Computer Slowing Down

[TheUnknownOne]

Alright, I just built myself a new pc with custom parts all around

PC
----------
ASUS P5WD2-E Premium Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard
XFX PV-T71F-YDF9 GeForce 7900 GTX (665MHz) 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16
Antec TruePower 2.0 TP2-550 EPS12V ATX12V 550W Power Supply
Intel Pentium D 840 Smithfield 800MHz FSB LGA 775 Dual Core, EM64T Processor Model BX80551PG3200FN
CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model VS2GBKIT533D2
Western Digital Raptor WD740GD 74GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive
Thermaltake Tsunami VA3000BWA Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower

Alright. My problem is of course that its slowing down a lot. Such as when I play Counter-Strike: Source (Mid range requirements, ran on an old pc with a 5500 FX and 512 mb pc2700 at like 30-50ish fps) it ran on my new pc at like 20 or less fps. Not good. Now, I have tried everything from drivers to autoexecs to change fps rates and everything.

I did find one problem though. CPU is overheating quite a bit. That Pentium D at its normal clocked 3.2ghz is running ~120C. Not good. For safety sake I underclocked it down to 1.61ghz and it still runs up to 100C on full load. Im ordering a Zalman Heatsink (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118223) which judging by the reviews should be able to keep my pc a LOT cooler, plus I used the thermal pad that came with the cpu because I didn't have any thermal paste. I'm gonna put that on with some artic silver.

After all that, my question is if you guys could think of some other reasons my CPU might be slowing down.

 

[Bryce W]

You should read the Technibble front page more often as I just had an article about this:
http://www.technibble.com/what-is-my-computers-maximum-cpu-temperature/

Your P4 should be running at about 64 - 78C. P4s have the ability to slow themselfs down when they get too hot so they cant (in theory) burn themselfs out. The slowness of games is most likely because of the processor overheating and slowing itself down to prevent it burning out. Get a better CPU heatsink/fan combo but also look at case cooling such as front and back case fans.

 

[Sleepy-uk]

You should read the Technibble front page more often as I just had an article about this:
http://www.technibble.com/what-is-my-computers-maximum-cpu-temperature/

Your P4 should be running at about 64 - 78C. P4s have the ability to slow themselfs down when they get too hot so they cant (in theory) burn themselfs out. The slowness of games is most likely because of the processor overheating and slowing itself down to prevent it burning out. Get a better CPU heatsink/fan combo but also look at case cooling such as front and back case fans.

I agree, you should look into the cooling system in your box and how to upgrade.

 

[TheUnknownOne]

OK, I don't think you guys quite understood my question. I read your article Bryce, I know its running too hot. That's why I ordered a new heatsink/fan. I'm curious if you guys can think of something ELSE that might be causing my slowdown in fps and such. Everything else is fine temperaturewise except my processor.

*Edit* I'm not running a P4 bryce, its a Pentium D

 

[Bryce W]

Does it start out slow? or does it get slower as time progresses?

 

[TheUnknownOne]

Well, its not that its slowing down at any particular time. It's that it is running slower than it should be with all the stuff in it.

 

[Bryce W]

It is slow when your just looking though Windows Menus? or just in Games?

 

[TheUnknownOne]

Well I'm sure it could probably run faster on some windows applications, but it's mostly just noticeable while gaming

 

[Bryce W]

Did the Zalman fix the slowdown problem?

 

[TheUnknownOne]

Oh Yes, Cooled the CPU to 60c/65c max at normal clock (Was running 120c), and the speed is great, everything is as it should be

 

[Bryce W]

Awsome, sounds like it was the Pentium thermal throttling then.