Lag problem - Hardware & Software

Sorry I can't be more descriptive on it, but recently, when I try to play a game, such as Medal of Honor, F1 2010, or anything else of the nature, I can play for about five minutes before it drops my FPS significantly. I've never had this problem before, but about a week ago, I uninstalled Steam, because every time I tried to open it, it would completely freeze my computer, even if I weren't playing a Steam related game. I have an Asus G72GX (Best Buy model), running with a NVIDIA GeForce 260M Cuda 1GB (which has the most recent drivers), and I have Windows 7, 64 bit. Also, one thing I noticed, is that when I run the Sims 3 or Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, it won't lag at all. I'm starting to think something is wrong with the thermal paste on my GPU. Any help is appreciated.

It's either your cpu or gpu downclocking due to high temperatures. Check temps while playing your games in HWMonitor and see if they're too high, and if so, replace the thermal paste on the gpu and cpu.

This is when I'm not playing games. [IMG]http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd134/CPTYLER/Untitled-5.jpg[/IMG]

70C when not playing wow, that's hot You better get some cooling pad

[QUOTE=Identity;26561385]This is when I'm not playing games. [img_thumb]http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd134/CPTYLER/Untitled-5.jpg[/img_thumb][/QUOTE] The gpu is definitely running too hot. Consider replacing the thermal paste and maybe investing in a cooling pad. Do you put your laptop on a flat surface where it blocks the vents?

My laptop sits right on a desk like normal, with no obstruction to the vents, so it's venting. So I guess I'll take it to Asus to have them apply some diamond paste, and I'll get a cooling pad for it too. Just need to find one big enough.

Unless you can disassemble the laptop yourself, your safest bet would be to go to Asus. But if you manage to though, use Artic Silver 5 thermal compound on the CPU and GPU. It's one of the best thermal pastes out there. How big is your laptop? And probably a budget for the cooler?

The laptop is about 17.3 inches I believe. I looked up the Arctic Silver 5 paste too. As for a cooler, I don't really have a budget, so feel free to suggest. [editline]8th December 2010[/editline] I was thinking about getting this as a cooler, since it would fit: [url]http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5233224&CatId=3486[/url]

[url]http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4435000&CatId=3486[/url] This is the cooler I've been using and it's been pretty good especially for its price. I have a 17 inch laptop too but the cooler does not really fit the whole laptop. However, i just place the laptop on the cooler with the gpu/cpu area in contact with the cooler so it's really usable for me. Anyway, most laptop coolers claim that they're compatible with up to 17 inch laptops but actually it won't really fit the whole laptop as the cooler is smaller. But anyway, I think you should either get this coolermaster i suggested or get the Zalman NC2000: [url]http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4348114&csid=_21&body=MAIN[/url] if you don't mind paying more. The one you suggested doesn't really look durable and it seems plasticky too. I've never heard of the brand Thermaltake either so i suggest you stick with reputable brands such as Coolermaster or Zalman.

Thanks for those links. The one I posted is indeed made of ABS plastic. And what I've read from the reviews, it's a good cooler as well. Maybe because it has one large fan, as opposed to small, multiple ones. It'll be a bit before I can get the cooler, but I should be able to get a friend who can open my laptop up and apply the thermal paste. [editline]8th December 2010[/editline] Apparently my GPU is running at 176F, with no games running.

that is WAY to hot make sure it gets air flow buy perking it up a bit the little rubber pads on thebottom never are good for perking it up

Alright, I'll try to find a prop.

[QUOTE=Identity;26572045]Alright, I'll try to find a prop.[/QUOTE] You just have to ensure that the laptop vents are not obstructed otherwise air can't get out and it will warm up the gpu and cpu causing it to overheat and eventually fail.