Hey everyone! I recently upgraded my PC with new components, including a CPU, but now I'm facing issues with game performance. Despite a fresh Windows install, I'm experiencing stuttering during gameplay, even in games where I didn't have these problems before. I've noticed that actively streaming on Discord has also taken a hit, and this entire upgrade set me back around £600.
I've listed my new parts here [new build](https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/XRxgjn) and my old ones here [old build](https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/user/Xordania/saved/H3wfHx). After the upgrade, I tried playing League of Legends, which previously ran smoothly. Now, I can hit 300-400 fps, but I also get serious slowdowns down to 30 fps, which really baffles me.
Here's what I've already done:
1. I installed MSI Afterburner to manage fan control again.
2. I disabled a bunch of Windows 10 features that were unnecessary.
3. I updated all my drivers.
4. I checked temperatures to rule out throttling, and everything seemed fine.
One thing I ran into is that I had to connect my GPU to the lower PCIe 3.0 16 pin slot since my big Noctua cooler blocked the PCIe 5.0 slot. It's a bit frustrating trying to figure all this out! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
It sounds frustrating, but it seems like a simple slot change could solve your problems. Good luck with the upgrade process, and keep us posted on how it goes after moving the GPU!
If the cooler is installed correctly but it's still blocking your GPU's optimal slot, it might be time to look for a more compact cooler. You don’t want a situation where your expensive GPU is underperforming just because of a cooler choice. A smaller cooler could solve a lot of your current issues!
Don't stress too much. It's a common mistake! Just remember to check the compatibility next time. If you can share your build, maybe the community can help recommend a better cooler option. Good luck with your setup!
Yeah, those bottom PCIe slots might not support the full capabilities of your GPU, and it could lead to some serious lag and stuttering. Even though the Noctua cooler fits there physically, it's crucial to make sure you're not blocking your GPU's performance by the slot choice. Are you sure the cooler isn't a 90-degree install issue?
Good point! I double-checked, and the cooler is facing the correct way. It seems just too big for that slot.
It sounds like you're running your GPU in a PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, which would definitely bottleneck performance. Those slots are designed for less bandwidth, and because of that, your GPU isn't able to perform at its best. You should try relocating it to the top PCIe x16 slot and see if that fixes the stuttering issues. Your cooler might be blocking it, though, so double-check the installation.
Thanks for the tip! I just looked at the manual, and you're right about the slots. I might have to send my cooler back if it’s causing this mess.
Will do! Thanks for the support!