Graphics Card "bottle-necked" by cpu

[nukemx5]

First off, let me post my system specs:

Mobo: ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400 @ 2.31 Ghz
GPU: BFG Tech 275 gtx OC
RAM: 2 gigs of corsair XMS2 ddr2
Sound Card: Creative X-Fi extreme gamer
PS: Ultra 600w
HD: Western Digital 250 Gig at 7200 RPM's
OS: Windows 7 32-Bit

I recently upgraded from an XFX 7950 to a BFG gtx 275, and I feel as though the 275 is not living up to it;s potential. I took a few games and ran benchmarks on them with my 7950, and 275 to compare.

Company of Heroes: (max settings allowed by 7950 at 1280 x 1024)

7950:
Average FPS: 38.6
Max FPS: 75.8
Min FPS: 18.5

275:
Average FPS: 67.7
Max FPS: 77.6
Min FPS: 18.8

Dawn of War 2: (max settings allowed by 7950 at 1280 x 1024)
7950:
Average FPS: 8.17
Max FPS: 42.6
Min FPS: 1.88

275:
Average FPS: 21.24
Max FPS: 61.63
Min FPS: 8

Counter Strike Source: (max settings allowed by 7950 at 1280 x 1024)
7950:
Average FPS: 128.53

275:
Average FPS: 151.03

I feel as though my gfx card is being bottle necked by my processor. If I buy a new processor, what would I have to get to unlock the majority of my gfx cards potential? I would prefer to keep the price around $100.

 

[Bluescreendeath]

Overclock your processor. If you are using stock cooling, try 2.6Ghz, if you have an aftermarket cooler, try getting it to 3.0GHz. Then test and compare the fps.

 

[rolli59]

http://asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=0jMy2X8lKstYRvev&templete=2 That is your compatibility list check out some of the AM2+ quad cores

 

[Bluescreendeath]

Depending on your mobo type (AM2, AM2+, AM3), you can get a fast dual core or a pretty decent quad core (AthlonII x4) for $100 or less.

The AthlonII 240 costs around $40 nowadays...and it performs equal to an Intel P2D E5300

 

[smithereen]

Your motherboard officially supports the Phenom II 715, that would be a huge upgrade.

 

[JAYDEEJOHN]

Looking at your minimum fps, thats telling right there.
It doesnt always increase, which it should. With higher clocks or a faster cpu, youll see higher fps across the board, especially the minimum fps

 

[fshaharyar]

the potential of your gfx is underutilized by the processor
for gtx 275 you need at least Athlon X2 7850 with 2.8 ghz and overclock it to 3.0ghz
you should also look at Phenom II X3 710.

 

[jitpublisher]

I don't like to use the term "bottlenecking", but your processor is a big underpowered mis-match for the video card you have, both in mhz speed and architecture. You need something running at least 2.8 ghz to be able to push your GTX295 anywhere close it's potential, and 3.0 to 3.4 ghz would be prefered. If I were you, I would follow the advice of others here and drop in a high end Phenom II Black Edition if I had that video card. Anything less would be a waste.
And once you do this, be prepared to be amazed......that old Athlon X2 is a pretty slow gaming processor by todays standards. I used to have a 4600X2 running a 8800GTS, just by moving to a Phenom II at 3.0 ghz, my frame rates went up a solid 30% across the board with the same 8800GTS. So you should see some pretty big gains.
In the meantime, you can pretty easily overclock your current processor to 2.6ghz, maybe even 2.8 if you have very good cooling.
And turn off cool and quiet. It is not supposed to make any difference, but turn it off and see. I found that it does make a big difference!

 

[nukemx5]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I am looking at a few different processors to replace mine with. My board may be compatible with am2+, but it is only listed as an am2. Doesn't that mean that I will loose some of the "advanced" features of an AM2+ chip like a phenom?

With my current mobo, would it be a better idea to get a 3ghz x2, or a phenom?

I am currently looking at the X2 6000 @ 3ghz.

 

[rolli59]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I am looking at a few different processors to replace mine with. My board may be compatible with am2+, but it is only listed as an am2. Doesn't that mean that I will loose some of the "advanced" features of an AM2+ chip like a phenom?

With my current mobo, would it be a better idea to get a 3ghz x2, or a phenom?

I am currently looking at the X2 6000 @ 3ghz.

You will not be able to use the increased Hyper transport.
You can reach close to same performance with over clocking your current CPU

 

[nukemx5]

You will not be able to use the increased Hyper transport.
You can reach close to same performance with over clocking your current CPU

I have stock cooling, I was able to get my card up to 2.6, but I would like more. Would you suggest getting the x2 6000, or would a phenom be a better choice even though I cant use the increased hyper transport.

 

[Kari]

phenom II or athlon II series would be a better choice... the x2 6000 is older arch...


edit, thou the cpu support list for your mobo only lists
Phenom IIX3 715 (HDZ715WCJ3DGI),2.8GHz,95W,rev.C2,SocketAM2+,Triple-Core
as the single phenom II processor thats supported, no athlon IIs.... and its beta bios version.

 

[nukemx5]

Just thought I would post an update, as well as another question.

I decided to get the x2 6000, and I was able to overclock it to 3.24 GHz. Overall I am happy with the performance for the price, but there is one game I wish I could run slightly better. And of course it is Crysis. or Crysis Warhead to be more specific. Here are my Updated system specs:

Mobo: ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000 Overclocked @ 3.24 GHz
GPU: BFG Tech 275 gtx OC
RAM: 2 gigs of corsair XMS2 ddr2 (PC 6400, 800 MHz)
Sound Card: Creative X-Fi extreme gamer
PS: Ultra 600w
HD: Western Digital 250 Gig at 7200 RPM's
OS: Windows 7 32-Bit

I can run Crysis Warhead on Gamer and get 20 - 30 FPS, but whenever there is heavy action that number gets cut in half. I prefer to run the game on Mainstream because I can get a stable 30 - 60 FPS.

My question is, if I wanted to get good FPS on gamer settings, would upgrading to 4 gigs of ram help?