Problem with GPU capping out

[Moochi]

I have a pretty decent PC. But, when I play for example SC2, a game that isnt't that heavy, my GPU will cap out. Just now I played a game (1v1) and my FPS were around 20. GPU working at like 20%. Game goes on and eventually when we duke it out my FPS drops to 10-15, still my GPU only working at around 30%. I check my CPU, all 4 cores working at around 50%. This is when I already had lowered my settings to 720p/medium. If I set it at 1080p/high I don't see much difference.

Specs:
Windows 7 64bit
Quad core phenom 2.3Ghz
HD 4770
4GB ram

I havn't done any hardware changes lately. Though, I did format my drive a month ago cause I felt my PC was sluggish. PC still feels a bit slow though, even when I'm only browsing or w/e.

I've been pondering if it could be the power supply is failing... (450w onry).

Any ideas?

Screenshot from SC2:

Spoiler: show

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3385150/Scre...2014_01_26.jpg

[xerodok]

It's not your power supply.

Your GPU in particular isn't that powerful so I can see it capping out and lagging, especially in a graphically demanding game like Starcraft 2.

Download the ATI CCC and overclock your GPU appropriately, i.e. running benchmark tests to make sure you arn't going to fry it/get BSODs. Run a game of Starcraft overnight once you're done overclocking, try it the next day.

[lathia]

If you don't mind me asking. What tool for GPU temps and FPSs is that? I thought it for and from Nvidia only.

I haven't monitored my GPU usage. But for most games my CPU doesn't even cap 50%. Should be normal, even for GPUs. Only time it caps is when I'm running a stability test or prime 95. I would also add Saphire Trixx to CCC for overclocking. It lets you mess with the gpu voltage. Just don't expect to get a huge amount of overclocking done lol. My HD 6870 only gained 90MHz on the core, anything more it will run unstable after a couple of minutes. I need to install a heatsink on it =/.

Nevermind that, most pcsx2 games don't cap my GPU . All other games GPU dependent games do cap it.

[Jojimbo]

MSI Afterburner (havn't checked to see if 6000 series is supported) for OC/temp/usage and FRAPs for FPS/screens will work.

I don't think the 6000 OC *that* well either (6900 dont at least), so I'm not 100% if you could get more out of it even with custom cooler.

[CoronA1979]

Honestly, I don't think your GPU isn't being pushed due to it needing to be overclocked.

My initial suggestion would be to make sure you have the most current drivers and/or the best drivers for the game you are playing. If you do, I would suggest you delete them, run driver sweeper, and reinstall them.

[lathia]

MSI Afterburner (havn't checked to see if 6000 series is supported) for OC/temp/usage and FRAPs for FPS/screens will work.

I don't think the 6000 OC *that* well either (6900 dont at least), so I'm not 100% if you could get more out of it even with custom cooler.

Thanks, it works. Only problem is MSI won't let me manually mess with voltage even though I chose the option to do so. Probably has to do with the fact that I'm also running saphire trixx and ccc.