Best upgrade to get large fps increase on my system?

[Archaegeo]

I know I don't have a bad system, and I am leaning towards needing a new graphics card, but I wanted some opinions on how to best improve my FPS performance at high graphics settings.

I run games in 1920x1080 format.

The issue is that in some games like Ark (which I know isn't optimized yet) I get about 6-10 fps in high, and same on other games. I do not think Crossfire is being used well, so that is what I am leaning on replacing.

This isn't about squeaking out 3 more fps by overclocking or such, its about getting games up to 30 fps on what should be a solid system.

System: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.50GHz Quad-Core Unlocked, Z77 Express Chipset, 16GB DDR3, 120GB SSD, 2TB HDD, Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

So the CPU is in the top tier on Tom's Hardware and is only beaten by 5-6 cpu's in various test runs, so I think I am safe there.

Graphics: 2x AMD Radeon HD7850 2GB Video Cards in CrossFireX

This is where I think my problem lies as it ranks pretty low if only one card is being used.

So what's my best bet for getting a big jump in fps? (that will work with my current system)

RAM is running at 800.8 MHz.

 

[BSOD BSTD]

what frequency is your RAM running at? Use CPU-Z to check and let us know, also what is the make and model of the RAM?

I would advise overclocking your CPU and GPU's, but you need to have GOOD cooling to do this, and a decent PSU.

 

[bootcher]

Is your motherboard configured to have both pci-express lanes run at same speed? It might be also your motherboard chipset is holding the GPU's back, as the Z77 only supports PCI express 2.0, crossfire can only run at 2x4.

 

[geofelt]

The 7850 is no longer the top card it once was. And, some games do not play well with dual gou's.
I think you are right on in considering a strong single card upgrade.
At 1080P it is hard to imagine that a single GTX980 would not be more than enough.

There is a possibility that there is something else going on.
What motherboard are you using?

1. Try some tests with no crossfire.
2. Is your cpu running at full speed? Have you overclocked?
Check cpu-Z If you get better fps with lowered settings, that is an indicator that your cpu is strong enough.

 

[Archaegeo]

The 7850 is no longer the top card it once was. And, some games do not play well with dual gou's.
I think you are right on in considering a strong single card upgrade.
At 1080P it is hard to imagine that a single GTX980 would not be more than enough.

There is a possibility that there is something else going on.
What motherboard are you using?

1. Try some tests with no crossfire.
2. Is your cpu running at full speed? Have you overclocked?
Check cpu-Z If you get better fps with lowered settings, that is an indicator that your cpu is strong enough.

Using GA-Z77X-D3H motherboard.
And I always experiment with Xfire off and on because some games do not work at all with it on. Not sure I need the 980 when the 970 seems a much better price point, but yeah, am leaning to the video card as a way to get back up above 30fps

 

[geofelt]

If you upgrade your graphics, make it as big a jump as your budget will allow.
Otherwise, you may be disappointed if you see only a modest improvement.
Yes, I would expect to see some nice things from a single card. But, the GTX980 cards have been reduced in price to perhaps $100 more than a GTX970.
And... I generally think the small price premium for a factory overclocked card is a decent value.