Extreme lag/performance issues! No percivable strain on GPU, RAM or CPU. Precision M6500

So, my frustration is growing as frame rate keeps dropping in games and performance in software such as Photoshop is lousy. Even regular browsing in chrome or windows can cause lag.

I've been monitoring performance while playing games and it seems:

• GPU load is rarely more than 5-6%
• CPU around 30%
• Memory usage around 2.5 GB.

Changing the graphics settings do not really have much effect on the fps which is usually down to 3-5fps.

The graphics card and motherboard were recently replaced and the computer and fan cleaned out inside. The hd wiped clean and W7 reinstalled. All of this was around 4 months ago. I have over 300GB of free space on the hd.

Specs: Dell Precision M6500
Intel Core i7 CPU @1.73GHz
RAM of 8GB
GPU NVIDIA Quadro FX 2800M

Up until the last 2-3 weeks I've been able to both work and game on the laptop without any troubles whatsoever and I always use a cooling pad.

I have no clue what is wrong and would really appreciate any insight into what may be causing these issues. Very thankful for any ideas in this regard.

 

Sometimes this happens to me if the system goes into a funk and it doesn't properly identify the power adapter. It goes into a low power mode which causes obnoxious performance issues across the board. I've had it happen on multiple Dell systems.

Usually resolved by unplugging and reconnecting the power adapter but on at least one occasion I've had to replace the power adapter.

If this is your issue, you may notice that the system performs better on battery than it does on AC. (But you still won't get as good of performance out of the battery as you will on a properly working AC adapter, on these high-end Precisions.)

Something to think about?

 

Hm, maybe. I'll try it right away.

 

Wow. The difference without the adaptor plugged in is mindboggling. Everything is runnig smooth now. It's like having my old computer back with the snap of a finger. I think it must be the adaptor. How peculiar. I'll dig deeper into this now.


...I love you. :O

 

Btw, is the only solution for this getting a new adapter?

 

If there's an issue with the power adapter, I don't know what else to suggest.

Again usually when I run into this I just re-plug all of the connections and it works itself out. If there is some sort of problem with the power adapter that is causing this, you'll have to get a new one. If you're under warranty from Dell, they'll do it with free overnight shipping. (I think all Precisions carry 3-year warranties at the minimum, but the M6500 has been around longer than 3 years, so it depends when you bought it.)

I also suppose there could be an issue with the motherboard that is preventing it from reading the power adapter properly and causing the performance issue. I think this is less likely and more expensive so replacing the power adapter is the first place to start.

Looks like you can get a suitable adapter for a bit over $40.

 

Okay. And no the warranty is over. I think I will just take my chances and buy myself a new adaptor. Unplugging and such doesn't work, as soon as I plug it back in performance drops.

Thank you Aaron. ^^

 

Hi, I have recieved a brand new AC Adapter, but the system still appears completely throttled as soon as I plug in the adapter.

Any other ideas what might be causing this? :/

 

I'd suggest first make sure it's not a software issue – that is, boot a Linux live CD or fresh Windows install on another drive, and see if the issue still presents itself.

I bet you'll find the issue remains. In which case, I don't really have any suggestion other than try replacing the motherboard... :-\

 

I might try that. Atm I'm trying to update my bios but I just get this message: "Veryfying system configuration. Error! The BIOs updatecould not be performed because valid ROM image file could not be found. The system will reset. Press 'Y' to continue."

I've checked in BIOS and it does seem to recognize the AC adapter, it says "240W" which is correct, I suspect it'd be lower if it wasn't recognized.

I've also tried using throttle stop to see if the CPU is being throttled while the adapter is plugged in. It doesn't seem to be, it's sitting on a steady ~2000 whether it's plugged in or not. Still, as soon as I plug it in, performance takes a nosedive. It's so strange.