Is there a problem?

[KarmA SuprA]

Hey I just built my very first computer ever and compared to my previous pre built computers its not that great even though I have spent over $1000 more on this one. So i'm just wondering if there is something in the system that's not allowing my graphics card to run at its full potential? I run arma 3 at like 30fps all on high and ultra drops it to like 20. Skyrim is no problem on ultra, but farcry 3 is sitting around 40fps which isnt bad in my eyes but after spending so much i expected more from the build. Here are my specs (keep in mind im changing the case due to lack off air flow and it gets way to hot)

Fx-8320 Black Edition
Sapphire Vapor-x R9 290
Asus ROG Crosshair V Formula Z
Antec 850w HCG
16gb Ripjaws
1tb seagate barracuda
Aerocool Syclone II (junk)

No water cooling atm until i get a better cpu (Fx-9370), Which is what i think might be the problem.

 

[RaDiKaL_]

CPU is holding you back indeed, but the FX-9370 won't fix the issue, the improvement won't be that noticeable, you'd have to switch to a i5-4690k or similar to get a nice boost.

 

[TheDualshock]

The FX series is known for it's poor single threaded performance and Arma 3 is single threaded and not that optimized. FarCry 3 runs well on AMD's FX CPUs but I'm pretty sure the problem here is Single threaded performance (which is using 1 core (for Intel's hyperthreaded CPU's it's like a 1/2 Core). You won't see much of a gaming performance leap from that FX-8320 to an FX-9370 since the single threaded performance is still weak. An i5 would have been a better path to take.

 

[geofelt]

Aerocool is a tier 4 unit on this list.
It may not be able to give your graphics card sufficient power.
https://community.newegg.com/eggxpert/computer_hardware/f/135081/t/45344.aspx?Redirected=true
I would look to replace it with at least a 650w unit.

To help clarify your CPU/GPU issue, run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You could also experiment with removing one core in the bios. This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.

What to do if you identify a weak component:
In theory, the R9 cards are wonderful.
But, reading newegg reviews, there are an unusually large percentage of problems.
Go to some forums and check out the R9 290 issues.

The FX-9270 is simply an overclocked FX 8 core cpu. It is a poor return on your money. Better to oc your 8320 yourself as well as you can.

Water cooling is not a great idea to my mind.
My canned rant on liquid cooling:
------------------------start of rant-------------------
You buy a liquid cooler to be able to extract an extra multiplier or two out of your OC.
How much do you really need?
I do not much like all in one liquid coolers when a good air cooler like a Noctua NH-D15 or phanteks can do the job just as well.
A liquid cooler will be expensive, noisy, less reliable, and will not cool any better
in a well ventilated case.
Liquid cooling is really air cooling, it just puts the heat exchange in a different place.
The orientation of the radiator will cause a problem.
If you orient it to take in cool air from the outside, you will cool the cpu better, but the hot air then circulates inside the case heating up the graphics card and motherboard.
If you orient it to exhaust(which I think is better) , then your cpu cooling will be less effective because it uses pre heated case air.
And... I have read too many tales of woe when a liquid cooler leaks.
google "H100 leak"
-----------------------end of rant--------------------------

I suggest a noctua nh-D15 or phanteks with dual 140mm fans.
Your pc will be quieter, more reliable, and will be cooled equally well

If you ultimately determine that the cpu s at issue, and you want more, then a intel haswell quad and motherboard change is in order.

 

[KarmA SuprA]

Wow okay thanks heaps guys wasnt expecting a reply so fast, Alright i5 it is then. I have never gone Intel before so i dont know much about them thats why i have always stuck with AMD. Thanks again guys really saved my bank budget haha

 

[TheDualshock]

Wow okay thanks heaps guys wasnt expecting a reply so fast, Alright i5 it is then. I have never gone Intel before so i dont know much about them thats why i have always stuck with AMD. Thanks again guys really saved my bank budget haha

A i5 4690K would be perfect for you, thing kicks ass in gaming.

 

[KarmA SuprA]

Okay you guys have really saved my behind here. Thanks to you all this is awesome ill write down the i5 4690k down and this noctua nh-D15 and they can be after the case gets sent. thanks again guys