Question Will a CPU upgrade improve FPS ?

[GenX Goat]

Hi Guys

I think I unfortunately know the answer but wanted confirmation before I do things in the wrong order.

I play FN on low settings (performance mode) at 1440p 144hz monitor, I play it quite competitively and get around 140 fps when rotating around the map but end up at about 70 fps during build battles, sometimes this can intermittently drop to as low as 17 fps on the 1% lows which seems to cause stuttering and lag.

What I am trying to achieve is a more constant 160 fps whilst at the same time reducing as much as I can the drop in fps during build battles, especially the 1% lows of 17 fps when it gets hectic in game.

I currently have a GTX 1660 Super paired with an i5-9400F CPU connected to an ASUS Prime H310m-A motherboard. All powered by a new 700w PSU. Please note, I am aware the PSU brand could be an issue going forwards, I will address this so please ignore the PSU requirements for now.

The CPU stays between 50-80% during games.

The GPU stays between 30-60% during games.

My original intention was to upgrade the GPU to an MSI RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio but after doing some checking I’ve been informed the current CPU will bottleneck this GPU by about 27%. Possibly more as I’m running low performance settings!?

Because of this I’m wondering if I’m better off upgrading my CPU instead, this will ultimately require a new motherboard to accommodate the CPU as a decent CPU upgrade won’t fit that board, all of which is expensive and heartbreaking when still running a GTX 1660 Super, I feel it would be overkill for the GPU but due to low settings this order of upgrade may actually be the better option to increase and make steady the fps? Please correct me if I’m wrong.

From what I can see, you guys know your stuff so any input on what way I should do this would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Hellfire13]

You can either search for a 8086K, 8700/K/T, 9900/K/KS/KF/T, cheap at your local used or online store for your current board or get any 10th gen/i5 or above with a new board.
If it was me I will go the second route judging by the VRM quality of that 310 board for running one of those 8th or 9th gen. CPUs without throttling.

 

[GenX Goat]

You can either search for a 8086K, 8700/K/T, 9900/K/KS/KF/T, cheap at your local used or online store for your current board or get any 10th gen/i5 or above with a new board.
If it was me I will go the second route judging by the VRM quality of that 310 board for running one of those 8th or 9th gen. CPUs without throttling.

Thanks for your input.

Just to confirm, you feel leaving the GPU as is and focus on the CPU/motherboard?

Then once the CPU/motherboard being done, focus then on the GPU upgrade?

Would I be right in thinking you feel this way would be the better option due to FN performance mode not being particularly graphics heavy?

Doing recent research I’ve been lead to believe that always do the GPU first but I feel this is because people are always trying to improve visuals as well as fps, I honestly don’t care about the visuals as I have been playing FN on performance mode ever since it was an option.

 

[zinkles]

My original intention was to upgrade the GPU to an MSI RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio but after doing some checking I’ve been informed the current CPU will bottleneck this GPU by about 27%. Possibly more as I’m running low performance settings!?

Let me guess, you used a bottleneck calculator? Just so you're aware, bottleneck calculators are garbage, and shouldn't be used for purchasing decisions.

Would I be right in thinking you feel this way would be the better option due to FN performance mode not being particularly graphics heavy?

Kind of. The CPU plays a major role when outputting high FPS numbers, so it shouldn't be left out while upgrading your PC. I'd also recommend going with a decent CPU upgrade.

 

[DRagor]

First you need to find out what is limiting your current performance. To do so change graphical settings one notch up and compare FPS to what you get now. If FPS stays same you are limited by CPU, if it noticeably drops you are limited by GPU. Repeat test for higher settings to find limits of your system.

 

[GenX Goat]

Let me guess, you used a bottleneck calculator? Just so you're aware, bottleneck calculators are garbage, and shouldn't be used for purchasing decisions.


Kind of. The CPU plays a major role when outputting high FPS numbers, so it shouldn't be left out while upgrading your PC. I'd also recommend going with a decent CPU upgrade.

Haha… spot on re calculator! Good to know.

It’s such a minefield, there’s a pretty good deal at the moment for me to purchase the RTX 3070, would be a shame to see it pass!

I’m thinking maybe a MSI Pro H610M-E along with the i5-12500 CPU, then the GPU upgrade once funds allow,.

Does that sound like the right sort of plan? Any issues running that with the current GTX 1660 Super?

If only money was infinite!

Thanks for your help.

 

[zinkles]

Haha… spot on re calculator! Good to know.

It’s such a minefield, there’s a pretty good deal at the moment for me to purchase the RTX 3070, would be a shame to see it pass!

I’m thinking maybe a MSI Pro H610M-E along with the i5-12500 CPU, then the GPU upgrade once funds allow,.

Does that sound like the right sort of plan? Any issues running that with the current GTX 1660 Super?

If only money was infinite!

Thanks for your help.

could you try what @DRagor said?

 

[GenX Goat]

First you need to find out what is limiting your current performance. To do so change graphical settings one notch up and compare FPS to what you get now. If FPS stays same you are limited by CPU, if it noticeably drops you are limited by GPU. Repeat test for higher settings to find limits of your system.

Thanks for the help.

If I change the in-game settings to higher settings DirextX12 or 11 (the only other options other than performance mode) the fps drops a lot and fluctuates all over the place, even if I put the above settings to low.

My conclusion was that the GPU can’t handle the higher graphics so would need to be upgraded to play those settings, but due to performance mode being potato graphics (bizarrely my preferred choice), the GPU sits back and takes it easy whilst the CPU has a mini-heart attack trying to get the information (fps) processed to the GPU!?

 

[DRagor]

My conclusion was that the GPU can’t handle the higher graphics so would need to be upgraded to play those settings, but due to performance mode being potato graphics (bizarrely my preferred choice), the GPU sits back and takes it easy whilst the CPU has a mini-heart attack trying to get the information (fps) processed to the GPU!?

That could be if your FPS at low settings were pretty much same everywhere (except for spikes). But if there is big difference in FPS between areas in game it more suggests it is still GPU that can't handle it.

One more test: run game with same graphical settings but reduce resolution. How's FPS now?

 

[GenX Goat]

That could be if your FPS at low settings were pretty much same everywhere (except for spikes). But if there is big difference in FPS between areas in game it more suggests it is still GPU that can't handle it.

One more test: run game with same graphical settings but reduce resolution. How's FPS now?

Ahh Ok.

Hmm, that one has puzzled me in the past…

The system (gameplay) when running at 1440p is way smoother than when it runs at 1080p, fps doesn’t really change, if it does it’s minimal.

 

[DRagor]

fps doesn’t really change

So the 140 you get is max for your CPU. It makes sense then that at 1080 game play is less smooth as it tries to push CPU above what it can do. I think you are in a pickle then: if you change CPU then your GPU will slow you down and vice versa. I guess if you aim for more FPS for competitiveness you should upgrade CPU while knowing you will have to lower resolution to have your current GPU keep up.

 

[GenX Goat]

So the 140 you get is max for your CPU. It makes sense then that at 1080 game play is less smooth as it tries to push CPU above what it can do. I think you are in a pickle then: if you change CPU then your GPU will slow you down and vice versa. I guess if you aim for more FPS for competitiveness you should upgrade CPU while knowing you will have to lower resolution to have your current GPU keep up.

Thanks.

I had unfortunately come to a similar conclusion.

One point though re your comment about CPU maxing out at about 140…

If I go in to a creative match which would involve minimal render requirements as they’re normally pretty bare, along with just one or two other people, the fps will happily sit at around 180-200, if I simply stop moving in the game it will rise to as much as 280, but again… that’s only in creative with hardly anything going on.

Still the same conclusion? If so, do you feel the above CPU and motherboard I mentioned earlier (see below) would be a suitable upgrade for the RTX 3070 as and when I can afford one?

MSI Pro H610M-E along with the i5-12500 CPU.

Thanks again for all your help.

 

[zinkles]

Still the same conclusion? If so, do you feel the above CPU and motherboard I mentioned earlier (see below) would be a suitable upgrade for the RTX 3070 as and when I can afford one?

yea, shouldn't be any issues.

i'd like to know the PSU brand, just to make sure.

 

[GenX Goat]

yea, shouldn't be any issues.

i'd like to know the PSU brand, just to make sure.

Thanks.

I have been informed it should have the power but possibly not my best choice, it’s the…

RPG Rampage 700w 80 Plus Bronze.

 

[DRagor]

Still the same conclusion? If so, do you feel the above CPU and motherboard I mentioned earlier (see below) would be a suitable upgrade for the RTX 3070 as and when I can afford one?

MSI Pro H610M-E along with the i5-12500 CPU.

It's fine. Nothing spectacular but fine.

RPG Rampage 700w 80 Plus Bronze.

Have zero info on that piece. For PSU that's usually bad news. 3070 isn't exactly easiest on PSU demands so that might be risky pairing.

 

[GenX Goat]

It's fine. Nothing spectacular but fine.

Have zero info on that piece. For PSU that's usually bad news. 3070 isn't exactly easiest on PSU demands so that might be risky pairing.

Ok, seems like my best/budget friendly option to get the job done.

Re PSU… yeah, I have been made aware of that, I’m looking at a Corsair which I believe is not a bad option.

Thanks for all the help, I think I’ll go with a motherboard and CPU first, let the current GPU do some work for a change, then upgrade that as and when I can.

 

[geofelt]

My thoughts:
12500 looks to be a good cpu upgrade.
But, I think I would avoid the H610 chipset motherboards.
They are the very cheapest and would not be good for a future cpu change.
Look at DDR4 based MATX size, they are usually cheaper.

If you upgrade the psu, do not go cheap.
Look for a unit with at least a 7 year warranty.
The next size up does not usually cost more, typically $20 or so.
Stronger is better for a future upgrade.

 

[GenX Goat]

My thoughts:
12500 looks to be a good cpu upgrade.
But, I think I would avoid the H610 chipset motherboards.
They are the very cheapest and would not be good for a future cpu change.
Look at DDR4 based MATX size, they are usually cheaper.

If you upgrade the psu, do not go cheap.
Look for a unit with at least a 7 year warranty.
The next size up does not usually cost more, typically $20 or so.
Stronger is better for a future upgrade.

Thank for the info.

I think I’ve made a decision, I just need the last little bit of advice re the cooler.

Firstly can I assume the cooler from my i5-9400 will not fit the below decision I’ve made? If not, can you recommend a few cooler options please as there are a lot out there.

I’m going for the…

I5-12500 CPU
&
MSI Pro Z690-A WiFi Motherboard

Thanks again guys for all your help with this.

 

[geofelt]

No, your old stock cooler will not fit.
Lga1700 hole patterns are a bit different.
Nor, would you want it to.
The 12500 comes with an excellent laminar flow stock cooler that will do the job, and do it quietly.
At the very least, try it first.

 

[GenX Goat]

Hi Guys

I think I unfortunately know the answer but wanted confirmation before I do things in the wrong order.

I play FN on low settings (performance mode) at 1440p 144hz monitor, I play it quite competitively and get around 140 fps when rotating around the map but end up at about 70 fps during build battles, sometimes this can intermittently drop to as low as 17 fps on the 1% lows which seems to cause stuttering and lag.

What I am trying to achieve is a more constant 160 fps whilst at the same time reducing as much as I can the drop in fps during build battles, especially the 1% lows of 17 fps when it gets hectic in game.

I currently have a GTX 1660 Super paired with an i5-9400F CPU connected to an ASUS Prime H310m-A motherboard. All powered by a new 700w PSU. Please note, I am aware the PSU brand could be an issue going forwards, I will address this so please ignore the PSU requirements for now.

The CPU stays between 50-80% during games.

The GPU stays between 30-60% during games.

My original intention was to upgrade the GPU to an MSI RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio but after doing some checking I’ve been informed the current CPU will bottleneck this GPU by about 27%. Possibly more as I’m running low performance settings!?

Because of this I’m wondering if I’m better off upgrading my CPU instead, this will ultimately require a new motherboard to accommodate the CPU as a decent CPU upgrade won’t fit that board, all of which is expensive and heartbreaking when still running a GTX 1660 Super, I feel it would be overkill for the GPU but due to low settings this order of upgrade may actually be the better option to increase and make steady the fps? Please correct me if I’m wrong.

From what I can see, you guys know your stuff so any input on what way I should do this would be appreciated.

Thanks

Hi Guys

I just wanted to come back on here to give an update, not only so you guys know for sure what’s what but also if someone else has the same issue.

As you know, I was struggling with FPS and was pretty sure it was the CPU rather than the GPU causing the problem (see above conversation).

I tried everything to fix the issue, such as Windows 11 updates, BIOS updates and modifying settings etc, nothing fixed the issue so I started changing hardware as per below.

Since replacing the below hardware my FPS during a game hits a maximum of about 350 FPS but fluctuates between about 200 and 300 most of the time, I’ve not yet seen it dip below 150, even in the most intense battles, all of the stutters and lagging issues have also been resolved . This is whilst playing the Battle Royale build mode with in-game performance mode settings.

Other than setting the PC and Nvidia Control Panel to Performance and ultra (settings already used) etc, I replaced the below…

Motherboard
ASUS Prime H310M-A R2.0 (out)
ASUS TUF Gaming B760M-Plus D4 (in)

CPU
Intel i5-9400F (out)
Intel i5-12500 (in)

RAM
1 x 16GB (out)
2 x 8GB Corsair Vengeance LPX 3200MHz (in)

The original motherboard/CPUhad an unknown cooler, this was replaced with a…

DeepCool AK400

Previously I had replaced the PSU with a 700w version, up from a 500w version but this made no difference anyway.

As you can see from above, this rectified the issues completely, I’ve also observed the following…

The original CPU was running at between 50-80% usage (spiking to 98% sometimes). The new CPU now runs at about 20-27% usage pretty much all the time and hits about 50 degrees at peak.

The GPU (not changed) used to run at between 30-60% during games at low temperatures, this is now able to work harder and runs at between 60-90% and doesn’t get any hotter than about 70 degrees at most.

The monitor settings are still the same, 2560 x 1440 144hz.

I may not have chosen the best hardware to replace it with but for me it all works perfectly, albeit on the rather low-end GPU installed. I may at some point upgrade the GPU but for now… it’s all good.

Thanks guys for your help.

 

[geofelt]

 

[strelok49]

I'm pretty sure that 9400F was not the problem before.

The lack of Dual Channel was the issue.

Specially because 9400F have only 6 threads and hit 100% CPU usage on FN. Dual Channel is absolutely needed in any game setup, but as soon you hit or get too close to 100% CPU usage, that's the moment where the lack of Dual Channel cause HUGE problems.

Watch the video below and notice that the 9400F can easily maintain more than 100FPS at FN in a competitive configuration.

View: https://youtu.be/EHAe_CNvSwo


Anyway, there's nothing to regret here. It was a good upgrade. 9400F is a outdated CPU for any modern games and certainly causes small hiccups here and there, specially in competitive games like FN. But not like you was having. Not even close.