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Troubleshooting a CPU Drop Down to 0.79 GHz in Games

Your computer might unexpectedly have your CPU dropped to 0.79 GHz during gameplay, which can be super annoying. Outdated software, cooling issues, and power supply issues may be forcing your CPU to throttle down. In this guide, you’ll learn how to diagnose and repair the issue.

Your Software Might Need Upgrading

Unknown system changes, viruses, or improperly set system settings could create issues with your operating system that could affect everything to include your CPU running at 0.79GHz. If your CPU was performing correctly prior to changing something, try to restore Windows to an earlier date. Here is how:

  1. At the Start menu, type Control Panel
  2. Select System and Security
  3. Select Security and Maintenance
  4. Select Recovery
  5. Open System Restore
  6. Click Next
  7. Select a System Restore point, click Next, and follow the instructions

Update Windows

If a rollback did not work, you might consider a Windows Update. Windows constantly releases new updates, which may contain software patches that impact your CPU performance. It is best to take caution and double-check new updates: Here’s how:

  1. At Start search for Settings
  2. Go to Update & Security
  3. Click Check for updates and follow the instructions

Try Monitoring Hardware

Free monitoring programs such as Throttlestop (for Intel CPUs), HWInfo, RW-Everything, and Coretemp can help relay important system information that will make the CPU easier to troubleshoot. Issues programs can spot:

  • CPU Core Temperature: Could signal a cooling issue if your CPU is flashing temperatures above 100C
  • Power Supply Problems: Monitoring software can spot power supply problems, indicated by a CPU that’s not operating at its correct voltage
  • Change Registers: Some programs will allow you to change registers on your CPU, which is beyond the scope of this guide and may require a service professional.

For all other problems, you might want to try adjusting your BIOS.

Adjust and Upgrade Your Bios

Consider upgrading the BIOS. The BIOS is the Basic Input Output System that is used by hardware to communicate with other hardware through the motherboard. It’s possible that your BIOS does not correctly support your CPUs, which may be causing it to perform badly with games. Check your manufacturer for BIOS updates for your specific CPU.

Check Your BIOS Settings

Your BIOS may contain settings that can be adjusted, based on the model of your CPU. Common settings to look for:

  • BD PROCHOT: It means Bi-Directional Processor Hot and is normally triggered when it reaches temperatures of 100-105C. The signal can be triggered by other hardware, such as a GPU, and will force the computer to throttle down, to prevent other hardware from overheating. Not all computers have the BD PROCHOT function, but if yours does, it may difficult to change and require software such as Throttlestop. Disabling your BD PROCHOT may allow your CPU to run faster, but you’ll risk damaging other hardware equipment if there is an underlying cooling issue.
  • Turbo Boost: Certain BIOS models will contain a turbo boost feature that will increase the CPUs clock speed if it is detected to be within limits. Your CPU might try to scale beyond its limits. Disabling turbo boost should help.

Tip: This is just a few of many settings available to the BIOS. Please refer to your specific manufacturing and chipset for more personal results.

It Might Be a Cooling Problem

If your computer is operating beyond its ideal operating temperature, your computer’s cooling system might be defective and might require professional diagnoses. Some issues include:

  • Thermal Paste Might Need Replacing: Thermal paste helps to transfer and dissipate heat from your CPU and heat sink. The thermal paste might need to be replaced with higher quality paste.
  • The Heat Sink or Cooling Fan May be Damaged: Used to dissipate heat, your heat sink or cooling fan may not be doing its job correctly, a replacement might be needed.
  • Cooling Pad: A cooling pad might be able to bring your CPU core temperature down. For Desktops consider obstructions that might block cooling airflow.

Tip: You might want to try compressed air and blowing dust away from the grooves in your computer. Your CPU might start performing normally if enough loose dust can be blown from the interior.

Your Power Might be Faulty

Your computer may throttle down if power equipment is faulty or if the settings are not set correctly.

Adjust Your Power Settings

Windows may adjust the power settings to low performance if you’re running low on battery: great for power savings but horrible for games. Try adjusting your power settings. Here’s how:

  1. From Start, open the search bar and look for Control Panel
  2. Select System and Security
  3. Select Power Options
  4. Select Change plan Settings
  5. Select Change advanced power settings
  6. Navigate to Processor power management and set your Minimum processor state to 100%

Note: Your internal hardware may need to be checked by a professional service technician if all other methods fail. Your PSU (Power Supply Unit), or power rails may have failed and require servicing. It’s also possible that cables are loose and will need to be remated.

Keep Your PC Running Well

CPU drop downs can be frustrating and signal a greater problem with your PC. Cooling, power, and software issues may force your CPU to throttle down. Luckily, with some simple troubleshooting, you can spot what’s wrong, fix it, or take it to a professional for servicing.

Maintaining your computer doesn’t need to be time-consuming and problematic. Driver support will keep your drivers updated automatically. Don’t let new hardware issues ruin your gameplay. Keep your drivers updated and your PC running smooth.