Hello. I recently installed a GTX 950 (2GB) into my computer, and it's awesome. Unfortunately, when I play games (numerous games, not just one or two), the frames will either drop sub-30 from around 60fps, or in some games the game will freeze for about 1 second.
 
I am using an AMD FX-6300 as my CPU, as well. 8GB RAM.
I have tried reinstalling Nvidia drivers, restarting my computer, and trying a variety of first-person shooters. Same deal.
 
I have an image of GPU-Z here -- notice how the graphs have lines going through all of them: 

 
Help is greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks! :)

Sajin
#1 Check and make sure your cpu isn't overheating when gaming.
#2 Inside the nvidia control panel make sure power management mode is set to prefer maximum performance for the game you're playing.
#3 Make sure windows power options is set to high performance.

I think it's more than just optimization, since frame drops occur randomly. About the CPU, the max temp was 65c while playing BF4 on High/Ultra. Still drops, even on medium settings, etc.

I tried it, but I don't think that was the case. While running Crysis 3 on max settings, the GPU was being loud but the CPUs temp stayed at approx. 43c. Maybe I have to play longer, for the CPU to heat up more?
 
I asked around and someone asked about my PSU. Do you think that it could be my PSU? I'll try diagnosing if it throttled tomorrow (tired lol).

I am using the Thermaltake SMART 550W. I don't know if that's too vague but this is the exact model:

The PSU is around 1-2 years old. I haven't had any issues with it so far.

I wish I could. :( I don't have any other PC to test it on, just a laptop.
 
If it isn't the PSU, it's probably the CPU. I got the card refurbished, which means that it was benchmarked. Not sure how well they benchmarked it but I'd imagine that it's not the card that's having issues (I have warranty, however, thankfully).
 
I'm not sure what to do at this point. Lag has gotten kind of worse that I've noticed, but both the CPU and the card are staying cool.

I'll consider it. I'm going to do some more tests. Do you recommend any good benchmarking software/tests for CPUs and GPUs?

Okay. I think that I have a lot of it figured out.
 
When the GPU's clock drastically falls, it goes to 135 MHz, which is it's normal clock for when I'm not playing any game or running a program that requires it that much. I tried benchmarking and the CPU seemed normal. Any ideas?
 
Also, Mark:
The power management option is located in "Manage 3D Settings". Mine was on 'optimal power', yours might be too, so I suggest that you change it to "Prefer maximum performance" instead.

Hi and thanks for replying
Managed to get GPU Clock stable 1430 and Memory Clock stable 3305 Gpu temp 33deg c I have tested games Metro 2033 Redux,Metro LL Redux,Alien Isolation and Metal Gear Solid ingame 60 fps solid on very high settings miner fps drops inbetween level loads and Dues EX MD  30-31fps average for my setup, high setting. I did this setting first windows power options to high performance no change but then i found in Change advanced power setting for PCI express power managment it was set to maximum power save changed it to off and no more Gpu clock drops to 937 became stable at 1430
And You were right it was set to optimal now set to prefer maximum performance.
It's a lot more stable on boost clocks and base clocks now.
 
I've added one to the list
 
#1 Check and make sure your cpu isn't overheating when gaming.
 
#2 Inside the nvidia control panel make sure power management mode is set to prefer maximum performance for the game you're playing.
 
#3 Make sure windows power options is set to high performance.
 
#4 Check advanced power settings and make sure that PCI express power managment is set to off.
 
Thought i'd better add this too in Nvidia Control panel goto Configure Surround Physx I've set the Physx settings to use Geforce GTX 950 that takes a load of the Cpu. Give it a go and let me know. Johnsanta
 
p.s. login to your EVGA account go to support top of page and click on EVGA Software scroll down page and download the Benchmark Software EVGA OC scanner X  once installed you should be able to activeate via clicking on test option in precision X16 also set 60fps capped precisionX settings, frame rate target.
 
As my PC is connected to Sony bravia TV in Nvidia 1080p res 1920x1080 refresh 60hz every thing now smooth, games run smoother.
 

JohnSanta
It seems highly unlikely that it's defective since I got it refurbished and they're supposed to test it... well, alright. I'll try to go to a repair shop to test it

Keep us posted.

Get the card checked out and have you checked with another power lead that powers your graphic card you psu is moduler, try a different 6pin PCIE cable ?
ask them to check the power supply ?
Good luck