CPU started maxing out today

[mike2480]

Hello all,

I'm having a problem with my CPU that just began yesterday morning and I can't for the life of me figure out why, or how to fix it. I'll start out with my specs.

Intel i5-4590 3.3 Ghz
MSI Z97 SLI-Krait Edition
MSI GTX 970 4G
8Gb Ram
Windows 7 Professional

My problem is that whenever I enter a game (GTA V or Cities Skylines) my CPU almost immediately jumps to 100% usage. What's weird to me is that this hasn't always been the case; until yesterday my normal CPU values for those games was between 60-75%, maybe a little higher at times, but certainly not >95%. I've closely monitored temperatures, and as far as I know, they remain normal (around 45C) when I hit the 100% mark, so it's not a cooling issue. I didn't change any settings, or install any software that should cause the CPU to change like this. All of my software/drivers are up to date as well.

If anyone has any suggestions or possible fixes please let me know. I'll also do what I can to provide further information if necessary.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[i7Baby]

Exactly what can be done depends on your bios. Read your mobo manual and then experiment. If you stuff it up then do a cmos reset.

 

[mike2480]

What types of things should I be looking for in the Bios - just the amount of volts applied to the CPU?

 

[IntelTurtleFan]

That and the frequency.

 

[mike2480]

I'll look at it and take pictures for you guys.

Thanks for the help so far.

 

[mike2480]

Here are some pictures from the Bios. That part of the Bios is something I don't know much about, so I took some pictures of things relating to voltages. If there is more that may be helpful please let me know and I'll try to find it.

http://imgur.com/a/ZshIx

 

[i7Baby]

It says Vcore is 1.048. Which contradicts HWInfo.

 

[mike2480]

Is the 1.048 what it should be? Or is that low as well?

 

[i7Baby]

1.048 is about right.

 

[IntelTurtleFan]

"0.9V at idle and 1.2V gaming." Looks like it is working in the BIOS just fine.

 

[mike2480]

So, what does that mean then for my situation? I would imagine the Bios would be providing more correct information than any other program.
If the 1.048 is correct, where would the disconnect be between the voltage and it's supply to the CPU or mobo?

 

[IntelTurtleFan]

I still think it is a mobo issue. Contact MSI and see what they have to say.

 

[i7Baby]

You can experiment by trying to raise Vcore or RMA your board. Or be indecisive. Your choice.

 

[mike2480]

I'll call MSI to see what they have to say first. It'll probably be a long and unsuccessful phone call...

Thanks for the help again.

 

[madchemist83]

Enable undervoltage protection, c1e state and set dram voltage to a fixed 1.5 V. If that doesn't help try setting your vcore to a fixed value. Like 1.25

 

[mike2480]

Just before I was going to call MSI last night I reopened a game to watch the HWInfo screen again and my CPU readings went from the 2000/2000Mhz to the 3300/3300Mhz that they should be. I have no idea what happened or what changed because as far as I know I didn't do anything. I'm not convinced that my problem is solved but as of last night it worked again. I'm expecting this to come up again as it may be an on and off issue that I'll experience from time to time. In which case if/when it comes up again I'll certainly go through the steps that you provided [madchemist83]. I haven't turned on that PC yet today so I have yet to see if it still is working properly. Hopefully it's still working properly and if not then I'll go through your steps. Thanks for the advice.

 

[IntelTurtleFan]

Hahaha. Excellent! Glad you got it sorted out. Hopefully you will have no more issues.