Better BF3 FPS?

[Deutschland]

Hello, I have a AMD Phenom X3 8400 CPU, 4.5 GB of ddr2 RAM. I have Vista 32-bit so I guess only 4 GB. I have a GTS450 that I can overclock to 925 Mhz (stock is 825) PSU is 520 watt. I have my BF3 settings on low and during big firefights, I get like 16 fps. What can I do? Will just another card help? I can't SLI. Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it. Sorry if I left anything out. Prost!

 

[noob2222]

the 2 limits are the cpu is definately holding the computer down, and the 32 bit os. Video ram counts against the system memory. The absolute max is about 3.25gb, minus 1bg for the video card and your down to 2.25gb of system ram.

 

[wr6133]

The 32 bt OS is choking you as noob2222 said the GPU mem counts in the 4GB. Best instant fix would be a 64bit OS would give some gain. The CPU is oldish and the GPU entry level so they will never dazzle but as is the whole system is choked

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

GPU RAM only counts towards total system RAM if you're using an integrated GPU (you're not), so don't worry about that part.

But yes, your system is choked in more than one way. The CPU isn't great, and the GPU isn't very good either. Regardless, more RAM (even with a 64 bit OS) won't really help you much.

 

[noob2222]

GPU RAM only counts towards total system RAM if you're using an integrated GPU (you're not), so don't worry about that part.

But yes, your system is choked in more than one way. The CPU isn't great, and the GPU isn't very good either. Regardless, more RAM (even with a 64 bit OS) won't really help you much.

I am not talking about integrated ram. I was off a bit tho, gpu ram takes 50% roughly for memory addressing.

The 4GB limit refers to total addressable memory space and not just the RAM installed. It’s a total made up of system RAM, graphics RAM, PCI memory range, ACPI and a few other bits and pieces. And if you think that your system RAM is the only significant factor, think again. You can buy graphics cards fitted with 1GB of RAM, and if you wanted (and had the spare cash!) you could fit three of these into a system. There’s not a 1 to 1 relationship between graphics memeory consuming system RAM, but the larger the memory, the more the card sets aside for itself. Now that 4GB limit doesn’t leave you a lot of space for system RAM. For more information, check out an excellent post by tech guru Mark Russinovich. Here’s a small extract from Mark’s blog:


The consumption of memory addresses below 4GB can be drastic on high-end gaming systems with large video cards. For example, I purchased one from a boutique gaming rig company that came with 4GB of RAM and two 1GB video cards. I hadn’t specified the OS version and assumed that they’d put 64-bit Vista on it, but it came with the 32-bit version and as a result only 2.2GB of the memory was accessible by Windows. You can see a giant memory hole from 8FEF0000 to FFFFFFFF in this Meminfo output from the system after I installed 64-bit Windows.

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/clearing-up-the-3264-bit-memory-limit-confusion/3124

In short, windows still has to have memory addressing for gpu ram even if it is on the card.

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

In short, windows still has to have memory addressing for gpu ram even if it is on the card.

Well, I'll be honest, it's been a long time since I've used a 32 bit OS with a discreet card, but I don't think I ever experienced that issue (the last card I had on a 32 bit OS was 128MB though, so I may have never had a chance to notice it). Just taking my own personal experience into account.

 

[noob2222]

I look at it this way, if you never try to learn something new, you will never know anything.

BTW, what motherboard are you using there Deutschland ?

 

[FinneousPJ]

Honestly, for you I'd recommend a complete system overhaul.

 

[Deutschland]

I have an ASUSTek Computer INC. NARRA3 (Socket AM2 ). There aren't many options for a new cpu. I'd love a x4 but they seem to be out of stock. Might find one on eBay with am2+. Very limited. I wish I could overhaul this thing but, money restricts that. Thanks everyone for your help. It's really appreciated.

 

[Deutschland]

Damn, so you guys think going 64 bit and adding more ram won't really help much? Would upgrading to an X4 processor justify much? I mean I would love to just have 40fps on maybe a medium setting in the game or something.

 

[noob2222]

Going to 64 bit will help, just make sure its not an oem version, thse get locked to the motherboard. Also I wouldn't invest in more ddr 2 memory unless you get it cheap. Without a 64 bit os more memory is pointless, windows 32 bit can't use it.

Best option without spending money on a new board and ram (you would need both) is to try ebay for an x4 that is compatible.

 

[Deutschland]

Best answer selected by Deutschland.