Graphics card problem

[AshmerAmadeus]

I built my computer about six months ago. I recently noticed a pretty severe slowdown in path of exile. I fluctuate between low single digits and low 100s for fps. Given the screen cap above, I'm inclined to blame my video card. The card in question is a R9 280DD and should have no problems running poe at any settings. Any ideas?

 

[AshmerAmadeus]

I built my computer about six months ago. I recently noticed a pretty severe slowdown in path of exile. I fluctuate between low single digits and low 100s for fps. Given the screen cap above, I'm inclined to blame my video card. The card in question is a R9 280DD and should have no problems running poe at any settings. Any ideas?

 

[tential]

Use something like MSI afterburner with rivatuner and monitor your GPU clocks/temps
ensure the GPU isn't throttling/running hot

 

[bystander36]

Monitor the CPU while you are at it. That type of throttling is very commonly the result of CPU overheating as well. The physics score makes me think it's the CPU that is throttling.

 

[AshmerAmadeus]

Monitor the CPU while you are at it. That type of throttling is very commonly the result of CPU overheating as well. The physics score makes me think it's the CPU that is throttling.

You sir (ma'am?) are a saint. I took a look at the cpu temps. They were off the charts. I don't know how it happened, but three of the posts that hold the HSF in place had come loose. I've re-seated them, and everything looks to be a-ok. Leaves me with one question, as this is outside my experience. It makes sense to me that where the HSF was loose, that I'd want to completely remove it, use alcohol (isopropyl 92%?) and apply thermal paste and put the HSF back? I've never done that, just want to make sure I have the correct way to go about things. Again, many thanks, except from my wife, as having a steady 60fps in POE means I'm gaming on weekends.

 

[railven]

You sir (ma'am?) are a saint. I took a look at the cpu temps. They were off the charts. I don't know how it happened, but three of the posts that hold the HSF in place had come loose. I've re-seated them, and everything looks to be a-ok. Leaves me with one question, as this is outside my experience. It makes sense to me that where the HSF was loose, that I'd want to completely remove it, use alcohol (isopropyl 92%?) and apply thermal paste and put the HSF back? I've never done that, just want to make sure I have the correct way to go about things. Again, many thanks, except from my wife, as having a steady 60fps in POE means I'm gaming on weekends.

You got the gist of it. If it's your first time, hit up Youtube and find a video just to get a general idea.

If you're using a stock heatsink (came in the box) careful with those push-tabs. Either I'm really dumb, or the design is weird, because I've had the tabs pop up on me as well, even though I turned it to the "locked" side.

 

[AshmerAmadeus]

You got the gist of it. If it's your first time, hit up Youtube and find a video just to get a general idea.

If you're using a stock heatsink (came in the box) careful with those push-tabs. Either I'm really dumb, or the design is weird, because I've had the tabs pop up on me as well, even though I turned it to the "locked" side.

I don't get new computers often, so the changes are very noticed. I don't overclock and have always used the stock hsf. Perhaps I should look into another one, something that stays in place better. Or maybe put my case on its side?

 

[railven]

I don't get new computers often, so the changes are very noticed. I don't overclock and have always used the stock hsf. Perhaps I should look into another one, something that stays in place better. Or maybe put my case on its side?

Nah, if you aren't overclocking the stock HSF is more than fine. I was just letting you know - it happens. I've built so many computers and used so many different HSF, the stock Intel ones always kick my ass for some reason or another.

It's suppose to be child-proof in design (line it up, push tabs in) but for some reason for me one or more always pops out during installation haha.

I've just done a personal test now, I push the tap in, if it pops up I turn it, and normally it stays in, Just makes me think during shipping they might move? Or, I'm just blind/stupid can't see if it's locked or not haha.

 

[bystander36]

You sir (ma'am?) are a saint. I took a look at the cpu temps. They were off the charts. I don't know how it happened, but three of the posts that hold the HSF in place had come loose. I've re-seated them, and everything looks to be a-ok. Leaves me with one question, as this is outside my experience. It makes sense to me that where the HSF was loose, that I'd want to completely remove it, use alcohol (isopropyl 92%?) and apply thermal paste and put the HSF back? I've never done that, just want to make sure I have the correct way to go about things. Again, many thanks, except from my wife, as having a steady 60fps in POE means I'm gaming on weekends.

Glad to point you in the right direction. Just follow the advise of railven, he has you covered on the procedures. Watching a video is good advise.

 

[AshmerAmadeus]

Glad to point you in the right direction. Just follow the advise of railven, he has you covered on the procedures. Watching a video is good advise.

For sure. I've never done it before although I've seen it done on YouTube videos. I will get the stuff I need this weekend. Hopefully this can be a learning experience for my kids as well