CPU bottleneck with GTX560Ti?

Markus30

Markus30

Markus30

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13 Feb 2012
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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
 
read above guides. with a q6600 you should easily get a stable 3.0 to 3.3 ghz, maybe higher depending on chip

just make sure you have a good aftermarket CPU cooler, run load test (like Prime95 for about 4 hrours) to test stability and monitor temps and voltages
 
I am using a Q6600 that i only got this week when i replaced a E6600 (See my other thread: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18371941)
There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to play it on max settings. I did on the dual core E6600.
First, how did you try it with 4gb of DDR3 RAM on a DDR2 system? Im pretty sure that DDR3 isn't even supposed to fit? I would definitely get a full set of 4gb RAM. 2gb just doesn't cut it nowadays, especially when your using vista.
You shouldn't necessarily need to overclock, although it wouldn't be a bad idea.

Which 560Ti are you using? the 2gb or 1gb version?
 
lunarwolf said:
read above guides. with a q6600 you should easily get a stable 3.0 to 3.3 ghz, maybe higher depending on chip

just make sure you have a good aftermarket CPU cooler, run load test (like Prime95 for about 4 hrours) to test stability and monitor temps and voltages
Click to expand...

this.
If you can get the Q6600 to 3.0ghz, then you should see a decent jump in performance.
Another 2 gb of ram would also help a lot.
Try to get a matching pair of 2 x 2gb 800mhz ram sticks.

similar question here
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18373907
 
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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
 
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Run a 3dmark 11 test.
And record the results from MSI Afterburner. This will tell you the GPU usage, then if this is below say 85-90% during intensive applications, then you can be sure it is a bottleneck issue and not an issue with the graphics card.

Also I have found it is worth overclocking the graphics card with afterburner. Don't adjust the voltages and make sure you have good airflow in your case. Mine is running at 985Mhz and performs a hell of a lot better that at stock settings.
 
You'll see 3GB of RAM in Vista32. 4GB (max possible addressable RAM by the OS) minus the 1GB VRAM on the graphics card.
 
Can you not upgrade to 64 bit using your 32 bit activation code?

Am sure you can do this if you can get the right disc, OEM - OEM, or retail - retail.

When i say upgrade, i mean a fresh install.
 
@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
 
OK not read the entire thread but yes a Q6600 at stock will bottleneck the 560Ti, even with a 3.0ghz overclock it will bottleneck. If you reach 3.2ghz you might be OK anything above will be fine. I know this as I had a Q6600 with a 6950 which is neck and neck with the 560Ti, I could only get a 3.0ghz overclock with the mobo I had and it was holding my 6950 back.

I then upgraded to the [email protected] and now my 6950 is used to the max.
 
Yes, Afterburner is a simple utility provided by MSI, should have gotten it with your card but there we go. Its used for monitoring the GPU and overclocking. Mine looks like this at the moment.
33vyqvo.png

Just adjust the core clock and leave the voltages. As long as you have good airflow you will easily get it close to and even past 1Ghz. Just dont push it too hard although you'll struggle to go wrong. It'll just crash and close the game when it gets too hot. Keep the temps below 60 as much as possible. Mine max's out at around 59.
It is a very good graphics card for its price, you made the right choice.

You can get a cheap upgrade copy of windows 7 professional or ultimate for £40 or £60 respectively from a from a students software website if either you are a student or know a student to buy it for you. Then you just do a fresh install with the 64bit disc. Would say windows 7 is the way to go especially from Vista (Ergghh!).
 
I have the same card and run at the same resolution. Batman runs at 60 fps almost 100% of the time (DX9/PhysX Off because it's terrible).
I'd say the rest of your PC needs looking at but the video card is fine for that resolution.

You need to overclock or just bite the bullet and build a new rig. Moving to Win7 64 won't hurt either.
 
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Your rig is fine don't worry. Besides a slight shortage of ram and lack of windows 7. I'd say ram is that main issue, £30 will buy you a 4gb set if DDR2
Happy days
 
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