Testing for Bottlenecks

[thejetsaddict]

p4 3.0E
6600gt pcie
1 GB OCZ EL
Asus p4gdc-v delux

I have been trying to figure out what my major problem is with my system that I built last year. I know most of it is old and both the processor and vid card need to go but I can only afford one at a time here. I was going to buy a bad ass vid card but Im starting to think that I am cpu limited more than gpu limited. In which case I am gonna purchase an AMD64 of some type. The main game I have been playing is CS:S and DOD. I have noticed that my fps dont not change much (40-70) from 1600x1200 to 800x600 with AA off and everything on the standard settings. However on 1600x1200 it is unplayable (very laggy) even with 60 fps. Now correct me if I am wrong but that would indicate that I am cpu limited correct? Maybe someone has a better way of testing this out. I cannot afford both upgrades which would solve this issue but I dont want to buy a vid card that ends up having no improvement because of this stupid P4. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[thejetsaddict]

no opinions?

 

[RussianSensation]

I'd get $280 7800GT after MIR. Remember, prior to making a purchase you could slightly overclock the processor to say 3.4ghz and see if that solves your problems. If it doesnt, the videocard it the way to go. And Asus boards will overclock 225FSB which is what you need to reach roughly 3.4ghz. So try that first.

 

[thejetsaddict]

I allready tried to oc the cpu. Got it to 3.3 but I am being limited by the pcie frequency. The video dies after that. But even with the OC it performs worse than without it. Anyone else think that the vid card is the way to go instead of processor and mb. The only thing stopping me is that I know hl2 runs a hell of a lot better on amd than intel so I figured there would be a nice improvement. All I want is to be able to play DoD at 1600x1200, dont even need AA

 

[RussianSensation]

Yeah then go with the videocard if after you overclock the cpu to 3.3ghz you see no benefit.

 

[coomar]

though he is playing mostly source games which would benefit from a better cpu, its a tough call, an epox board and 3000 is roughly 200, how much can you get back your cpu and mobo

 

[karma4jake]

unless u want to find out the highest frame possible for one second i would upgrade the videocard. surely ur p4 at 3.0 could play most games without dipping below 60 frames.

 

[Zebo]

Intels suck at games that's just bottom line read here if you want true low down how bad they really are with poor flow.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1854726,00.asp

Now that's not to say you should upgrade to AMD 64 or anything - i'd try a decent video card. When playing at those resolutions you really need a 7800GT or better for total smoothness I've found. If you're like me anything below about 50 FPS sucks and you can feel it instantly so if you play at 16x12 you really need to try a better card before blaming intel.

 

[thejetsaddict]

My rig performs terrible when I overclock. My fps drop to around 30 steady at any res and is completely unplayable. Lower scores in 3dmark05 as well. Im set up with the arctic cooler 7 but I think this mb, the asus p4gdc-v duluxe has problems locking the pcie frequency. It has the option for it but I dont think it works. I can remember a bunch of people having the same problem at one point. I can only push the fsb to 215 before it wonk work no more. Thats with the pcie locked at 100, cpu 1.58v ram at 2.7v 2-3-3-6.

anyways maybe Ill try a 7800 gt or gtx. New egg has evga gt for 299. I guess ill wait for the new socket amd to comeout

 

[thejetsaddict]

Oh and the fact that my fps in DOD do not change at all from resolution to resolution wouldnt kinda say that my p4 is the problem? Id imagin that increasing the res should decrease fps if the vid card couldnt handle it.

 

[n7]

Video card is way too weak.

6600GT is entry level at best.

Since you have PCI-e, a 7800GT would be perfect.

 

[Zebo]

Worse when Ocing?

Sound like you're trottleing at stock speeds even...happends with p4's.. your 3.0Ghz processor should have been called "P4 3.0Ghz, Sometimes" - DL throttle watch.. activate log and play a game for about a half hour. Then read log.

 

[thejetsaddict]

anyone know a way to test ur pcie frequency, havent run across a program that does that yet.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: thejetsaddict
anyone know a way to test ur pcie frequency, havent run across a program that does that yet.

Yeah launch everest it's in there somewhere.

 

[thejetsaddict]

Originally posted by: Zebo

Originally posted by: thejetsaddict
anyone know a way to test ur pcie frequency, havent run across a program that does that yet.

Yeah launch everest it's in there somewhere.

deff not in everest Ive tried, just dled the new version and tried again, nowhere to be found

 

[Zebo]

You're joking! Then DL Ntune I know it's got it. Opps too bad won't work with P4 LOL. nevermind lemme think about it some more.

 

[thejetsaddict]

Originally posted by: Zebo
You're joking! Then DL Ntune I know it's got it. Opps too bad won't work with P4 LOL. nevermind lemme think about it some more.

Well that was unnecessary............I know my p4 blows for gaming. No need to rub it in.
There is no throttleing either, tested it out. Cant understand why my system performs worse oced

 

[Fern]

However on 1600x1200 it is unplayable (very laggy) even with 60 fps

Somethings not right. I thinks your fps are incorrect. 60fps won't be laggy.

Anyway, to answer your original question - you are GPU limited. I.e., you need a better gfx card.

Fern