Some of you may be familiar with the issues I've been having with the Call of Duty games.

FPS is extremely inconsistent sometimes dropping below 30fps, whereas usually its above 150 maxed out. I thought this was only in the COD series, but I'm slowly starting to recognize it in other games, but not as bad.

So yeah, this is a problem.

Here's what I've done so far:

Upgraded CPU from an X2 5000+ to an X2 7750 Black Edition.
Upgraded ram from 2gb 533mhz to 4gb 1066mhz
Upgraded PSU from 435 no active pfc to 550 active pfc
Upgraded graphics from 8800GT to HD4870
Upgraded to LCD with higher refresh rate
Installed 2 140mm NZXT high cfm fans
Installed latest graphics drivers
Installed 3rd party drivers
Installed older graphics drivers
Installed latest network\chipset drivers
Installed older network\chipset drivers
Reset all clocks to stock
Underclocked
Defragged
Tried Windows XP x86, no go
Tried Windows XP x64, no go
Tried Windows Vista x86, no go
Tried Windows Vista x64, no go
Tried Windows 7 x86, no go
Tried Windows 7 x64, no go
Minimized background programs
Also tried lots of other useless stuff, always willing to try more..

So tonight I see that my CPU temp is 56C at idle, I haven't really been monitoring it at all since I've thought the problem was with graphics. This could very well be the problem, but I'm not sure whether I should strip er down and reseat it or is the problem with my motherboard like I originally thought?

Man this is driving me insane...

I figured you would check the temps earlier.

Yeah absolutely. reseat that cpu and cooler and redo the compound.

56 idle. imagine under load what you're hitting in temps!

Makes sense now where your FPS is dipping in the game.

Jeez, I can't see why I'd need to reseat the damn thing. It came with pre applied AS5 like not even 2 months ago. The heatsink went down without moving an inch. But still, I know those are high temps, I just can't see myself doing a better job seating and pasting than I did initially when I installed the chip.

Perhaps a piece of dirt got in between, or something, but dipping fps could be caused from CPU throttling, Im not sure at what temperature that CPU starts to throttle, but I do believe the Intel Core 2 45nm throttle at 90c, so if yours is at 56c idle, then theres a good possibility after loading the game, and map, the CPU is stressed and high in temps. I would def give a reseating a go if I were you...

NOTE* A very quick internet seach showed me the rated temp for that CPU is 70C,if that is in fact true, your definatly hitting the throttling temp.

Bingo.

Reseat the cpu, use some really good compound. Are you using the stock cooler that came with the cpu? If so, and still getting moderate to high temps after the reseat, go aftermarket - you're cpu and COD4 will thank you.

very glad you are working that out. dont ya monitor temps from time to time tho? MB has some great aftermarket solutions - hard to beat the Coolermaster V8. Seeing as you have a BE, you can then overclock. Think about it, buying the cooler is way cheaper than buying a board - you nearly did !

I am picking up one of those cpu's today. I am going to use a Phenom II 940 cooler with it tho. I am going to watch the temps and see how it runs - but with a door fan and a funnel that directs the cool air not 1/2 inch from the cpu fan , I shouldn't have a prb.

Preapplied stuff to any piece of heatsink is not as good as the human hand can do it along with temp monitoring.

But yes like said by someone above it's throttling due to heat.

Also if you are not overclocking the cpu I wouldn't get a better cooler. I would personally wait till you get a new board and go Phenom 2. The stock cooler is fine for stock speeds.

If you are not comfortable reseating the cpu with compound i'm freeish today and can give you a rundown on it.

I suggested the V8 cause it would definitely help with the heat and he could use it on his Quad when he gets it. He could also overclock in the meantime with lower temps then he's getting now on a stock cooler with stock speeds.

Just a suggestion tho.

Thanks!

I think I'm going to try reseating the chip tonight. I don't have the greatest compound, but reviews rate it slightly below AS5 so I'm sure it's good enough (Evercool 420).

I've re-applied thermal compound at least a few dozen times to various components, but I'm starting to think my method isn't as effective as I've always thought it was (small even line across cpu, which spreads when seated) Maybe I should spread it myself this time around...

people have the fav and arguable ways of applying. The two most common i have seen are the 'grain of rice' and credit card way. Either should be fine if done correctly.

Be sure to post temps when you get it done!

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

This will do for ya

what program are you taking readings from?

if your cpu throttling was causing the issue i would expect it to be very apparent in more then just COD 4.

Yeah I thought the same sbreeze. I use a combination of Everest, Rivatuner and Speedfan to monitor temps and fan speeds.

Could this be caused by bad grounds? Because I'm POSITIVE my PC is on a bad ground.

Fix your bad ground if you're positive I guess.

If I we're you at this point is take EVERYHING apart and put it back together. That way youll go through everything and have it all reseated. And no cheating reinstall your HSF to your cpu.

If you can't there are many of us willing to give you a hand.

Fixed the bad ground. Ran from a properly grounded outlet and it did not help.

Time to reseat I guess...

Wish me luck I'm going to gather my tools:

Credit card
paste
isopropyl alcohol
beer