Will my CPU bottleneck my new GPU?

Guest · Dec 1, 2013

So I'm looking to get a new GPU for Christmas either a Radeon R9-280x or a GeForce GTX 770, and I was wondering if my CPU would bottleneck either of these GPU's? Right now I have an AMD FX-6100 Zambezi 6 core CPU @ 3.3GHz. Thanks

qbsinfo · Dec 1, 2013

yes, there are some games such as battlefield 4 multi player that will cause the cpu to limit the gpu. overclocking it will help but may not completely resolve the issue.

iceclock · Dec 1, 2013

Yes ur CPU will be slightly bottlenecked. I'd upgrade ur CPU before buying a new gpu.

ingtar33 · Dec 1, 2013

in some ways... nothing serious but in some games and programs here will be some bottlenecking.

Guest · Dec 1, 2013

iceclock :

Thanks. What would you recommend that I upgrade my CPU to?

RevolutionHD · Dec 1, 2013

You could get an Intel Core i5 4670K for example. It's a good CPU. AMD FX-8350 is a good choice too.

Guest · Dec 1, 2013

RevolutionHD :

Yea, I think I'm going to have to get the AMD FX-8350. My motherboard doesn't support intel chips only AMD. Thanks

qbsinfo · Dec 1, 2013

you may want to consider an FX-8320. its a bit cheaper and really just a slightly lower clocked 8350.

iceclock · Dec 1, 2013

What's ur mobo

Guest · Dec 1, 2013

iceclock :

I have an ASRock 970 Extreme3 mobo

Guest · Dec 1, 2013

Well this is my build right now.

Processor: AMD FX-6100 Zambezi 6 core CPU @ 3.3GHz
Cooling System: Corsair Hydro Series H60
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8 GB (2 x 4GB)
Graphics Card: XFX Double D Radeon HD 7870 2GB
HDD: Seagate Barracude 1 TB 7200 RPM
Power Supply: Coolmax 700W (Non-Modular)
Case: Thermaltake Overseer RX-I
DVD Burner: Lite-On DVD Burner

Final Decision: So I'm looking to get the R9-280x GPU. What CPU should I get so I do not bottleneck. Thanks again

qbsinfo · Dec 1, 2013

since you already have a decent cooler - i really would again suggest a 8320. its ~$70 cheaper than a 8350 and you ought to be able to OC to 4Gz (same speed as 8350) rather easily.

you'll definitely not bottleneck with that.

iceclock · Dec 1, 2013

A 8320 for 130 will fit the bill sir

Guest · Dec 1, 2013

qbsinfo :

Thank You very much. I really appreciate the help. One last thing. I should have enough power with the 700W power supply right?

Guest · Dec 1, 2013

■

iceclock :

Thanks

iceclock · Dec 1, 2013

Eggcellent

qbsinfo · Dec 1, 2013

well TBO a coolmax is not the greatest PSU but since (pulling a reasonable slightly over estimate out of my hat) you won't go past 450 watts total, it ought to be fine.

Guest · Dec 1, 2013

qbsinfo :

Alright thanks

IDoubtIllRememberThisUserName · Dec 1, 2013

Dude grab the GPU before you upgrade your CPU. If you're hitting your desired framerate with your gpu/cpu setup why the hell would you buy another part to minimize a bottleneck that doesn't affect you?

I'm running BF4 on a phenom II x6 1045t @4ghz and a 7950. I get 40-75 fps and ~50 on average in the multiplayer on ultra preset at 1080p including 4x msaa. My monitor only support 60hz at 1080 so my desired min/max framerate is 60.

If I wanted to determine if I was getting bottlenecked by my cpu, gpu or both I'd overclock the parts individually and see where they cap out. But I'd check out benchmarks of my card before I did that since it gives you a pretty good idea what it might be. And according to some charts I'd probably have to crossfire this card if I wanted to get a minimum fps of 60 with those settings. So in that case I might not need to get a new cpu. If I was still getting below 60fps with crossfire I'd know it most likely my cpu and I'd overclock that until I couldn't get anymore out of it then upgrade.

My advice would be to determine what frame rate and graphical settings you want to play at. Then get a GPU that best meets your needs and overclock you cpu if that is the cause of your bottleneck. If you're still falling short then go drop some money on better hardware. No sense in doing that first since you don't even know what you're going to be getting with your current setup. And your cpu isn't bad by any means, you shouldn't need to upgrade it.

iceclock · Dec 1, 2013

Zambezi has bad performance issues. He needs a powersupply and CPU upgrade. 8320 amd CPU and xfx 550 watt powersupply

IDoubtIllRememberThisUserName · Dec 1, 2013

iceclock :

Is the op currently having issues with his processor? I assume his 700watt ps has enough amps to power the 280x, so why would you tell him to upgrade? Sounds like a lot of you are trying to get him to buy parts he doesn't need because they are the popular parts and he doesn't have them.

I'm not aware of any issues with the Zambezi and my quick search on Google didn't return any results. So what do you mean by bad performance issues? Overheating? 100% usage in games? Or are you trying to say when compared to similar cpus it has bad performance? If there is an actually issue that the op is experiencing with the part that justifies an upgrade I can agree with that but if it's the latter I think it's just bad advice.

Honestly I don't know all that much about power supplies so there might be an issue with the one he has trying to power a more powerful card. But I'd still grab the gpu first and test it out with the power supply I currently have. If I had issues like fps drops, pc shutting down, etc I'd come back and then get a recommendation for what part to buy. You know since the ps might have zero issues so buying a new one is a waste of money.

Guest · Dec 1, 2013

IDoubtIllRememberThisUserName :

Well just so you know I will be getting the 280x first just because I was asked what I wanted for a Christmas gift and that was my response. As for the CPU, I will get it eventually once I get some money. I just came here to see if my current CPU would limit my new 280x, and from what I was told it would limit it. At some point I will get the 8320

IDoubtIllRememberThisUserName · Dec 1, 2013

IDoubtIllRememberThisUserName :

Well just so you know I will be getting the 280x first just because I was asked what I wanted for a Christmas gift and that was my response. As for the CPU, I will get it eventually once I get some money. I just came here to see if my current CPU would limit my new 280x, and from what I was told it would limit it. At some point I will get the 8320

Read my post above that if you haven't already.

Guest · Dec 1, 2013

IDoubtIllRememberThisUserName :

Well just so you know I will be getting the 280x first just because I was asked what I wanted for a Christmas gift and that was my response. As for the CPU, I will get it eventually once I get some money. I just came here to see if my current CPU would limit my new 280x, and from what I was told it would limit it. At some point I will get the 8320

Read my post above that if you haven't already.

I did. I'm getting the R9-280x first and then the 8320, because I'm struggling running particular games on ultra. SO a new CPU would really help

iceclock · Dec 2, 2013

The Zambezi has bad performance in general but hey it's cool get the 280x first than a 8320 sounds lik a plan

Will my CPU bottleneck my new GPU?

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