WIndows 10 Desktop computer is super slow when gaming

[Korbyn]

So ever since I moved in to my own place, my computer has been absolutely slow. I used to be able to play almost any game at max settings and I never had any issues with lag or frame rate issues. Now I cant even run Rocket League at max settings without the frame rate dropping so low the game shakes and I cant keep up with the match without my game jumping from frame to frame. I used to be able to play demanding games like GTA V and now I cant play those games. I bought Final Fantasy XV during the steam summer sale and the game couldn't even run at the lowest of the low graphics settings without having a really low frame rate. I upgraded my PC over a year ago and shouldn't be having issues. I am not entirely sure what drivers I need to download for my motherboard so that could be an issue as well, but currently as it stands, my specs are:
Motherboard - Asus Prime Z270-AR
Graphics Card - EVGA Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
CPU - Intel Core I5-6500 CPU @ 3.2GHz
Power Supply - Corsair CX600M
RAM - 8GB
Hard Drives: 1TB Hybrid and a 500GB Disk Drive

I apologize if I missed anything.

I have my OS and boot partitioned to the solid state portion of my hybrid and I use the disk portion of my hybrid as well as my second hard drive for storing games and documents and other software.

My thought was that it could be the RAM causing the issue but then friends of mine using 8GB of RAM say they have hardly any issues. I doubt it would be my motherboard or CPU since I bought them just a little over a year ago. I am lost and just need some guidance, if anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[UnholyVision]

1) Try returning to a previous restore points in your OS if you made any backups.
2) Virus, malware, spyware, and whatever else Windows scans might be a needed thing. (Sorry can't really recommend a specific program. I haven't installed one of these in years. I game on Linux these days. No need for these on GNU/Linux. Just go with something like Avast, AVG, Spybot, or something. If those are still relevant. Maybe a Windows user can chime in here).
3) Stress test your machine & try a memory test.
4) Clean out your system with a shop vac or compressed air. Heat can be a factor here.. For example, a CPU throttling can effect performance.
5) All else fails do a clean install of Windows. Windows tends to break after a while via the registry and other portions of the OS. Doing a fresh install can make a world of difference in a Windows OS.

 

[beers]

I'd check the physical aspects of the computer, such as a heatsink pin popped out or cable stuck in the fan when moving it or similar.

 

[AronK]

Keep your system light and clean, try the combo CCleaner + Malwarebytes to do that. Also, keep drivers up to date, use an honest driver updating tool, like SnailDriver if you are not familar with that.
That always works on my Acer computer.(I had it since 2012)

 

[Darren]

Keep your system light and clean, try the combo CCleaner + Malwarebytes to do that. Also, keep drivers up to date, use an honest driver updating tool, like SnailDriver if you are not familar with that.
That always works on my Acer computer.(I had it since 2012)

Automatic driver software is 100 percent not necessary. Windows does it for you and those software are frequently just trials to get you to pay for something that's a free feature of Windows.

 

[AronK]

Automatic driver software is 100 percent not necessary. Windows does it for you and those software are frequently just trials to get you to pay for something that's a free feature of Windows.

Yes. A lot of them are trash, that's why I said use an honest one. It's necessnary to me as I am quite a lazyyyyy guy.

 

[johnb35]

that's why I said use an honest one

There is no honest one. Most of them have malware attached to them anyway.