Question about CPU and GPU when gaming?

[nathanfrabott]

So i currently have a 8800GT GPU and a Intel Duel-core 2.6 Ghz CPU in my computer, its a pretty old setup, but im getting the new 650 TI GPU but keeping my CPU, I have this feeling the CPU will bottle neck my computer, i have a 600W Power Supply, i just want to know will just upgrading my GPU SUFFICE for gaming? Will it play BF3 well? i just want to make sure that having a crap CPU wont SEVERELY damage my game play. Thank you in advance!

 

[geofelt]

That is a nice gpu upgrade.
Since you are getting it, you will be able to determine where your limiting factor is.

BF3 only needs a modest cpu in single player, but a very strong one in multiplayer.

If you are interested in predicting, try these tests:

) 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 cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 50%.
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.


Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
set to 50% and see how you do.


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.

 

[nathanfrabott]

That is a nice gpu upgrade.
Since you are getting it, you will be able to determine where your limiting factor is.

BF3 only needs a modest cpu in single player, but a very strong one in multiplayer.

If you are interested in predicting, try these tests:

) 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 cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 50%.
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.


Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
set to 50% and see how you do.


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.

Great answer thank you very much!

 

[J_E_D_70]

I'll throw out there from recent experience - the 2.66 Core2 Duo is really not good with BF3 multiplayer. I just upgaded from it earlier this year. I was only using a 6770 which is rather weak itself and BF3 was really bad at 1080 with all the settings as low as they'd go.

Between the two it was more than I could stand. On a related note, I'm running my 3570K at 3.9GHz because that's the lowest clockspeed that doesn't run at least one core at 100% in BF3.

 

[iceclock]

if your gonna bother upgrading the graphic card whynot get a cpu as well.

because that cpu is gonna lag alot in bf3, u really want a modern cpu mobo to take advantage of new games.

if you do deceide here are too setups that are good for ur money.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130653

msi motherboard and this intel i3 cpu

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115077

and 4 gigs of ram cheap:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148498

18$

so total would be:

80$ mobo

cpu 126$

ram:15$

total=221+tax+shipping.

cuz def ull need a new cpu if u wanna atleast run bf3 at a decent frame.