Looking to upgrade GPU, will CPU bottleneck performance?

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Ntx710i

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Dec 5, 2011
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Hello,
I am intending to upgrade my GPU from a GTX 680 to a GTX 970 as I heard it has great performance to price ratio. (And it is one of the best cards out there.). However I am wondering if my CPU will bottleneck my GPU's performance, since it is a pretty old one.

Here are my specs:

CPU: Intel i5-650 @ 3.2GHz (Clarkdale, LGA1156)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14
M/B: Gigabyte P55A-G55 (LGA1156)
GPU: Palit Jetstream GTX 680 2GB VRAM
PSU: Aerocool 750W
Memory: Kingston HyperX Genesis 2x 4GB @ DDR3-1333
Monitor: Acer 1920x1080 resolution @ 60Hz refresh rate

I have the intention to upgrade my GPU but if my CPU will bottleneck significantly then I might consider upgrading my CPU and M/B. In that case would my GPU be still alright for games such as AC Unity, Batman Arkham Knight, Dragon Age Inquisition and GTA5(just to list a few, I would mainly be using this system to play games)?

Thank you!
 
Solution
geofelt
A gpu upgrade is almost always good if it is a big enough jump.
However, a GTX970 does not seem to me to be a significant increase in capability over a GTX680.
If you need more vram which I suspect not, or if you are thinking about a 4k monitor, then the GTX970 could be good.
If you upgrade, you may be disappointed if you don't see big results.

To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum...
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geofelt

geofelt

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A gpu upgrade is almost always good if it is a big enough jump.
However, a GTX970 does not seem to me to be a significant increase in capability over a GTX680.
If you need more vram which I suspect not, or if you are thinking about a 4k monitor, then the GTX970 could be good.
If you upgrade, you may be disappointed if you don't see big results.

To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You could also experiment with removing one core in the bios. You can also do this in the windows start configuration.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.
 
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Solution
uthvag

uthvag

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there would be a bit of a bottleneck , not large , but noticeable.

nowadays games are becoming increasingly CPU demanding(fc4 , ac unity)

like you said your gpu is fine and can handle games well on 1080p

i would suggest getting a better CPU+MOBO before your GPU , due to the above mentioned reasons

 
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Ntx710i

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Thank you both for answering my queries. Will try out geofelt's tests before buying anything. It seems that it is wiser to upgrade my CPU/MB instead and probably wait a little longer before upgrading my GPU.
 
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