GTX 570 Stutters - GPU usage & FPS Plummets.

For a long time now I've been having a really strange issue.
At completely random times my FPS will drop to 15-30. Doesn't matter whats on screen, a game or simply watching a video with VLC.
I've noticed it will only happen if there is something running fullscreen. (flash will not cause this)

GPUs Idle temp is around 60 (Dual screens at different resolutions so the card doesn't downclock when idle ). When gaming it will sit around 69-75.
CPUs idle temp is around 35. When gaming it will sit around 40-45.

Currently running with two GFX Cards.
GTX 570 and a GT 210. The 210 is connected to a HDTV.
It will happen regardless of what GFX card is being used.

I could be playing WoW or Starcraft 2, constant 60 FPS with no problems with GPU sitting around 30-35% depending on whats happening then suddenly drop to 15-20% and FPS plummets along with it.
CPU load remains consistent.

This has happened with every driver version I've had so I don't believe its a driver issue. Temperatures are also fine so its cant be a heat issue.

I don't know what else to test and have absolutely no idea whats causing it. >.<

Has the system locked up or BSOD? Did you completely remove all remnants of the old video drivers? If not, then use Add/Remove Program to uninstall, then driversweeper, and then reinstall most recent video driver.
Drivers - Clean Left over Files after Uninstalling

Make sure all voltages in bios are set to the proper levels and confirm that your RAM timings are set in accordance with SPD data. Undo ALL overclocking until problem identified, and update ALL the drivers that you can find. Especially those for peripherals and core components(NEC usb3.0, VGA, MOBO, mouse, keyboard, wireless cards etc.)

Run memtest to atleast 7 full passes, this will take some time.
RAM - Test with Memtest86+

Prime 95 stability Test for CPU and RAM
Hardware - Stress Test With Prime95

Stress both Graphics cards seperately. Also, while you say it is not a heating issue, I feel that your idle temp is very high. You may want to adjust your fan profile or manually increase it for the time being, until we can eliminate other variables.
Video Card - Stress Test with Furmark

If you have any minidump files, post them following the BSOD posting instructions.

Post back with results

Good Luck

MP

Beast52702 said:

Make sure all voltages in bios are set to the proper levels and confirm that your RAM timings are set in accordance with SPD data. Undo ALL overclocking until problem identified, and update ALL the drivers that you can find. Especially those for peripherals and core components(NEC usb3.0, VGA, MOBO, mouse, keyboard, wireless cards etc.)

How do I know what the proper levels are and what is SPD?

DRAM voltage on SandyB should be set to 1.5V, check ram manufacturer specs to confirm rated voltage.

The RAM SPD setting is the manufacturer rated latency timings, which should be relayed to the motherboard by enabling xmp on your system. If you cannot find spd settings download CPU-Z to check. There is an SPD tab in cpu-z, use pulldown menu to select an occupied ram slot.

Leave CPU voltage on Auto, as most boards overvolt slightly on auto, and this will give more stability.

You should also be Using Driver Verifier to identify issues with Drivers to see if we can get a minidump file.

*Note* memtest should be run for 7 passes

Beast52702 said:

Stress both Graphics cards seperately. Also, while you say it is not a heating issue, I feel that your idle temp is very high. You may want to adjust your fan profile or manually increase it for the time being, until we can eliminate other variables.
Video Card - Stress Test with Furmark

I ran this, unplugged all but one screen. Was no problems. temp peaked at 88-90 degrees.
Also, Idle temp with one screen was 44 degrees.

ok, keep running the tests and post back.