How much will a Athlon ii x4 630 bottleneck an amd 6950?

[ocada]

Just bought a new GPU, RAM and PSU to upgrade my older hp desktop:

I have a Athlon ii x4 630, 2.8 ghz processor and I bought:

Sapphire 2gb 6950 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102987
8 gb ram http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231426
and a 750w PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371051

I figured my CPU would limit this setup, but how much? I can't overclock because this is a pre-built machine, but if need be I can buy a better AM3 CPU like a phenom x4 965-980. I have just put this off until after I see how my current rig performs with the new stuff, which is still in the mail. Any idea how much of a bottleneck this will be?

Thanks guys.

 

[ilysaml]

The major difference between Athlon IIs and Phenom IIs is the L3 cache?
Does L3 cache affect gaming performance? In most cases yes, you might find 20% boost in FPS using a Phenom II CPU clocked the same as Athlon II but has a high L3 cache, so basically it will make a difference if you're playing a game and in the sake of 15-20 FPS more, and bear in mind the RPG games are very CPU intensive games, lower resolution depends more on CPU power.

Phenom II X4 980 BE is a gaming monster, I'd go for it.

 

[mercer95]

not as much as with a 670

 

[ocada]

Thanks for the advice so far guys.

I'm hoping to play bf3 on some high settings. Currently, I'm rolling on a gts 250 with everything set at low. I forget what FPS i'm playing at, but its not impressive. Still I enjoy the game. Hopefully the new GPU will make a huge difference and won't be hamstrung by the CPU. I hear BF3 is GPU intensive. Any other thoughts guys?

 

[ilysaml]

What resolution are you on?
Yes it's GPU intensive game.

 

[ocada]

1920 x 1080. I have a 27" LED monitor.

 

[ilysaml]

HD 6950 is able to get you a very playable FPS @ ultra 1080P, with your current CPU it won't make a difference compared to a Phenom II X4, but in other games there' will be a huge difference.

So right now, you can play BF3 without no problem, you should get 40+ FPS.
But you gotta upgrade that CPU soon. X4 980 BE is the most powerful gaming CPU in the phenom II series.

 

[Soma42]

Depending on the game, yes your CPU will hold you back as others have mentioned. As far as upgrading goes I would still get the 6950 and when you get the money or feel the need to upgrade the CPU you have a pretty solid rig instead of a low/mid-range GPU.

It's how I upgrade usually. Upgrade the GPU first and then once the CPU is holding me back upgrade the CPU and on and on....

 

[Blahman11]

You could try overclocking if you're worried about bottlenecks. You should be able to get 3.5 ish if you have a good motherboard. You can't up the multiplier with Athlon iis you have to OC with the FSB.

 

[Brett928S2]

HD 6950 is able to get you a very playable FPS @ ultra 1080P, with your current CPU it won't make a difference compared to a Phenom II X4, but in other games there' will be a huge difference.

So right now, you can play BF3 without no problem, you should get 40+ FPS.
But you gotta upgrade that CPU soon. X4 980 BE is the most powerful gaming CPU in the phenom II series.

Hi

No it isnt.... the 1100T BE , is...

All the best Brett

 

[Brett928S2]

depends on the game, for most games the 980 will win out. very few games use more then three cores, even modern games.

Hi

BF3 does...

All the best Brett

 

[ocada]

Best answer selected by ocada.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey