srynznfyra

Hi (my first post here )

Later this year I'm going to upgrade my CPU to a Phenom II X4 940 BE. I'll probably overclock it to something like 3.2-3.6GHz. Current CPU is Athlon X2 6000 Brisbane.

Current GPU is Geforce 9800GT 512MB, 1440x900 resolution.

So, right now the CPU is a bottleneck in games, well as far as I can make out. Running games at super low resolutions doesn't make them run much faster, therefore must be a CPU, or other non-GPU bottleneck. Probs CPU huh? So that's why I'm upgrading CPU.

Problem is, will my GPU become a bottleneck once I install the new quad core? Cuz the 9800GT is getting quite old and tired. I'm uncertain though, as I run quite a low resolution, as stated before. My resolution is actually a little bit less pixels than 1280x1024, so it's nothing fancy. The games I'm most interested in raising framerates are: GTAIV; MS Flight Simulator X; Crysis Warhead. Now I know that CW is more GPU dependant, but I'm more interested in the other two games anyway. Plus overclocking my GPU ALOT didn't help in CW and Crysis framerates, so it's probs a CPU bottleneck....right?

EDIT (bit off-topic): guys at Toms Hardware have told me to splurge on a GTX 260, but I'm only ever gonna spend money on anything I absolutely need. I'd have to upgrade my PSU aswell if I did that. I don't have enough money for the CPU yet (will do by end of year though), let alone another GPU and PSU!

thanks,
Fela

and ps. sorry I made you read this ultra long post, my bad

Win == True

Sounds like CPU or ram, but the 9800GT will become a bottleneck just that every thing will likely be better than right now
I can run crysis on high at below 1280X1024 just fine

Livinstrong

I really don't think that your CPU is bottlenecking your GPU, maybe a little. Is your X2 6000 at stock speeds? If you overclock your CPU it eliminate the bottleneck.

Just a side note- GTAIV does not run smooth unless you have a quad core. Even the nicest dual core at 4.5GHz, like a E8600, doesn't make GTAIV run smoothly.

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srynznfyra

I ain't never gonna overclock this bastard of a CPU, I had to undervolt it by half a volt just to stop it overheating at idle! Crap CPU if you ask me. And to the previous poster, you have a better CPU, but worse GPU. Conclusion = CPU bottleneck for me.

But I'ma get a quad core anyway so that should make GTAIV run butter smooth if all goes to plan.

I can run crysis 'just fine', just that it sometimes goes a little hairy (10-20 fps) at scenes such as the bit where you destroy the tank in crysis warhead (near the beginning). In fact all the bits with a lot of AI PROCESSING. AI Processing is on the....let me see...CPU!!!!!! CPU bottleneck, anyone?

thanks for posts, both of you
Fela

1337guy

are you sure the hsf is mounted properly? try reseating it!

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srynznfyra

to livinstrong especially, I know that from my specs it wouldn't seem that my CPU bottlenecks my GPU, but from all the evidence it does.
AI Processing = low framerate = CPU usage
blowing up lots of stuff = low framerate = cpu usage

Btw. these symptoms happen across all my games, especially GTAIV and Crysis. Even FSX, when there are lots of things happening that you can't see, I mean mathematical things (think CPU) the framerate really suffers (although most of the time FSX is very playable on my machine, at medium-high-ultra high settings).

srynznfyra

yes it's seated properly. In fact it's so stuck on that taking it off would probably (and hopefully in this case) take the stupid CPU with it. I'm pissed off with this buy...

actually I think it's more likely because of the junk that they put on the bottom of the hsf when I bought it. I didn't bother to clean it off and put some proper stuff like arctic silver on it. Btw, overheating at IDLE was a BIT of an overstatement, but it did literally overheat (made bios beep) when playing games.

adventfred

have u tried the 182.xx drivers first
cause i play crysis on high at prob 27fps high dx10
and my cpu is a bottleneck

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srynznfyra

I use the latest drivers, 186 as of now. And I often get 30-40 fps on high when there's nothing going on (just walking through the forest and stuff), it's only when my system is taxed that I get the low fps. have you played crysis warhead on your machine? if so tell me your framerate at the bit where you have to fight that massive battle on the beach near the beginning. If it's a good average framerate there's something else in my computer that needs fixing. But why are we going on about crysis? it's old, I'm mainly getting the upgrade for GTAIV, which DOES need a LOT of CPU power. (plus quads are good for it).

and you have the same graphics card as me, I just noticed. well, the 8800gt has the same chip virtually, exact same performance, as the 9800gt. Plus the same kind of monitor (i'm guessing 1440x900 like mine).

ducrider

The 6000 should not bottleneck a 9800gt.Those cards are not the best out there.You should expect some low frame rates from those cards.You have a good combo for the cpu to the gpu.I would look into reseating with some good thermal compound and get those temps lower or upgrade to a better heat sink.Once you can bring those temps down then bump up the overclock.What kind and amount of ram do you have.

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