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CPU, Overheating and performance problem

A

ahluka

n00b
Joined
Feb 1, 2006
Messages
20
I've got a pretty bizarre (to me - I'm no guru :() problem. Before I get down to the nitty gritty, here's my specs (I'm not sure exactly as to the model's etc of some components):

1GB DDR PC3200
nVidia GeForce 6600GT (by PNY) - AGP, aperture set @ 128MB
Pentium 4, 3.0Ghz
350W PSU
Only 1 case fan...

AFAIK that's all that may have something to do with my problem.
When I first turn my PC on it runs fine & fast, for about 30 minutes (or ~20 if I start playing a game straight off) then it noticably drops in performance - games loose anywhere from 20 to ~35 FPS and all other software takes longer to load than before.

Now, I have read around and noted that Pentiums will "slow themselves down" when they reach high temperatures. Sure, it saves my hardware (or at least postpones it's destruction) but it's annoying as hell. At first I thought it might be a RAM problem - I.E. a lack of (until yesterday I only had 512MB & I've only recently bought the 6600GT). Upgrading has made little difference when I hit the 20 minute mark (otherwise it makes a lot of difference, as you'd expect).

So basically I'm looking for everyone else's opinion on what the problem is. I'll be pissed if it is a cooling problem because I'm short on cash right now... so I came up with a temporary plan, which I need someone to approve for me. I've got a little office-desk type fan around here somewhere and I was wondering, if I remove the side of my case and position the fan at some distance and at an angle, would that provide a good-ish flow of air? Anything until I can materialise enough for a new case + fans.
 
Best thing to do at the moment IMO is to install some monitoring software to verify your machine is overheating. Sounds like it is, but there would be no assumptions at that point.

Plan B (regular fan) would work if you have to go that route.
 
dirtydr said:
Best thing to do at the moment IMO is to install some monitoring software to verify your machine is overheating. Sounds like it is, but there would be no assumptions at that point.

Plan B (regular fan) would work if you have to go that route.
Click to expand...

Could you recommend some monitoring software? I just installed SpeedFan but it's non-descriptive labels were a bitch ("Temp1, Temp2 and Temp3" ?).

What else could it be if it isn't overheating?
 
Your mobo manufacturer should offer some utility for monitoring temps & fan speeds. Asus pc probe gets the job done for me but I dont know if it will work on your setup.

I would agree with your initial assessment of temp being the problem, but it is better to know for certain. What are your generic temperature labels showing? That may help to narrow it down since CPU will likely be the highest #.
 
The highest one flickered between 49-51, while the others stayed around 40.
 
I see... It slipped my mind that you could also enter the CMOS setup and eyeball the temps there.

It does not appear to be excessive temps for that chip afaik. However, I have not had an Intel chip since the end of the P3 days so perhaps someone who knows for certain can confirm or deny the acceptability of that temp.

In the meantime I'd break out that fan you mentioned, crack the case and see if it solves the problem. If it does not, then you know its something else. Kind of a longshot but maybe take a look in your event viewer (right click my computer > manage>application & system) and see if there is anything notable going on.
 
It sounds like your proc might be overheating, or maybe your chipset.
Open your case, and blow your house fan in there.
If that doesn't solve the problem make sure you have your HSF mounted right.

Also try motherboard monitor... it should give you temps.
 
Well I'm not sure about that sensor SpeedFan is reporting. According to the CMOS, after having pushed my system a bit (putting up with 12 FPS for about an hour) the temperature reads 46C.

According to this, that isn't too hot: http://www.heatsink-guide.com/content.php?content=maxtemp.shtml

Any ideas what else it could be? I'll dig my fan out of the attic in the morning and see if that helps.

EDIT: Oh yeah according to the software that came with my GPU it's always around 54C, which is quite normal, right?
 
it sounds like a temp. problem, but the temps you gave dont seem too high... have you checked for spyware or a virus... what kind of psu do you have?
 
Yep I've ran full scans with Spybot and AdAware - Spybot turned up nothing and AdAware removed 7 files ("data miners" or something) but it made no difference.

I'm not sure about the PSU TBH. I regret not building my system myself now. All I know is it's 350W.

EDIT: Virus scan turns up nothing either.
 
Your PSU might be the problem also. It might be a crappy one that does not have enough juice.

I really felt like it was temps before. But they all seem to be about normal.

wouldnt't hurt to run memtest, in order to rule out memory.
 
I'll run memtest later just to be sure. How much is a decent PSU going to cost?
I'm going to run a bit of a test when I get back from college this evening. I'll use my PC without playing games and see how long it takes to come to a slow down. I've got a feeling it might not until I start playing games, but we'll see.

My card is also plugged into my PSU so it's looking more and more like my PSU struggles when I start gaming for longer periods (~20 mins).

EDIT: Take a look at this: http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/pro...hcmNoUmVzdWx0cw==&cat_uid=149&subcat_uid=1584

The first one on the list is a bit OTT - it says "server class", so I don't it that juicy. Do I? Anyway if you had to choose one from that list, which one would you go for? As a novice PC gamer I seriously don't know what I'm looking for :(
 
You'd want to look at a PSU from a reputable brand. Check out the sticky in the PSU board.
 
I'd say you are looking in the area of 400-450 from most power supply makers. You can get away with less from one of the top brands.

I would look into Enermax, OCZ, Antec, or even the PC Power and Cooling silencer line.

I would expect to pay anywhere from 80+ for a pretty good one.

the Antec Neo power is a real nice one that you might be able to find real cheap.
 
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