Frame Drops when Gaming GTA5, ARMA 2 &3, DAYZ, BF4

[MCW360]

Hello,

Started having frame drop spikes while gaming on my PC:
Windows 10
AMD FX-8320
16GB RAM
GTX660 2GB
I've tried everything from Unparking my CPU, defragging, cleaning etc.
I have recently installed 16gb ram from 8gb and upgraded my CPU fan. could this be a part of the issue?? I ran Performance monitor and it seems to be my CPU that is spiking. is there anyway i can stop this issue?
would really appreciate some help
Thank you

 

[bimbaws]

Dont bother with DayZ FPS drops. Even its devs have issues running it

 

[GhislainG]

Unless you have a motherboard (which one do you have?) with a very good VRM, replacing the stock fan can cause overheating issues because the VRM no longer gets enough cooling and it has to throttle the CPU to 1.4 GHz to protect itself.

 

[MCW360]

I Have ASRock 970 Extreme4 (CPUSocket)

 

[GhislainG]

Then you are aware of this note: "* For cooling the CPU and its surrounding components, please install a CPU cooler with a top-down blowing design." How did you meet that requirement? Are you using a top-down blowing cooler? If not, did you add a fan to cool the poor VRM? That motherboard only has a 4+1 phase VRM that needs cooling to prevent CPU throttling. A motherboard like the GA-970A-UD3P (8+1 phase VRM) is much better when using a 125W FX CPU.

 

[MCW360]

ordered this fan http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooler-Master-RR-212E-16PK-R1-Performance-Universal/dp/B0068OI7T8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

 

[GhislainG]

Unlike the stock cooler, it doesn't cool the VRM. How are you cooling it?

 

[MCW360]

the fan is situated blowing on the side of the heat sync blowing on the radiator which absorbs the heat.

 

[GhislainG]

Did you have issues before installing the new cooler? If no, were you using the stock cooler? You obviously don't have to follow ASRock's recommendations if VRM throttling isn't an issue.

 

[MCW360]

yes, i was using the stock cooler. I have installed MSI afterburning and turned up the fan speed but it still throttles.

 

[GhislainG]

Obviously because the VRM is causing the issue, but you believe the 212 Evo cools it properly. It definitely doesn't and you'll have the throttling issue until you install a fan to blow air directly on it, you use a top-down blower like the stock cooler or you buy a better motherboard that will work even when using a tower cooler like the 212 Evo.

AMD have now released a better cooler. I'd like you to read the review mainly because it shows the VRM temperature (on page 2) with the old cooler, the new Wraith cooler and a very good aftermarket cooler. The MSI 970 Gaming has a much better 6+2 digital VRM than your motherboard and it works fine with a 212 Evo as long as the case provides good airflow and the ambient temperature is kept comfortable.

 

[MCW360]

Thank you so much. I'll have a look into it

 

[GhislainG]

If you can fit it, an Anctec Spot Cool or a similar solution should work.

 

[MCW360]

What do you think would be better? Motherboard or fan?

 

[GhislainG]

My personal choice would be a motherboard that can support the CPU properly and allow overclocking since it can easily be achieved with a 212 Evo. The minimum I'd buy is a Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P, but the latest version doesn't seem to be as good as the original one. If you can afford a 990FX motherboard, then the Gigabyte GA-990FX-Gaming, the Asus SABERTOOTH 990FX R2.0 and other motherboards with a good VRM that can support 220W processors would be excellent. You'll never have to worry about VRM throttling again.

 

[MCW360]

What about th MSI 970 you mentioned? That's more with my price range. Would you recommend that one?

 

[GhislainG]

The MSI 970 Gaming includes a 6+2 phase digital VRM. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it, but it won't allow overclocking like a more expensive motherboard.