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    FPS issues while gaming

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by Ovenmitt, Mar 7, 2011.

  1. Ovenmitt

    Ovenmitt Notebook Guru

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    I am running a GTX260M and a Q840 and ever since I reformatted the drive I have been experiencing really low FPS on low graphics setting on starcraft 2. I have read these forums a lot and tried to determine the problem but am coming to a brick wall.

    I have gotten CC back on the computer and determined that stealth mode is off. I used HWMonitor to check temperature and after about 30 minutes of playing starcraft 2 my GTX is running at ~60C and the CPU is running at 85+C...from what I've read it seems like the graphics card is running fine but the CPU temps seem high to me. I'm probably going to try the thermal paste solution but was hoping for some more thoughts on what it could be. I know very little about OC and usually just use it at its default settings. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
     
  2. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    What bout stealth mode, did you check whether you accidentaly turned it on?
     
  3. Ovenmitt

    Ovenmitt Notebook Guru

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    It is off, I made sure of that before I posted. I also toggled it on and off while gaming and could tell the immediate difference making the FPS go into single digits. I can play SC2 at like 15 FPS on low setting with stealth mode off. Also I read something about what paste was better to use and now I can't find the OP. I remember determining that the MX-? was the better one but the local computer shop has some AS-5 in stock that I could go get and fix tonight. Should I go with that or order the MX-?
     
  4. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    Sorry, yeah, somehow I missed the part about stealth mode in your post.

    Actually I don't think the performance drop is because of the heat... the
    CPU shouldn't throttle becaues of heat at such temps, but repasting should definitely get you some lower temps. Also make sure that the vents are dust free.

    I used AS5 and it worked well for me, but make sure to apply it properly and not to spill it on parts... it's a bit conductive and if you are very, very unlcucky it might short something if you spill it accidentaly on the mobo, but that's almost impossible.

    The stuff you read about is probably MX-4... never used it but it is definitely a very good choice. I took the AS-5 mainly because it was locally available.

    You will also need some stuff to clean the old paste off the die, for example isopropyl alcohol.
    Inap has a good guide in his signature, let me know if you need some links about how to get access to the CPU/GPU.


    However... your performance drop is since the reformat, so maybe some systemfiles or whatever are corrupted. If you haven't installed a lot of programs already you could try reinstalling it again, make sure you install the drivers in the correct order, see here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/556721-how-clean-windows-7-install-guide-alienware-systems.html

    Btw, what BIOS are u running?
     
  5. inap

    inap .........................

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    when you reformatted what order did you install the drivers????
     
  6. Ovenmitt

    Ovenmitt Notebook Guru

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    Ok after 30 mins of gaming the temps are now GPU - 100C, CPU 85C....I'm not sure about the bios how do I check? I just reformatted it last night again and I usually just install drivers in any order, I didnt think there was a wrong was to do it =(....I have downloaded Inap's guides and am going to start reading them...thanks for quick response...+rep!!!
     
  7. Ovenmitt

    Ovenmitt Notebook Guru

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    I just went in the order that they were on the disk that Dell sent with the comp
     
  8. Ovenmitt

    Ovenmitt Notebook Guru

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    Well after reading that clean install post I definitely screwed that up...should I redo it tonight following that guide or try the thermal paste idea? Everything seems to work fine except the low FPS, would the driver install really have that kind of effect? Thanks so much for the quick responses and expertise!
     
  9. inap

    inap .........................

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    it looks like thermal throttling. a repaste is highly recommended. also maybe a good idea to do another clean install. remember do not use the disk that came with your system get it from the dell driver download page. those are the most up to date.
     
  10. Ovenmitt

    Ovenmitt Notebook Guru

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    Ok going to use the AS-5 since I can get it locally and do another clean install and follow the guide this time. Outside of being careful with the paste is there anything else a novice might need to know while doing this. I have a little bit of experience around hardware but not a ton...I have downloaded and read both Inap's guides and it looks pretty straight forward. Thanks again!!
     
  11. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    For the BIOS vesion press F2 while booting to get in the BIOS config, there you should what version you have. Or if you happen to have something like Everest installed you can check it there.

    When you repaste, also make sure that there's no dust clogging the vents etc.


    Edit: Just seen your latest post... yeah, it's quite straight forward. Just to be on the safe side make a power drain before working on the inside of the system, maybe it's even written in Inaps guide, can't remember.
     
  12. Ovenmitt

    Ovenmitt Notebook Guru

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    also real quick...can't get HWMonitor to show my GPU temps on another computer why is that?
     
  13. Ovenmitt

    Ovenmitt Notebook Guru

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    Also check the bios, running A03
     
  14. inap

    inap .........................

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    yikes A03, you should really update it, especially with a 260m which has throttling problems.
     
  15. cornrooster

    cornrooster Newbie

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    so i'm guessing the throttling issues are solved in the latest bios?
    A09
     
  16. inap

    inap .........................

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    yes you are correct, it was fixed with a07.
     
  17. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    Actually it was A08 if I'm not very mistaken... but that's only a detail :D
     
  18. inap

    inap .........................

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    dang your right, hahahah
    i live with that problem for so long, can't believe i forgot it.
     
  19. Ovenmitt

    Ovenmitt Notebook Guru

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    Just finished pasting the GPU and CPU and played 30 mins on high settings and got normally around 55+ FPS. Checked temps and they were down a lot....GPU was at 67C and the CPU was at low 50s C. Still going to do a clean install and update the bios since they are way out of date. Thanks for all the help!!!
     
  20. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    Yeah, I really recommend updating the BIOS. But great results with the pasting, congrats. The temps will lower a bit more in case u used AS-5... it has up to 200h curing time.

    Make sure to keep your system clean (software - and dust - wise) andup to date (drivers etc.)