need help on my system upgrade.

renx05

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Nov 6, 2013
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i have a phenom ii x4 840 paired with evga gtx 660 sc signature 2 and i don't really know if my cpu is bottlenecking my gpu. at some games, my fps is just fine but fot example, at tomb raider, i get really low fps in some specific maps like at shanty town. i'm stock at 20 minimum fps and 35-40 fps maximumbut on the other maps, my fps is just fine 40-90fps.

i like to upgrade either the processor or 1080p monitor but i can't buy it at the same time coz i'm just a poor student. i just want to know what do i need to buy first.

my specs.
amd phenom ii x4 840 @ 3.4 (this is the only overclock i can do because i'm only using the stock HSF. the temps are just fine.)
evga gtx 660 sc signature 2
4gig ram
antec vp550p power supply
msi 880gms-e35 mobo
playing at 1366x768 resolution

(i want to know if playing at 1080p resolution will help and lessen the low fps at some games.)

edit: if i need to replace the processor first, i would like to stick on AMD because i'm really on a tight budget. don't suggest go intel because if i have money, then i will really go and buy i5. hahaha!
 
Solution
Going to a higher resolution will lower your fps. 1080p (1920x1080) is a higher resolution than 1366x768.

That having been said, a gtx660 can easily handle 1366x768; the CPU is likely your issue. to make sure, open task manager while running the game. when you hit the low fps part, alt-tab out to task manager and see if the CPU was running at 100%. If so, a CPU upgrade will help.
Going to a higher resolution will lower your fps. 1080p (1920x1080) is a higher resolution than 1366x768.

That having been said, a gtx660 can easily handle 1366x768; the CPU is likely your issue. to make sure, open task manager while running the game. when you hit the low fps part, alt-tab out to task manager and see if the CPU was running at 100%. If so, a CPU upgrade will help.
 
Solution

renx05

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Nov 6, 2013
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i tried what you suggested. it shows that the cpu is running at least 80-90% at gaming while the GPU averages about 78% at load according to gpu-z. i know that the gtx 660 can run games smooth high to ultra settings on my current resolution. is that a bottleneck? i'm really bothered by the suddent fps drop in games for example, at batman arkham origins, when you open a door, or go outside the building while there is snow, my frames suddenly go down but quickly goes to normal again and sometimes it's quite laggy.
i know that the gtx 660 can run games smooth high to ultra settings on my current resolution.
 
Yes, your CPU is holding back the system right now. Since you have an AM3 board, Your best bet imo, is to try and dig up a Phenom II 955 (or higher - 965, 975, 980) black edition and grab an aftermarket cooler for overclocking (CM hyper 212 EVo is the staple around here - $30)

p.s. looks like they're ~$120 used on amazon and $100 average sold listings on ebay (before shipping) for the 955/965's.
 

renx05

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Nov 6, 2013
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uhm, i'm not really into overclocking because i don't know how and dont want to damage my components when testing. is the 965 be able to handle gtx 660 at stock? and my other option beside buying a used 965, i can wait till next month to buy fx processor. maybe fx 4300 or 6300 together with a new mobo. which one is better? again thanks.

 

renx05

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Nov 6, 2013
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ok. thanks for the help. and one last question. will i be able to play at 1080p smoothly at atleast medium to high settings if i upgraded my processor and mobo with this setup?