Extreme FPS Drops

[chakra]

Hi everyone,

I've been getting severe FPS drops lately in almost every game except WoW. When it happens my FPS goes from ~ 60 to ~3 to 4. I checked my Processor Core Temps and it's around 48-57 C depending.

The problem fixes itself when I have a big fan blowing into my PC (I took out a side plate). But when I put the fan to cool me off instead of my PC, it comes back. If it helps in finding a solution, my room is hot but I try to have air flow out through a window via ceiling fan.

computer specs:
500w psu
intel 2 quad core q8300@2.50 GHz
4 gb ram
9800 gt graphics card
running 2 monitors (1920x1080 & 1280x1024)

 

[Darksol]

Your graphics card may be overheating causing it to slowdown so that it does not fry itself. Try cleaning your computer which may improve airflow throughout your case.

 

[Sunius]

What is your graphics card temps during slowdown?

 

[chakra]

I just checked and it was 113-114 C during the spike and when I turned on my fan it look about a minute to go back to normal and it was around 106-107 C.

 

[chakra]

I just tried in another game and with my fan on atm, it's 81C without much action.

EDIT: With a bit of action it's about 99 C.

 

[Sunius]

There's your issue. You need to take off the heatsink, clean the GPU and the heatsink with isopropyl alcohol, reapply new thermal paste and the put on the heatsink again.

 

[mikes1992]

before removing your heatsink and adding new thermal paste I'd give it a quick dust first... you'd be surprised how much build up you can get over a couple of years.

 

[Sunius]

Well, mikes might be right if you don't clean your PC monthly

 

[mikes1992]

well that's if you don't feel confident removing the heat sink or you simply don't have any replacement paste... if you have experience and paste then go for it.

 

[chakra]

I'm seeing different ways to apply the arctic silver, should I be spreading it evenly with like a business card or just put a pea sized dot and just press the heatsink down?

 

[blakwidowrsa]

I'm seeing different ways to apply the arctic silver, should I be spreading it evenly with like a business card or just put a pea sized dot and just press the heatsink down?

NOT even pea sized-- trust me...I ruined a 5870x2 once!!!

A match head amount ,2 dots about center 1 dot apart is normally enough per contact point. remember the final amount you need is thinner than paper and the size of the core. Rather put too little than too much.Its not a slice of bread you are smearing with peanut butter.

Like I said 2 matcheads close together, and slichtly tilt the Heatsink when combining to eliminate bubbles / no-contact zones.
a gentle slow twisting motion generally secures the bond.

Good practice is to also lift the sink again and look for no-contact zones, redo if needed with a little extra.

You must remeber the paste will eventually almost harden like dried prestick. A good first contact is desired.