Appropriate GPU for My CPU

[Saar Koren]

When I built my computer a couple of months ago, I thought that FX-6300 and a Radeon HD 7770 would be a good match. However, when I play games that are heavy on my GPU such as Battlefield 3, my CPU never seems to even get close to 100% usage. Doesn't that mean it's bottle necked by my GPU? If so, what do you think is an appropriate match for an FX-6300?

 

[AgentTran]

No, it's just that the maximum performance coming out of the 7770 isn't up to your expectations. The CPU should be fine, and there is no bottleneck anywhere, it's just that your 7770 is underpowered. Try a 270X and you will receive much more desirable performance.

 

[Saar Koren]

No, it's just that the maximum performance coming out of the 7770 isn't up to your expectations. The CPU should be fine, and there is no bottleneck anywhere, it's just that your 7770 is underpowered. Try a 270X and you will receive much more desirable performance.

I didn't say I'm not happy with the performance, I can run Battlefield 3 on medium at 60 fps. I said that it seems like my CPU is not used to it's full potential in games, because it only gets to around 50-60% usage. Doesn't that mean it is slowed down by the GPU?

 

[AgentTran]

No, it's just that the maximum performance coming out of the 7770 isn't up to your expectations. The CPU should be fine, and there is no bottleneck anywhere, it's just that your 7770 is underpowered. Try a 270X and you will receive much more desirable performance.

I didn't say I'm not happy with the performance, I can run Battlefield 3 on medium at 60 fps. I said that it seems like my CPU is not used to it's full potential in games, because it only gets to around 50-60% usage. Doesn't that mean it is slowed down by the GPU?

In a way, yes, because the CPU isn't being used to its full potential, as if let's say you use it with 4 titan blacks, then you would run into some problems. Your GPU is just simply underpowered compared to your CPU. When building your build you should've invested into a X4 750K and got a 270/270X.

But oh well.

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

Games in general don't tax the CPU to 100 percent, even under the heaviest settings. Also you have to consider that some games are more CPU dependent then others. Usually games like MMO's benefit the most from the CPU with MOBA needing it the least. If you happy in general with your performance then just keep the system, otherwise a GPU upgrade will net you better results.

 

[ZippyPeanut]

The game engine uses more GPU than CPU. If you play the new Wolfenstein, then you might see your CPU usage go up. Who knows? My i7-3770K never gets used much beyond 50 percent. Your CPU is not bottlenecking your GPU.