Does OCing CPU reduce the bottleneck?

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romeodakins

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I have an unlocked A8-3870k Quad Core 3.0GHZ and upgraded my GPU to a 2GB 7850 but my CPU is a closed socket. I ran BF4 and I was getting 15-35fps on high-ultra. My CPU was used up to the MAX it was 90-99% while my gpu was only doing 30-60% usage.

My cpu sucks asssss but I don't have enough money/time to replace my mobo with a new mobo and better cpu. I'd have to spend an extra $200 plus sell my old parts for dirt cheap on ebay resulting in loss and then reassemble the pc with the new parts, install new drivers, restart windows since I got new parts, etc. Way too much work/money considering how busy I am currently.

Right now I'm running my 7850 2GB with my CPU on a 400w antec continuous 80 plus cpu(shocking right? lol, I think it's at the edge of max usage of my psu). First of all I'm wondering if it's safe to oc the cpu on this psu. Second, I was wondering if ocing would make a significant gain in fps since my cpu is bottlenecking so hard. Third, I was wondering if I would get more fps the higher I clock the cpu so I can consider getting a new psu(which is less hassle and cheaper) and ocing to like 4.5ghz.
 
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lazyboy947

lazyboy947

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being the A8 is a 100watt cpu and the 7850 prob only uses a single 6pin connector u could prob overclock no prob before hitting max wattage. And yes overclocking the cpu gets rid or lessens a bottleneck. Somewhere around prob 3.4-3.6ghz would be best, my friend phenom II x4 945 at 3.0ghz bottlenecks a 5850 and 480gtx and i oc'd it to about 3.2-3.4 and fps were better

Also not to sure on the A8 reaching 4.5ghz, its based off the K10 architecture which would be the Athlon IIs and Phenom IIs which were known to max out near 4-4.2ghz with a good cpu.

Getting a new psu would help in overclocking to be safe and prob a 500watt would be fine, but instead of spending money for a psu and cpu cooler if u dont have one alrdy, u could spend a little more stick with ur psu and go with a fx cpu and board, but overclocking is the easiest and cheapest solution

Edit: Also the bf4 beta isnt the best optimized yet and even though ur cpu has a slight bottleneck on the gpu, ur fps for the beta are not terrible, my system gets 35+ on ultra, so unless by high-ultra u mean like half half and not just high then for a beta ur prob doing pretty good.
 
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romeodakins

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On the beta I just left the settings on auto which made most of the settings ultra and some high. And I already have a cpu cooler, I have the hyper 212 :) I wanted to get an fx6300 a long time ago but it seemed like too much. It would cost me an extra $200 to get the new mobo and cpu. So would I be safe to overclock to like 3.5ghz right now with my current psu? What would happen if the overclock is too much for the psu to handle, would my psu blow up or something?(just exaggerating :p)
 
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lazyboy947

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Im not a huge fan at overclocking on a cheaper board, but u can prob hit 3.4 3.5 at the highest, i got 400mhz on my cpu with a cheap msi board, just make sure ur voltages stay low, but obviously start small and go up but would prob upgrade psu to 500watts and a newer board but b better to do full upgrade. But ur prob fine with the oc for the time being.

I run a Phenom II x2 555 @3.6ghz (80watt cpu), and a 5770 which both use slightly lower power than the 3870k and 7850 and run off a cx430m and have no problems so actually ur only concern at the moment is the board but id attempt it.
 
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romeodakins

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If I OC too much for the board to handle what would happen? Would the system shut down automatically or would any of my parts be damaged? If the system does shut down how would I recover it?
 
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lazyboy947

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Vrms are the power delivery usually to the left of the cpu socket by the I/O, if not heatsinked or is a poor design then they can not deliver the required amount of power and well "blow", but a small oc even on a $60 board doesnt hurt as long as voltage stays low
 
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romeodakins

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I was wondering if the effect would be significant enough for me to OC or to get a new psu to oc even more. Would it be a great effect since my cpu is really bottlenecking?
 
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lazyboy947

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yes even if its small, my x6 at stock 2.8ghz bottlenecks my 7970 and even a small oc to like 3.4 increases fps, my friends x4 945 stock 3.0ghz bottlenecks a 5850 and 480gtx and a small oc to 3.4ghz allowed him to play bf3 on ultra where before he was limited to high preset
 
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XLifted

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Found this thread looking for something else, so Romeodakins if you are still looking for a solution. My honest opinion you will be better off buying a AMD FX (6-core) for 3 reasons:
1) APU is lower rated AMD processor compared to FX. Even with 4 core at the same speed you will get better FPS on AMD FX.
2) BF4 utilizes cores very evenly, people reported 8 core version of AMD FX utilizes thoroughly by running the Beta.
3) More cores should alleviate the bottleneck even further and AMD FX is already at the higher clock stock with ability to overclock NICELY (make sure you get a aftermarket cooler) I personally use Cooler Master Geminii S524. You may find it as low as $30 on Ebay if lucky. As AMD FX run HOT, and this heatsink is GREAT. Better on some tests than Evo 212

Keeps my AMD 8320 running at 4.0ghz @ 32 Celcius. (stock voltage, just multiplier changed to 4000mhz)

Here is my suggestion buy this:

AMD FX-6350 Vishera 3.9GHz Socket AM3+ 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor FD6350FRHKBOX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113327

Has base 3.9ghz with Turbo Boost to 4.2ghz (highest 6 core CPU by AMD) 125watt

$139.99 + $15 off w/ promo code EMCWXVV73, ends 10/25

I suggest a good powersupply. I use this, very quiet and efficent. 80+ Bronze Certified:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
If you find this used, I would still buy it. It's that good.

Heatsink: Geminii S524
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103100


If you want to unlock your GPU potential upgrade to AMD FX CPU, that's a first step, more cores and better clock the better.

I noticed HUGE improvements playing on AMD Athlon X2 to upgrading to AMD Phenom X4 B93, then upgrading to AMD FX 8320, and only THEN I upgraded my GPU, because only then it became the weakest link in that chain.


 
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