Question Poor gaming performance with a GTX 980 ?

[TheBUFF]

I need some help figuring out the performance issues I am having in games with my MSI GTX 980.
In games I am getting way lower FPS than shown by others online, and while I have some ideas I am not sure what the core issue is.

PC model: Dell Optiplex 7010

Specs
GPU: GTX 980
CPU: i7 3770k
PSU: Segotep 650W 80 Plus Gold
RAM: 16 DDR3 1600 mhz

My only ideas are:

1. My CPU and RAM are heavily bottlenecking my GPU.
or
2. My weird Dell motherboard is causing issues. I'm pretty sure it's not overheating but I do have only 1 case fan installed.

 

[boju]

Don't assume cpu temp is ok, check with Core Temp. Make sure frequency is where it should be when doing something and not throttling. What cpu cooler have you got? When was the last time you blew it out? Maybe open side panel for the time being.

Cpu and gpu is a good pairing so that shouldn't be an issue. I used to run 2600k at 4.5 with a 1080Ti and that ran fairly well, 10~15fps less compared to 8700k.

If cpu temp is fine and this system 'used' to run fine then look at what is running in the background. See task manager looking for higher than normal consuming processes. Sort processes highest to lowest, if you find anything of interest then right click that process and search about it. Also see task manager startup items. Run Malwarebytes.

Out of interest, what videos are you comparing to?

 

[TheBUFF]

Don't assume cpu temp is ok, check with Core Temp. Make sure frequency is where it should be when doing something and not throttling. What cpu cooler have you got? When was the last time you blew it out? Maybe open side panel for the time being.

Cpu and gpu is a good pairing so that shouldn't be an issue. I used to run 2600k at 4.5 with a 1080Ti and that ran fairly well, 10~15fps less compared to 8700k.

If cpu temp is fine and this system 'used' to run fine then look at what is running in the background. See task manager looking for higher than normal consuming processes. Sort processes highest to lowest, if you find anything of interest then right click that process and search about it. Also see task manager startup items. Run Malwarebytes.

Out of interest, what videos are you comparing to?

Using HWmonitor to record temps when playing fortnÍte (It's the only modern game I have to test) my CPU core reports a max of 79 degrees and my GPU hotspot hit a max of 68 and yet I'm getting a terrible jittery experience compared to what is shown in this video when using the same low graphics preset. My nintendo switch runs the game smoother than my pc right now.

 

[thestryker]

What storage are you using for OS/games?

Since you've had hardware monitor open have you noticed whether or not there are spikes in usage/clockspeed with either your CPU or GPU?

Just a note that video is using a CPU that is significantly faster than what you're using.

 

[Eximo]

16GB of DDR3, is that properly in dual channel mode?

Did you adapt a PSU into that, or did you buy it with a 650W PSU, could be a power delivery issue.

What storage are you running? Not having an SSD can lead to stuttering and loading issues.

Motherboard temps is a decent idea, Dell doesn't sell Optiplex with the 3770k and the higher power draw might be causing your system to throttle. Consider pointing a fan at the motherboard.

3770k should be somewhat adequate for Fortnite, GTX980 is actually into the recommended specs so you should be good there. I ran a 4770k with a GTX980 back in the day, 3770k is a good match for it.