Not sure if CPU is bottlenecking GPU

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fame_1297

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Oct 22, 2014
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Hi there. I just built a PC and here are the specs:

- ASUS A88x-Pro MB
- Sapphire HD 7950 3gb
- AMD Athlon X2 370k 4.0ghz
- 500TB HD
- Windows 8.1

I've been testing out some games on it such as Starcraft 2, Diablo 3, Archeage, WoW. Starcraft 2 on Ultra setting gives me an average FPS of 30-60, Archeage on High settings give me an average of 35fps, WoW on ultra settings gives me about 50fps. I'm new to PCs so I'm not sure if this is what it should be or not. I'm pretty sure that the graphics card is decent but is the CPU bottlenecking it? Should I consider getting a new CPU? And if so, would it help improve the gaming performance? Thanks in advance.
 
Solution
mangodrinker
You can check your BIOS version by using a program called CPU-Z. Here is a link to it: http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

Once you have it installed, open the program up and select the Mainboard tab. It will show your BIOS version under BIOS.

Next, go to the Asus website and look for the latest BIOS. Here is a link to the support page: http://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/A88XPRO/HelpDesk_Download/

Enter in your operating system and Click the button next to BIOS. Once you have done so, download the latest BIOS. It is usually at the top but make sure it has the most recent date. It should be Version 1401.

Lastly, you must update the BIOS. Take extreme care and proceed with caution as this can be a bit risky. Save the BIOS...
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mangodrinker

mangodrinker

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May 25, 2013
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Yes, the CPU is definitely hindering your gaming performance. The graphics card is a beast so it is going to need some processing power behind it. I would recommend upgrading to a AMD Athlon x4 860K to remedy the problem. It should give you a nice boost in your games although be sure to have the latest BIOS to support the chip.
 
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fame_1297

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Oct 22, 2014
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4,510
Thank you for your quick reply. Here's another question if you don't mind me asking: How do you know if your BIOS is up-to-date? I'm honestly a noob at this and I don't want to make the wrong decisions. Thanks again.
 
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mangodrinker

mangodrinker

Honorable
May 25, 2013
435
0
10,960
You can check your BIOS version by using a program called CPU-Z. Here is a link to it: http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

Once you have it installed, open the program up and select the Mainboard tab. It will show your BIOS version under BIOS.

Next, go to the Asus website and look for the latest BIOS. Here is a link to the support page: http://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/A88XPRO/HelpDesk_Download/

Enter in your operating system and Click the button next to BIOS. Once you have done so, download the latest BIOS. It is usually at the top but make sure it has the most recent date. It should be Version 1401.

Lastly, you must update the BIOS. Take extreme care and proceed with caution as this can be a bit risky. Save the BIOS files onto a USB and enter the BIOS. Go to the tools section and click on the EZ-Flash or Updater utility. Once there, select the USB that you saved the Bios files on and it will update the BIOS.

Be very careful when updating the BIOS, Do not turn off the power. This can lead to a broken motherboard.
 
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Solution
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fame_1297

Reputable
Oct 22, 2014
6
0
4,510
Thank you for your detailed response. Lastly, should I install the new CPU first, then update the BIOS or BIOS then CPU? And is AMD X4 860k is the one i should get correct?
 
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