Unexplained frame rate drop

[Vulcansurge]

Ok, I've had this problem with my computer for a while, and I've asked multiple forums several time but no-one can help me. I hope you guys can.

Every time I enter a game, there is the chance that my frame rate will drop to about a third of its normal speed (60 down to 20 when im in WC3)... This happens faster and more frequently in graphics intensive games, and it seems to hardly ever happen in WC3, but games like Battlefield and C&C3 are victims of this.

And, even more oddly, after I quit my game in frustration, I checked my running processes and how much CPU they were using. The total CPU usage according to a rough add-up is usually between 3%-7%, but bloody Windows is telling me that I'm using 20%-30%... This doesnt fix itself until I reboot my computer...

Now my first reaction was that it was a problem with my CPU. I read in another forum that Pentium-D's run extremely hot, and Intel processors slow down clock speeds when temperatures get too high. So I ran C&C3 again until the frame rate dropped, and then checked my CPU performance in My Computer>Properties. No difference.

I also thought it might be a virus, except you can usually tell because theres a running program taking up your CPU usage. So I discounted this theory... :/

So my next reaction was to ask a few of my friends to see if they've ever had the same problems. Most said no, but one told me I might need to flush out my cache. I had no idea what he was talking about, so I searched and nothing came up either...

Can anyone here help me?

 

[enouwee]

Post your system specs, and temperatures (CPU, chipset, case, GPU, ...).

 

[Vulcansurge]

Sorry, forgot.

Specs:
- Pentium D 2.8Ghz
- 2GB RAM
- ASUS EN7900GS 256MB
- 250GB Hard Disk

Just gotta open it up if you want the Motherboard specs too.

 

[enouwee]

And the temperatures?

Your CPU (assumed to be a Prescott core) should not exceed 50°C idle and 70°C under load. Consider these as limit thresholds, already much too hot for normal operation. GPU: it'd better stay below 100°C under load (3D games) and 50°C-70°C idle (depending on cooling).

 

[Vulcansurge]

I have to download speedfan, my Motherboard doesnt come with something like this... Ill get the results to you in a second.

EDIT: Ok I attached a screenie cos I didnt understand some bits. Im pretty sure this is telling me my CPU temperature temperature is 30ish degrees celcius...

EDIT: Just did an in-game test. CPU and HDD temperature (if thats what its actually measuring) doesnt change AT ALL... Im trying another temperature monitor program now, to check if this is true.

 

[enouwee]

38°C idle isn't that bad at all. What about the GPU: did your video card come with a control panel or overclocking software that graphs or displays the current temperature?

Other generic tips if the GPU temp is fine: make sure you're using the most recent DirectX and video drivers. Are you running XP or Vista? There are some patches that correct memory usage when playing games - for Windows Vista.

 

[Vulcansurge]

GPU temp sits at about 50 degrees idle, and 55-60 while playing games.

http://www.softwarepatch.com/security/directxdownload.html Im downloading DX9.0c drivers here. Beware of the ads that cant be closed...

IM running XP SP2.

Im still thinking I have a problem with my CPU clock speeds turing down, but I can't figure out why, or how to turn it off. Im going to check to see if my fan spins properly, and then check my BIOS for settings that I might need to change.

THanks for your help so far enouwee!

EDIT: Ok, what I've done seems to work so far. I upgraded the DX9.0c drivers (thnks) and I change thermal and "AI Overclocking" features in my BOIS, and i get no framerate drop what so ever. I still have one problem, only with C&C3. When I'm nod race and I build lots and lost of units, Windows shits itself and crashes C&C3, maybe cos its trying to protect me from entering infinite loops etc... Do you know of any hacks to fix such a problem.

EDIT: BTW +rep for all the advice.

EDIT: Can't +rep you , need to spread the love alittle more ^^