What graphic settings are more CPU bound than GPU?

[leaveroalone]

I have a good GPU, and a low level CPU. What are some settings in the graphics that I should keep at minimum to boost frame rates?

For eg. When I pull down the 'shadows' setting, the FPS increases by about 20 fps, easily.

What are some other settings, which are CPU bound which I can pull down?

My grid -
Intel Core i3 540 @ 3.06 gHz
Nvidia GTX 960 2 GB
8 GB DDR3 RAM

 

[n0ns3ns3]

anything that will reduce amount of objects on the screen will improve the FPS in case of CPU limitation.
So fancy destruction effects with particles are CPU load since it's mostly CPU that calculates object interaction.
The shadows thing sounds more like GPU.
To test it do the following:
lower the game resolution (for example from 1080 to 720) while leaving rest of the settings the same and play the game:
FPS improves - GPU is to blame so reduce settings
FPS remains about the same -> CPU is to blame. do what i suggested in first sentence.
Please note, not every game have settings that will significantly reduce the CPU load.

 

[leaveroalone]

anything that will reduce amount of objects on the screen will improve the FPS in case of CPU limitation.
So fancy destruction effects with particles are CPU load since it's mostly CPU that calculates object interaction.
The shadows thing sounds more like GPU.
To test it do the following:
lower the game resolution (for example from 1080 to 720) while leaving rest of the settings the same and play the game:
FPS improves - GPU is to blame so reduce settings
FPS remains about the same -> CPU is to blame. do what i suggested in first sentence.
Please note, not every game have settings that will significantly reduce the CPU load.

What will those settings be? Can you please name them? Settings which are CPU bound, thank you!

 

[n0ns3ns3]

It really depends on game.

 

[leaveroalone]

It really depends on game.

Really? I lower shadows on any game and my fps improves. I doubt it depends on the game.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

As I said, the shadows are GPU (not CPU) load.
That's why i suggested the test to make sure that your gaming performance is indeed limited by CPU and not GPU.

 

[leaveroalone]

As I said, the shadows are GPU (not CPU) load.
That's why i suggested the test to make sure that your gaming performance is indeed limited by CPU and not GPU.

I lower shadows, while everything else is ultra. Obviously, its not my GPU's fault.

I played GTA V, BF Hardline, among others on ultra settings (shadows : low) and got a comfortable 60 fps, Whereas, I cant get a smooth play in Crysis 3 , which is famously known to be a CPU bound game, even on low settings.

 

[firerod1]

CPU Intensive Tasks:
Physics
Sound
Animation & Animation Interpolation
Particles
Decals
Polygons
Dynamic Lighting/Shadows
Water reflection

GPU intensive Tasks:
Textures & Bumpmaps
AA & AF
HDR & Bloom
Resolution