GPU taking a break during gaming?

[Fafnr1984]

Hey,

I hope this is the right forum, so here goes...

I have an - I think - strange issue. during gaming, sometimes my graphicscard will take a 1-2 second "lag" break and then start running again.

For instance, I just purchased Battlefield 3 (the first game I'm noticing this in, though that doesn't mean much - I just "upgraded". See specs at the end.)

Most of the time my GPU is running at between 90 and 99%, but then, when stressed, sometimes it'll just drop to 0 (I can even hear the fan slowing down!) and then start going again.

This is NOT optimal in online deathmatches.

Is this just game-lag which requires a new graphics-card to handle? Or is something deeper perhaps wrong?

My setup is:

Core i7 860 (2.8 ghz)
Radeon 4870 Vapor X @ 820mhz GPU and 1100mhz memory. (Overclocked via MSI afterburner, where I can also see the GPU usage drop graphically)
2 x SATA harddrives, 1 x SATA DVD Burner
4 gb RAM
Windows 7 32bit
Chill Innovation 520 watt PSU

I should also note that this irritating slowdown happens regardless of resolution. I've had it happen in full HD as well as 1280 x 1024.

If it's relevant, I'm running a 2 x 24" setup, attached via DVI to the GFX card. The second monitor is only showing MSI Afterburner.

Any advice much appreciated!!

 

[DaveSimmons]

Does this still happen at stock speed? The OC might not be as stable as you think.

Have you been monitoring GPU temps? It could be heat related.

Does it happen when using just one monitor?

 

[Destiny]

How long have you had your Powersupply for? From what I read they degrade in output overtime... the GPU may be pausing because may be your system is at load and it does that to prevent shut down... taking a look at your build and GPU and that you stated that you overclock, I think that might be happening... I had it happen on one of my older builds that I had for 8 years before I started building new PCs again last year...

 

[Fafnr1984]

Thank you SO much DaveSimmons! After restoring it to factory clock, everything runs as I'd expected! Not fantastic, considering the age of the GPU, but like it should!