Is my CPU bottlenecking my GPU?

Kaeo · 7 Mar 2011 at 18:08

Hey guys.

I just bought a 1GiG MSI GTX460 Hawk from OCuk. Runs great and so, but I'm wondering if my rubbish CPU may be bottlenecking it a bit.

Running an Intel E5500 2.8ghz stock with 3gb DDR3 10666 1333mhz DC ram.

Any help would be much appreciated.

SeraphX · 7 Mar 2011 at 18:10

yes it is, think it might help if you overclock your cpu to around 3.5 or more depending on your cooling

iBSOD · 7 Mar 2011 at 18:12

Lol Q6600 time!

Greavesy · 7 Mar 2011 at 19:19

+1 to above, look to get an old quad core should only be like 50 pounds now :L that will improove speeds allot =)

Kaeo · 8 Mar 2011 at 03:35

Thanks for your advice guys.

I'm a bit concerned about OC'ing with this board and PSU, as they're both pretty low quality/generic brands. The PSU is an 800w, and although it's generic, I trust it enough to run my card with the box OC, as it's been stable for the last 5 years without any problems. Wouldn't want to push it much more.

Also using a midi size case, and the internal PSU fan is already a bit too close to the GPU fans (and facing them), so cooling may be an issue.

I'll certainly take a look at OC'ing the card and CPU once I get a more suitable case/psu/mb etc. One step at a time for me.

In the meantime, I'll check out the Q6600.

hybrid572 · 8 Mar 2011 at 09:35

If you're using a generic PSU, I strongly advise replacing it ASAP- forget about upgrading other bits for now.

After you've replaced it, a Q6600 would certainly take you further, particularly when overclocked (although I'm not sure if your generic board would go very far). If you're looking at having to replace the processor and motherboard, and buy a CPU cooler for the overclock, a socket upgrade might better value for money.

Kaeo · 8 Mar 2011 at 15:52

Yeah you're probably right ):

I did expect that this PSU wouldn't take me much further, and there are concerns at the back of my mind for the GPU I'm using at the moment. Having to run each of the 6 pins from a different 12v rail to get enough amps to run it at all.(It only has 2, I think 1x19a and 1x20a)

After further scouring of OCuk, I think I'll stick to what I've got and get http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-176-OE next month with no GPU. Looks like the best value for money system around atm.

Anyone know if having 2 GTX 460 Hawks in sli is decent value for money vs a higher end card?