Hey everyone! I'm new to building PCs and just wanted some advice. I aimed to create a future-proof setup with good parts, but I'm noticing some issues now that it's about 1-2 years old. I have a high-end CPU, GPU, and cooling setup, but I'm seeing performance and noise problems. My main questions are: 1. Why is my PC so loud even when I'm playing less demanding games, like Roots of Pacha? I thought powerful components should lead to quieter operation. 2. My FPS in games is lower than benchmarks suggest; for instance, I got about 60-100 FPS in games even though my benchmark scores say I should do better. Is this normal? 3. Do I have unrealistic expectations or should I tweak some settings for better performance? Any insights or advice on my setup would be appreciated! Here are my specs:
- Motherboard: ASRock Z790 PG Sonic
- CPU: Intel i9-14900K
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 6400 (2x 16GB)
- GPU: MSI RTX 4090 Suprim Liquid X 24G
- PSU: Be Quiet! Straight Power 12 1200W
- Storage: Samsung SSD 990 Pro 2TB + 4TB
- Cooler: ASUS ROG RYUO III ARGB 360mm
- Case: JONSBO MOD5
- OS: Windows 11 Pro
3 Answers
It's normal for Intel's latest CPUs to run hot and need good cooling. Sometimes, simpler games can stress your CPU more, leading to higher fan speeds due to resource usage. Ensure V-Sync is enabled because otherwise, your system could go wild trying to pump out unnecessary FPS, which can lead to more heat. You might not need to worry too much about degradation—Intel usually covers that under warranty if it happens.
Good to know! I have V-Sync on, but I’m curious about FreeSync or G-Sync. Should I make that switch?
You might want to check for any background programs using up your CPU and RAM. Sometimes, having browsers like Chrome open can eat resources, affecting your FPS. However, if it still feels smooth while gaming, you might be overthinking it. FPS differences can be hard to spot, so focus on gameplay feel rather than just numbers.
That's a good point. I tend to obsess over FPS too much; maybe I’ll try to just enjoy the game instead.
I often keep Chrome open for guides, but it doesn't feel like that's the main cause. Yet, I'll still be mindful of it!
First up, try tuning your fan curves and consider undervolting your CPU; it can help reduce noise while maintaining good performance. Also, check if you're capping your FPS. High-end parts can produce more frames, but if you're limiting the output, it can cause issues. Remember, benchmarks don’t always reflect in-game performance since actual loads can vary significantly. You might also want to enable XMP for RAM, and consider using FreeSync or G-Sync instead of V-Sync; it typically offers better results without the downsides.
Do you have a recommended tool for the benchmarks? I'd love to check if my system's performing as it should.
Thanks! I planned to adjust the fan curves. Could you explain how to undervolt in BIOS?
Yeah, if you're gaming at high refresh rates, G-Sync or FreeSync can level out performance without the extra strain.