]

Have you OC-ed?
Have you tested with single RAM installed (testing each RAM)?

 

[joecap]

No, not OCed and just finished the RAM test (good tip ) RAM appears to be good...

 

[alexoiu]

Hard to say, then... Try RMA-ing both board and CPU, if under warranty.

 

[joecap]

Yes, this one has me stumped. RMA is not an option as the MB and CPU are over a year old. I'm going to assume it's the MB first since it's the least expensive component to replace. Thanks for your assistance!

 

[alexoiu]

3 yrs warranty for boards, with ASUS.
Try https://eu-rma.asus.com/pick_eu/uk/ or similar.
Same for CPU.