Am I bottlenecked by my CPU?

lordwolveh

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Jun 12, 2015
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System specs:

AMD A10-7850K (graphics of APU disabled)
8GB DDR3 SDRAM @ 800 MHz (about 7GB usable)
Sapphire Radeon R9 285 Dual-X OC
1TB HDD @ 7200RPM (SATA 6Gb/s)

My main issue is I can play certain games like Tomb Raider, Thief and Battlefield 4 at high and above settings at 1080p60 - but I simply can't push GTA5 to a solid 60fps, even at the lowest possible settings. Is this due to a bottleneck created by my CPU or another issue? I've clean installed the AMD beta drivers and followed effectively every fix I could find for GTA5, and I'm beginning to realise it's probably hardware related. My other consideration was possibly a problem with the RAM.

Despite the fact the graphics functionality of the APU is disabled in CCC it appears there's 1GB of system RAM still allocated as VRAM to it - just a side issue, or potentially the main issue, but any help with this would be great too.

Thanks.
 

random5

Distinguished
The CPU isn't that bad, however not something I'd expect to see 60fps in GTA V with. That CPU is most frequently used in HTPC builds because it carries a very capable integrated v-card. Most GTA V players expected to have atleast an i5. Your allegations towards RAM may have some validity, you haven't told the exact name of SDRAM, however judging from wimpy 800MHz, I'd assume it's pretty dated.
 

Th3R3ALaSSaSSin4

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May 29, 2015
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Total CPU performance isn't dramatically better than the chip it replaces. Intel cores still offer better CPU performance for the money.So maybe you are bottlenecked by your CPU,you could try overclocking it if you are familliar with overclocking.
 

UniformGreen

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Feb 9, 2015
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Don't try to overclock an AMD CPU if you don't have a good CPU Cooler. If you have a Stock Cooler, that can be the problem, your CPU is oveheating. I have the same issue with GTA V. I have 60 fps for like 10 minutes and it drops to 30 and stays. I have an FX-6300 3.50GHz with Stock Cooler. Don't trust in HWMonitor for CPU temps because those temps are for 1 core, not the CPU. Try aida64 to see your true CPU temp. I was like, wow, my CPU is so cool, 40C when full loaded with HWmonitor, but in bios I have 50...
 

Th3R3ALaSSaSSin4

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May 29, 2015
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Sorry,I forgot to mention the cooling part,water cooling will be needed
 

Cristi72

Admirable
Hello,

A CPU bottleneck translates in high CPU usage and only fair GPU usage, so if your CPU hits constantly 100% usage (Task Manager) and GPU is trailing to 40-50% usage (MSI Afterburner) then yes, your CPU is pulling the brakes and unfortunately you must reduce the resolution to reach the 60FPS mark.

You are using an 8GB kit (2x4GB) or only one stick? A dual channel setup can improve the responsiveness of the system.

EDIT: What make/model is your PSU? Check voltages.