Hey everyone, this is my first post and I'm hoping to get some insights on a frustrating issue. Here are my specs: I'm running a GeForce RTX 4060 Ti for my GPU, paired with an AMD Ryzen R5 3600 CPU that has a 35MB cache. I've got 16 GB of DDR4 RAM (2 x 8 GB), an SSD for storage, and a 550W power supply, all on an MSI B450M PRO VDH MAX motherboard.
Lately, I've been experiencing some stuttering while gaming, even on low settings. The games I've noticed this with include Atomic Hearts, the BF6 Beta, World War Z, and most recently, Borderlands 4. I do plan on upgrading my CPU to meet the minimum specs for Borderlands 4, but I thought the other games shouldn't be acting up.
I typically run these games off my SSD at low settings while trying to cap the FPS to around 50. Based on some monitoring I've done, I've noticed that when the stuttering occurs, my GPU usage dips, and my CPU usage spikes (not sure if that's a reaction or the cause). Notably, my CPU temperatures are around 85-90°C, while my GPU sits at about 40-50°C during these moments.
I doubt my GPU is the problem, as it's only maxing out at about 60% usage. The CPU is a bit older, but I assumed it would show higher usage if it were struggling. I also have some trends from MSI Afterburner that show these stats, especially as I quit the game, which might explain the CPU spike.
I'm keen to learn how to troubleshoot this effectively, so if anyone has suggestions or insights, I'd love to hear them!
4 Answers
Have you checked if you're swapping out RAM? 16GB isn't a lot these days, and games like Borderlands 4 can struggle with performance. If your RAM is getting fully utilized, that could definitely impact your gameplay.
It sounds like your CPU might be thermal throttling since those temps (85-90°C) are pretty high. If you're using the stock cooler for your Ryzen 3600, that could be the problem. When a CPU gets too hot, it reduces performance to cool down, which could explain the FPS drops. Maybe consider upgrading your cooler!
What resolution are you playing at? If you're at 1080p, it seems like a CPU bottleneck could be influencing your performance. Just a thought!
It's important to note that a CPU bottleneck doesn't always mean your CPU will max out at 90% usage. If the game is heavily reliant on single-core performance, your CPU could be bottlenecking even if it's at a lower usage rate. Plus, those temperatures are not great; your CPU might be throttling due to heat. You should look into improving your cooling.
Yeah, I am still on the stock cooler. I've been gathering more data and noticed stuttering even when temps are as low as 75°C!