Bottlenecked processor component!?

[brokenhands]

Does my i3 Quad Processor clocked at 2.9gz bottleneck my GTX660 2gb Super clocked?, because it doesn't seem like my GPU is working to it's full potential.
If so, can someone explain how bottlenecking components affect my FPS?

and Possibly recommend my next course of action? (Upgrading etc etc)
as for a sidenote is it normal for that graphics card to run into 80c pretty easily? I have a coolermaster case with plenty of airflow (still room for 2 more 200mm fans)
because if not, i'll probably return it.. because it worries me.

 

[CTurbo]

Quad core i3 @ 2.9ghz??? Never heard of it. What model is it?

 

[brokenhands]

Quad core i3 @ 2.9ghz??? Never heard of it. What model is it?

intel core i3-530

 

[CTurbo]

Oh ok.... that's only a dual core processor. It does have hyperthreading, but that doesn't really make it a quad.

Anyway, to answer your question... It may be bottlenecking your 660, but I kinda doubt it. My lil bro still uses a i3 2120 with his 660ti and it doesn't bottleneck it @ 1080p.

The 2120 is 28-30% better than the 530, but the 660ti is about 25-30% better than the 660 so..................

What are the rest of your specs?

It sounds like it's about time for you to upgrade anyway. You would need a new motherboard no matter which cpu you choose unless you opt for a 1st gen i5 or i7.

 

[brokenhands]

i3 530 2.9gz
EVGA Nvidia GTX 660 2gb Superclocked
6gb DDR3 ram
700w psu 80+
am i forgetting anything else? As for the motherboard it's a salvage from a Gateway DX-4831
so I am well aware that I need to get a new motherboard (was planning to anyhow since i got this nice case that can accommodate more than this micro atx mobo)

 

[CTurbo]

Ok so what's the budget for cpu + motherboard?

 

[brokenhands]

Ok so what's the budget for cpu + motherboard?

400$ would have to be my safest bet at the moment,

 

[CTurbo]

$400 for just a cpu and motherboard?

Dude you can get almost anything you want with that.

i5 4670k + Z87 motherboard + aftermarket cooler

or

i7 4770K + Z87 motherboard

or

AMD FX 8350 + Am3+ 990FX motherboard + liquid cooler

 

[brokenhands]

$400 for just a cpu and motherboard?

Dude you can get almost anything you want with that.

i5 4670k + Z87 motherboard + aftermarket cooler

or

i7 4770K + Z87 motherboard

or

AMD FX 8350 + Am3+ 990FX motherboard + liquid cooler

that's great to hear, since this is my first build, :] i'm gradually upping the bar on my components!, and btw i found out my CPU is bottlenecking my GPU, in a full load my CPU only allows the GPU to work about 78-80%,

 

[CTurbo]

, and btw i found out my CPU is bottlenecking my GPU, in a full load my CPU only allows the GPU to work about 78-80%,

Really? Hmm... I'll ask my bro again tomorrow about his setup, but I'm pretty sure his i3 2120 never goes over 80% usage during game play. Of course his 660ti is yawning along on 1080p. It's overkill for sure.

Anyway, do a little research, get some opinions, and then get yourself some upgrades.

It's ALL about how much money you want to spend.