Question Need Help - Low CPU Performance, Bad RAM Stability, Missing 4-pin Power (12600K + 4060 Ti)

[Luca_21]

Hey everyone,


I'm helping a friend troubleshoot their PC and we’re running into a few major issues:

• Specs:
  
  • CPU: Intel Core i5-12600K
  • GPU: RTX 4060 Ti
  • Motherboard: Z670-P4 Gaming Carbon Pro
  • PSU: 500W non-modular (unknown brand)
  • RAM: 32GB

The motherboard has an 8+4 pin CPU power setup, but only the 8-pin connector is currently plugged in. The additional 4-pin is completely unused. The PC boots and works, but when gaming (we tested Warzone), the performance is terrible — the GPU sits around 40% usage, and the CPU is obviously a bottleneck.


We also tested Cinebench R24 multicore and scored 788 points, while I found the 12600K should be getting around 900+ normally. The CPU isn’t boosting to its full 4.9GHz, and the RAM is only running at 2133MT/s because enabling XMP crashes the system. Also, if we install more than 32GB of RAM, the PC refuses to boot at all.


Some extra context:

• The CPU and motherboard were used previously by someone else for a few years, no overclocking done during that time.
• I was remotely connected via TeamViewer during testing, so there was some background load, but nothing major that would explain this level of performance drop.

Given all this, my main suspects are:

• Missing 4-pin CPU power might be limiting CPU power delivery and boost behavior.
• Weak 500W PSU (and probably low quality) struggling to provide clean power to the system.
• RAM instability due to poor power delivery or motherboard stress.

---

Any advice on what the biggest priority should be?
Should we immediately replace the PSU and properly connect both CPU power cables first before doing anything else?
Would love any input from people who've seen similar issues. Thanks!

 

[rgd1101]

get a quality psu

 

[Zerk2012]

Hey everyone,


I'm helping a friend troubleshoot their PC and we’re running into a few major issues:

• Specs:
  • CPU: Intel Core i5-12600K
  • GPU: RTX 4060 Ti
  • Motherboard: Z670-P4 Gaming Carbon Pro
  • PSU: 500W non-modular (unknown brand)
  • RAM: 32GB

The motherboard has an 8+4 pin CPU power setup, but only the 8-pin connector is currently plugged in. The additional 4-pin is completely unused. The PC boots and works, but when gaming (we tested Warzone), the performance is terrible — the GPU sits around 40% usage, and the CPU is obviously a bottleneck.


We also tested Cinebench R24 multicore and scored 788 points, while I found the 12600K should be getting around 900+ normally. The CPU isn’t boosting to its full 4.9GHz, and the RAM is only running at 2133MT/s because enabling XMP crashes the system. Also, if we install more than 32GB of RAM, the PC refuses to boot at all.


Some extra context:

• The CPU and motherboard were used previously by someone else for a few years, no overclocking done during that time.
• I was remotely connected via TeamViewer during testing, so there was some background load, but nothing major that would explain this level of performance drop.

Given all this, my main suspects are:

• Missing 4-pin CPU power might be limiting CPU power delivery and boost behavior.
• Weak 500W PSU (and probably low quality) struggling to provide clean power to the system.
• RAM instability due to poor power delivery or motherboard stress.

---

Any advice on what the biggest priority should be?
Should we immediately replace the PSU and properly connect both CPU power cables first before doing anything else?
Would love any input from people who've seen similar issues. Thanks!

Download and run OCCT stress test on the CPU, what is the temperature?
Run the OCCT power supply test.

 

[geofelt]

Test the ram for stability.
Run
memtest86.

It does not use windows.
If it runs a full test with NO errors, you are likely OK.
To be sure, run a couple more times.

What are the ram details?
CPU-Z will identify the part numbers.
If all the ram is not from the same matched kit, you can expect problems.

Nothing counts unless you have stable ram.

Is the motherboard bios current?
Are there some updates that might be relevant?
I think I would update the bios regardless.

Psu requirements are normally greater than 500w for a 4060ti.
And, a cheap 500w psu is likely not delivering 500w where you need it anyway.
Borrow and test with a known good psu of 650w or more.
If that is not possible buy a replacement from a shop with a good return policy.
Expect to pay 15% return fee if a replacement does not work.
A quality psu will have at least a 7 year warranty.
The incremental price from a 750w to 850w psu is normally not large.
A stronger psu will only use the power demanded of it, regardless of the max capability.
The extra 4 pin motherboard connector is used to help power stronger graphics cards and also to handle cpu overclocking.