X51 R3 GTX980 Performance Inquiry

I have an X51 R3 tower with an Intel 6700K and a GTX 980 that only 6 months old. I find that when I play Fallout 4 or GTA V, I am unable to run at 'Optimal' settings, by which I mean the settings my GeForce Dashboard sets my games to.

Just wanted to confirm if this is normal or if this is an actual issue. I can play firewatch at max settings, but I will get frequent framerate shutter, if I turn off my SSAO, it seems to clear up. My drivers are all up to date.

Thanks, any help is appreciated.