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Fix: sudden FPS drops due to overheating

Forum Index > SC2 General
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mrkent
Profile Joined January 2010
United States160 Posts
May 04 2010 20:13 GMT
#1
I've had an issue where FPS would drop suddenly in a game, and then shoot back up. Turned out, it was just lots of dust clogged in the graphics card, and over heating it. I have some fixes for people with FPS problems to help you diagnose.

1. Download and install RivaTuner: http://www.guru3d.com/index.php?page=rivatuner
2. Click this button and choose the last option. It opens up a clockspeed/temperature chart.
+ Show Spoiler +
[image loading]

3. From what I noticed, if temperatures go above 105, the FPS will have a sudden drop, and the graphics card might shut down completely if it goes over 115C. My idle temperature was around 78C and ramped up to ~110 while playing sc2.
4. If overheating is the problem, try to dust it out first. If your graphics card has an enclosed case like mine, you might have to pick out clogs of dust with a tooth pick. After all the dust was cleaned from my card, the temp went down to 42 idle and ~70 while playing.
5. If it is still overheating, new thermal compound might need to be applied to the GPU. Refer to various guide on how to do that.
6. If that's still not enough, try an extra fan for your graphics card (if it's expensive and deems one). People say good things about this brand. http://www.arctic-cooling.com/catalog/index.php

An alternative temporary solution is to underclock your GPU, which RivaTuner can do. Click the little button under driver settings and choose system tweaks for overclock settings. First try set all the numbers to ~2/3 of what they were originally, to see if FPS drops go away. This worked for me before I took out all the dust. Although temperatures were still high, it no longer dropped to 10fps. + Show Spoiler +
[image loading]
s2pid_loser
Profile Joined March 2010
United States699 Posts
May 04 2010 20:20 GMT
#2
yea i have that problem all the time
i'll consider this
thanks for the info
can anyone else confirm this works?
Et Ducit Mundum Per Luce
ghen
Profile Blog Joined March 2010
United States1356 Posts
May 04 2010 20:24 GMT
#3
78C idle? Holy crap dude that's hot. good to see you got the temps down with no ill effects!

Maybe time to think about an aftermarket cooler anyway?
Spaztick
Profile Joined April 2010
United States25 Posts
May 04 2010 20:24 GMT
#4
nTune can underclock your gpu as well if it's an nvidia card. I just use it to turn the fan up to 100% so it doesn't overheat.
7v1 comp-stomp world champion.
btlyger
Profile Blog Joined February 2010
United States470 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-05-04 20:44:12
May 04 2010 20:39 GMT
#5
I would like to point out that the sudden drop in FPS is because when it gets to hot and downclocks itself in an attempt to not overheat. This can be turned off with software, but I suggest you don't do that so you don't ruin your computer.

Downclocking yourself through software in an attempt to keep temperatures down and avoid spikes is an option, (This is what the OP suggests) but I suggest cleaning your computer first and turning down your graphics. If that doesn't work either buy a fan or go to the software.

Unless you are gaming non-stop all day your computer should not overheat if used properly, so if you are experiencing issues because of overheating you are probably turning your graphics higher then they should be, or not cooling your system properly (Includes lack of fans / cleaning).

*Edit* BTW if you guys think your having an overheating issue, it might be because of your case! I suggest http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3067296&SID=

heard good things about this one as well: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129058&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3067296&SID=

Trust me, a good case makes a HUGE difference.
"Minerals being mined. Minerals being mined. Minerals being mined." Learn how to post: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting
Chriamon
Profile Joined April 2010
United States886 Posts
May 04 2010 20:42 GMT
#6
Holy crap 78 degrees idle thats rediculous. My system is at ~32 idle and never runs hotter than ~50 (graphics card runs a little hotter). Has your system suffered any damage from running so hot?
http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/profile/274906/1/Blaze/
mrkent
Profile Joined January 2010
United States160 Posts
May 04 2010 21:34 GMT
#7
it's my GPU that is running that hot. I haven't checked CPU temp, but its fine. GPUs can withstand such high temps. No noticeable damage.
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