Probable CPU bottleneck resulting pretty bad FPS in BF4, WarThunder,... need help!

[extremco]

Hi guys,

this is my first post, so be gentle
Even though it is the first one, I am not total newbie when it comes to computers, but I never went deeper into these kind of problems, so here I am.

Configuration:

• 
  OS: Win 7 64-bit
  CPU: Intel Q6600 2.4 GHz
  MB: Gigabyte P43T-ES3G rev 1.3 , latest BIOS (F8)
  GPU: AMD Radeon 5770 HD 1GB GDDR5, latest catalyst drivers
  RAM: 2x2GB DDR3 PC3 Exceleram 1600 MHz (using only 1033 MHz, needs setting up to work on 1600 mhz, probably part of the problem)
  Disk1: Patriot Pyro 64 GB SSD (OS and essential programs, currently connected via SATA2, because of the MB limitation, but works amazingly fast)
  Disk2: Transcend USB 3.0 750 GB (storage and games) note> I got PCI-e USB 3.0 module inserted to be able to get USB 3.0 for my HDD
  PSU: Chieftec 750W (CFT-750-14CS)

I know my configuration is old, but it isn't so bad, so please avoid comments like> I should buy new stuff, etc (I wouldn't post here if I could buy new machine). I am sure that this problem could be solved with some good knowledge of hardware/BIOS tweaking.

Problem:

I played lots of games with acceptable or good FPS. Best comparison is Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4.
In BF3 everything is as it should be, no problems with fps. When I started BF4, I soon realized it is unplayable... Same thing with War thunder Ground Forces (below 10 FPS)
I compared FPS with a friend that i play with online (WT - airplanes) who has even older GPU(not even DX11 capable) but I5 processor (not sure which one) and where I had 20 FPS, he had like 50-60.

I turned on resource monitor to see what was happening, and saw CPU going wild with about 80% load with some 100% peaks, while GPU load was usually lower then that (depends on map). CPU is stuck at 6x multiplier and 1600 MHz while in game. When I am out of the game, it sometimes comes to 2.4 (9x multiplier), but never while I am in game.
I disabled C1E and EIST, but i still don't get 2.4 GHz (not an expert here, saw this on some forum, probably i need to disable few more options for this to work).
Really strange thing here is that it doesn't matter if I put my settings to ultra high or low, same stuff happens (WT).

I would really need help here, cause I am getting the feeling that something here is not configured as it should. CPU is still kicking, even for today's standards, GPU not bad for these games, and all I know, I should at least get descent FPS on low settings (which is not the case here).

Thanks for listening, I hope there is still hope

Detailed technical info:

GPU-Z Log
DX Log
CPU-Z Log (right click, save, open)
Resource monitor + GPUZ
GPU - playing
GPU - not playing

 

[skitz9417]

i would say it getting bottlenecked while playing those games

 

[Baralis]

CPU is stuck at 6x multiplier and 1600 MHz while in game. When I am out of the game, it sometimes comes to 2.4 (9x multiplier), but never while I am in game.

Have you monitored your temperatures while playing. Thermal throttling may be what is causing the lower multiplier while under load.

 

[extremco]

CPU is stuck at 6x multiplier and 1600 MHz while in game. When I am out of the game, it sometimes comes to 2.4 (9x multiplier), but never while I am in game.

Have you monitored your temperatures while playing. Thermal throttling may be what is causing the lower multiplier while under load.

Wow, this is pretty hot for an idle PC> HWMonitor IDLE

And these are the temps during the game> HWMonitor in game

and here`s the situation after i turned back on C1E and EIST, while PC is idle>
HWMonitor default BIOS

What is thermal throttling?

 

[st3v30]

Donno if this explanation is 100% accurate.Thermal throttling happens when your CPU create to much heat and your cooler cant dispose of it fast so your CPU keeps heating to much,then sensors on mobo see that CPU is too hot and lower your CPU speed so it can cool down and lowers your overall performance.My friend have Q6600 OC to 3,2 GHZ with Raijintek Themis and is stays belowe 60°C when he games,his GPU is HD 6850 and he also play War Thunder and BF3 and games run pretty good.But for BF4 you need more then 4 gb for multiplayer or you will have HUGE fps problems and contoll laggs.Reset your BIOS to Default Settings.IF you want constant 2.4 ghz you need to disable Modify Ratio Support in bios.Also you can use High Performance Power Profile to keep your cpu at 2.4 ghz when you game.Any cheap aftermarket cooler will lower your themps allot.

 

[st3v30]

Can you just Lightshot to give us your HWmonitor screanshots cuz this text form looks crazy.

 

[Baralis]

CPU is stuck at 6x multiplier and 1600 MHz while in game. When I am out of the game, it sometimes comes to 2.4 (9x multiplier), but never while I am in game.

Have you monitored your temperatures while playing. Thermal throttling may be what is causing the lower multiplier while under load.

Wow, this is pretty hot for an idle PC> HWMonitor IDLE

And these are the temps during the game> HWMonitor in game

and here`s the situation after i turned back on C1E and EIST, while PC is idle>
HWMonitor default BIOS

What is thermal throttling?

Thermal throttling is a safety measure that CPUs and GPUs have built in to keep them from overheating to the point of ruin. It basically slows down the CPU/GPU to reduce power consumption and heat. In extreme cases it will shut the computer down in an attempt to save its self. In the case of thermal throttling it will have a profound effect on performance.

Looking at your readings it shows a temperature of 92C (for your GPU I believe) which is hot and nearing its upper limit and may it be throttling. If that reading is for the CPU than it is defiantly in the danger zone and would be throttling. In either case you may need to dust out your system and make sure all fans are spinning correctly. If you have a small case it may be a lack of ventilation. If so try opening the side of your case and pointing a fan into the case and see if temperatures drop significantly. And worst case would be reseating your heatsink with a new application of thermal paste.

Let us know what you find.

 

[extremco]

Can you just Lightshot to give us your HWmonitor screanshots cuz this text form looks crazy.

At the moment I am not at home, but as I remember, Idle PC (with those bios features disabled) was around 90 degrees Celsius, with enabled/default bios features it was around 55. When in game.... i could fry eggs on it, along with my PC.... 98 degrees!!!

 

[extremco]

CPU is stuck at 6x multiplier and 1600 MHz while in game. When I am out of the game, it sometimes comes to 2.4 (9x multiplier), but never while I am in game.

Have you monitored your temperatures while playing. Thermal throttling may be what is causing the lower multiplier while under load.

Wow, this is pretty hot for an idle PC> HWMonitor IDLE

And these are the temps during the game> HWMonitor in game

and here`s the situation after i turned back on C1E and EIST, while PC is idle>
HWMonitor default BIOS

What is thermal throttling?

Thermal throttling is a safety measure that CPUs and GPUs have built in to keep them from overheating to the point of ruin. It basically slows down the CPU/GPU to reduce power consumption and heat. In extreme cases it will shut the computer down in an attempt to save its self. In the case of thermal throttling it will have a profound effect on performance.

Looking at your readings it shows a temperature of 92C (for your GPU I believe) which is hot and nearing its upper limit and may it be throttling. If that reading is for the CPU than it is defiantly in the danger zone and would be throttling. In either case you may need to dust out your system and make sure all fans are spinning correctly. If you have a small case it may be a lack of ventilation. If so try opening the side of your case and pointing a fan into the case and see if temperatures drop significantly. And worst case would be reseating your heatsink with a new application of thermal paste.

Let us know what you find.

Thanks for the answer!
Going to buy a good cooler then, for a start. By the way, any reccomendations on brand and model, or it is more or less all the same?
Then, while i am removing current box cooler, will clean everything and apply a thermal paste. I will let you know final result!
Hopefully, we will talk about overclocking (wanna squeeze the soul out of it) before I buy that A10 7850k, and another MB....and RAM, and.... arrrghhhh

 

[st3v30]

Better go with FX 6300 or I3 then any APU from AMD.

 

[extremco]

I think that this APU is really good solution for me. I mean, without discrete GPU you can play BF4 on medium settings! That is some serious result! And it is cheap for what it offers. On top of that, you can pair it with another R7 250

I know, it is better to have dedicated stuff, but it also costs money, lots of money.
Gaming is not something that i do every day, and i don't require ultra high details and all that stuff. I just need decent pc capable of playing modern games in reasonably good details (medium is fine).

 

[extremco]

Funny how one stupid old plastic pin that should hold cooler in place can ruin your day!
This allowed cooler to separate a little from cpu, in combination with old thermal paste that i applied really sloppy ...
I am amazed how much time this worked without CPU burning! This Q6600 should get a medal

I threw out that old stock cooler and installed CM Hyper EVO 212 (this thing is huge!). The Idle temp of CPU is now around 30 degrees !!! When under load (WT ground forces, full details, etc..) it is 38 degrees, around 30 FPS!

Thanks a lot, case closed

 

[Baralis]

I am very happy that it was such a simple fix and everything is running smooth for you. Happy gaming!

 

[AfroDolf]

Why DO you have A amd GPU and a intel CPU