CPU bottleneck with GTX560Ti?

[Markus30]

Dear all,

Maybe this is a common issue but I have an Intel Core 2 Q6600 @2.4 GHz (not overclocked it yet) with 2Gb DDR2 RAM on an ASUS P5KC M/B and have just added a MSI GTX 560Ti (Twin Frozr II) and wasn't particularly impressed by the performance, is it a CPU bottle neck issue? I'm using Vista 32bit (SP2) with the 285.62 drivers (WHQl certified).

I tried the Arkham city in-game test and only got 11FPS (min.), 43FPS (max.) & 25FPS (ave.). I repeated this test with some 4Gb DDR3 RAM that I got for a new system and the above numbers didn't improve! The game settings I used were: 1680x1080, quality preset = v high, FXAA = high & PhysX = high). DX11 doesn't yet work for Vista 32 bit (so it was DX11 disabled for my test I'm afraid.) According to Nvidia, I should be seeing 40.2FPS (I'm assuming that's an average); bear in mind though that they used an Intel i7-2600K, a P67 motherboard, and 8GB of DDR3 RAM. I realise we're not comparing apples with apples here but it's clear that something is holding it back.

Any thoughts?

If someone recommends overclocking the CPU, are there any decent guides out there?

Mark

 

[Markus30]

My thoughts.

@MonsterMoshi:

The P5KC allows you to use either DDR2 or DDR3 - has both RAM slots.
I'm using the 1Gb version of the 560 Ti.

On the 4Gb vs 2Gb debate, 32bit Vista can't "see" the full 4Gb anyway, especially with the 1Gb graphics card. Is there any point in the 2-->4Gb upgrade on a 32bit system?

Thanks for the replies.

Mark

 

[Markus30]

@MonsterMoshi

What is MSI Afterburner? Is it like Rivatuner? Presumably it's a free download - don't remember a CD with the MSI GTX560Ti. I got the MSI 560Ti because of the good reviews it was getting.

Anway, list of next steps:

1) But RAM (4Gb)
2) Overclock CPU (might change cooler/add new thermal paste)
3) Overclock GPU (using Afterburner)
4) Might update Vista32 to Vista 64 or just get Win7 64

Thanks for advice!

Mark