Hey I use my desktop mostly for gaming. I don't know a whole bunch about PCs just enough to get by. I want to run games at optimal settings as does everyone, but I do not know where to start in terms of upgrading hardware. I'm not concerned about load times or things of that matter, I want to have a high FPS. According to game requirements my rig should be able to max it out, but there are occasional frame rate drops and it 'sounds' like my computer is working very hard. Is it a software issue? Maybe the games aren't optimized? Maybe I just need better cooling? Here are some of my system specs let me know if I should provide more information. Please leave your comments and some tips or advice on how to optimize my pcs performance.
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz
Memory (RAM) 9.00 GB
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570
Update*: [strike]Thank you for all the responses. I've decided that I should upgrade the Processor. Are there any suggestions of what i should get? I'm willing to spend somewhere between 100-300 dollars I want the best bang for my buck.[/strike]
Update**: Great advice from everyone. I now understand that it should be the graphics card/cooling I should be working on. I don't really want to update the graphics card since I just did that around December, but I'll consider it.
This is the stock computer I got 4 years ago around $700 http://www.123inkcartridges.ca/computer-and-part/SYS_Asus_CG5290.html
The only things I put in it was a new graphics card (Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570) and a 750watt power source.
I'm thinking that upgrading the case and cooling of the desktop is the best option, as the power source and graphics card don't fit quite right. Any suggestions on a cheap flexible case that has great airflow? Also any fan/cooling suggestions? Thanks for all the feedback, when it comes to hardware I'm completely lost
.
Side note: I've been playing Max Payne 3 and I haven't had problems running on the defaulted 'high' settings. Also tried playing Sim City 4, a bit sluggish on large cities. Alice: Madness Returns, frame rate drop at smoke effects. Batman arkham city, it's okay but fps drops near smoke, or many small particles etc. (1920x1080 resolution for all games). Compared to the system requirements of games such as these, my pc should be able to handle it, maybe poor console to pc ports. I guess the main reason for this topic, is my rig becoming outdated, is the hardware just worn out needing a replacement (not updated), or basic maintenance is needed proper cooling cleaning etc?
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz
Memory (RAM) 9.00 GB
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570
Update*: [strike]Thank you for all the responses. I've decided that I should upgrade the Processor. Are there any suggestions of what i should get? I'm willing to spend somewhere between 100-300 dollars I want the best bang for my buck.[/strike]
Update**: Great advice from everyone. I now understand that it should be the graphics card/cooling I should be working on. I don't really want to update the graphics card since I just did that around December, but I'll consider it.
This is the stock computer I got 4 years ago around $700 http://www.123inkcartridges.ca/computer-and-part/SYS_Asus_CG5290.html
The only things I put in it was a new graphics card (Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570) and a 750watt power source.
I'm thinking that upgrading the case and cooling of the desktop is the best option, as the power source and graphics card don't fit quite right. Any suggestions on a cheap flexible case that has great airflow? Also any fan/cooling suggestions? Thanks for all the feedback, when it comes to hardware I'm completely lost

Side note: I've been playing Max Payne 3 and I haven't had problems running on the defaulted 'high' settings. Also tried playing Sim City 4, a bit sluggish on large cities. Alice: Madness Returns, frame rate drop at smoke effects. Batman arkham city, it's okay but fps drops near smoke, or many small particles etc. (1920x1080 resolution for all games). Compared to the system requirements of games such as these, my pc should be able to handle it, maybe poor console to pc ports. I guess the main reason for this topic, is my rig becoming outdated, is the hardware just worn out needing a replacement (not updated), or basic maintenance is needed proper cooling cleaning etc?