CPU bottleneck? advice needed.

[DewgSauce]

I was wondering if my processor is now bottlenecking with new titles, i feel like we have got to a point where 2 cores is not enough anymore but i need advice. My specs are:

 

i3 - 2100 3.1 GHz (maybe problem)

AsRock mobo

 

GTX 660 FTW edition from EVGA 

 

14GB RAM 

 

3TB storage

 

icy diamond thermal compound

 coolermaster cooler for cpu

idle at around 28, load at around 60 - 70 centigrade -  so no thermal throttling

 

Graphics card idle at 27, load at 60 - 70 and maybe 80 if it's really warm 

 

I'm just wondering what needs to be done because i can afford to upgrade, is my graphics card a problem or my processor? what needs to be done. 

 

Help is needed. 

 

Rowan

 

 

 

 

[c0d0ps]

I was wondering if my processor is now bottlenecking with new titles, i feel like we have got to a point where 2 cores is not enough anymore but i need advice. My specs are:

 

i3 - 2100 3.1 GHz (maybe problem)

AsRock mobo

 

GTX 660 FTW edition from EVGA 

 

14GB RAM 

 

3TB storage

 

icy diamond thermal compound

 coolermaster cooler for cpu

idle at around 28, load at around 60 - 70 centigrade -  so no thermal throttling

 

Graphics card idle at 27, load at 60 - 70 and maybe 80 if it's really warm 

 

I'm just wondering what needs to be done because i can afford to upgrade, is my graphics card a problem or my processor? what needs to be done. 

 

Help is needed. 

 

Rowan

You don't need that much ram..

 

A general rule is to have a strong gpu compared to a strong cpu if you are looking for a strong gaming computer.

So upgrade both if you can or get a bit stronger gpu otherwise, but a high end gpu or higher than a gtx 760 = 280 would not be especially good.

 

You also didn't write your resolution or your desired fps at w/e graphics setting.

[RedSphyxis]

you can't call it a bottleneck(bottleneck is sort of you have a very powerful component but can't reach max capabilities due to other components) since the the 660 isn't that powerful. It's more of, "it can't handle today's games anymore".

 

it's a bit hard for the upgrade whether a cpu or gpu is better but upgrading to at least an i5 and then a 960 or 760 would be the best choice if on a limited budget. If you can't afford it try going for a better 4th gen i5 and mobo. and save up for a gpu later on

[DewgSauce]

You don't need that much ram..

 

A general rule is to have a strong gpu compared to a strong cpu if you are looking for a strong gaming computer.

So upgrade both if you can or get a bit stronger gpu otherwise, but a high end gpu or higher than a gtx 760 = 280 would not be especially good.

 

You also didn't write your resolution or your desired fps at w/e graphics setting.

1920 x 1080 is my resolution and if possible at least 60 fps, i've got the i5 - 4430 ready to buy if you think that is a reasonable upgrade and i thought about the 960 but a lot of people say it is a poor card

[c0d0ps]

you can't call it a bottleneck(bottleneck is sort of you have a very powerful component but can't reach max capabilities due to other components) since the the 660 isn't that powerful. It's more of, "it can't handle today's games anymore".

Bottle-necked is when something can't reach max capabilities yes, but it doesn't have anything to do how powerful it was to start with.

Both weak things and strong(er) things can be bottle-necked.

 

But it was a mostly good general thing to say. Since we don't know everything, this is pretty good answer.

 

But a 280(x) is stronger than a 760 and a 960 while also being cheaper than a 960. 

I would rather say 280(x) then 970 or 290(x) depending on preference. I myself would rather go with the 970 from there since I don't play on 1440p or 4k so the V-ram thing doesn't affect me.

[c0d0ps]

1920 x 1080 is my resolution and if possible at least 60 fps, i've got the i5 - 4430 ready to buy if you think that is a reasonable upgrade and i thought about the 960 but a lot of people say it is a poor card

The 960 is not bad but I would rather go with 280(x) since it's usually cheaper and it's stronger.

You didn't write at what graphical setting.

For example I can get 60+ fps on nearly every single game on lowest settings with a mid range card but that's not the same as doing it with a high end card on highest graphical settings.

 

But only upgrading cpu I think you can get medium-high 60 fps on non aaa games.

With that cpu and 960/280(x) you should be able to play most games on high (on aaa games) 60+fps and ultra on the rest 60+ fps.

[DewgSauce]

With that cpu and 960/280(x) you should be able to play most games on high (on aaa games) 60+fps and ultra on the rest 60+ fps.

so i should go with the i5 - 4430 and either the 970 or the 280 (x)

[DewgSauce]

I was thinking about it, if I can sell my 660 for around 70 - 80 then yeah I will

[DewgSauce]

I've got the asrock pro3 Gen3

[dandrix]

Would go with unlocked i5 in your place, would help in future.

[lovingGamer]

Would go with unlocked i5 in your place, would help in future.

I3 4130 is good too..

EDIT: But not so much for future

[i_build_nanosuits]

I was wondering if my processor is now bottlenecking with new titles, i feel like we have got to a point where 2 cores is not enough anymore but i need advice. My specs are:

 

i3 - 2100 3.1 GHz (maybe problem)

AsRock mobo

You best bet is probably to seek for a used core i5 that is a direct drop in to that ''Asrock mobo''...

[c0d0ps]

so i should go with the i5 - 4430 and either the 970 or the 280 (x)

That sounds pretty sweet if you can get it.