pc upgrade advice

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Hello i bought a built gaming pc some 10 months ago i mostly play counter strike on lowest video settings where i average 190 fps with some drops to 130 and stutters.
I wanted to upgrade to intel I7 12700K or something but i read that you need compatible components for upgrade.
Here are my components:
- MOTHERBORAD: Gigabyte H510M H (review says "anything over i3 and you're losing performance")
- CPU: Intel I5-10400F
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 8Go GDDR6, OpenGL 4.6, Microsoft® DirectX® 12, Vulkan API, NVIDIA GPU Boost™
- RAM: 16Go
- SSD: 1To NVMe
- 3 frontal regulable ventilators + 1 in the back
- CPU cooler unknown
Can you tell me if i need to upgrade my other components? Like for example my gpu is an 8g is it ok? Or even motherboard or ventilation i dont know its my first computer.
Or if that intel goes too hot could i get 300 fps average with another one avoiding to upgrade more than my cpu?
 
GPU would be the first upgrade.

A 6700xt or equivalent.

The 10th gen CPU should still be quite capable.

If upgrading the CPU your going to need a new motherboard aswell, and depending what CPU you get may need upgrading to ddr5 ram also.

GPU should be the start though.
 
could i get 300 fps average
In Gamers Nexus CS2 CPU benchmarks (on YouTube here), when using a 4090, they needed a 13400F or higher to achieve 300 fps average at 1080p (Medium settings), but the lows were significantly uhm, lower.

In TPU's CS2 graphics benchmarks (here), when using a 13900K, they needed a 3070 to achieve 300 fps average at 1080p (Max settings).

If I try to combine those, then I'd say minimum CPU of:

With your current system - 11600K (or better), assuming the RAM speed is decent.
With a new system - 12600K (or better).

for example my gpu is an 8g is it ok?
I'd just start with the CPU (for now) and go from there.
 
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GPU would be the first upgrade.

A 6700xt or equivalent.

The 10th gen CPU should still be quite capable.

If upgrading the CPU your going to need a new motherboard aswell, and depending what CPU you get may need upgrading to ddr5 ram also.

GPU should be the start though.
thx i did some research and i m thinking a ASUS DUAL NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti OC Edition
, do i need to upgrade my Gigabyte H510M H motherboard for that?
For the RAM all i know its a 16 go ddr4 Dual Channel, speed at 2666 MHz. But i dont get what DDR(x) exactly refers to, if its about the motherboard or the ram, etc.. I read that past the 11th generation of intel CPU you need ddr5, but also read that it can also work on ddr4 even with 13 generation CPUs, can you explain?
About the CPU i would go for the Intel Core i7-11700K Rocket Lake Processor (3.6GHz), but if you think its worth it and that ventilation wont be a problem i could go for the i9-11900K 5,3 GHz, LGA1200, 125 W.
What do you think?
 
In Gamers Nexus CS2 CPU benchmarks (on YouTube here), when using a 4090, they needed a 13400F or higher to achieve 300 fps average at 1080p (Medium settings), but the lows were significantly uhm, lower.

In TPU's CS2 graphics benchmarks (here), when using a 13900K, they needed a 3070 to achieve 300 fps average at 1080p (Max settings).

If I try to combine those, then I'd say minimum CPU of:

With your current system - 11600K (or better), assuming the RAM speed is decent.
With a new system - 12600K (or better).


I'd just start with the CPU (for now) and go from there.
thx i did some research and i would go for the Intel Core i7-11700K Rocket Lake Processor (3.6GHz), but if you think its worth it and that ventilation wont be a problem i could go for the i9-11900K 5,3 GHz, LGA1200, 125 W.
For the RAM all i know its a 16 go ddr4 Dual Channel, with speed at 2666 MHz from task manager. The other reply i got said i could have to upgrade components to DDR5 but i dont get what DDR(x) exactly refers to, if its about the motherboard or the ram, etc.. I read that past the 11th generation of intel CPU you need ddr5, but also read that it can also work on ddr4 even with 13 generation CPUs, can you explain?
About the GPU i think the 3060 8g i got is downing my fps stability as my I5 10400F should perform better from the stats i saw. I would upgrade to an ASUS DUAL NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti OC Edition, what do you think?
Thanks again for the help i am noob
 
thx i did some research and i would go for the Intel Core i7-11700K Rocket Lake Processor (3.6GHz), but if you think its worth it and that ventilation wont be a problem i could go for the i9-11900K 5,3 GHz, LGA1200, 125 W.
There are two problems with this:
1. For 10th and 11th gen CPUs, their performance often doesn't justify their price (relative to newer CPUs), unless you get a great deal.

To give you an example, the i3-12100F (£85) often outperforms the i5-11600K.
The i5-12400F (£130) often outperforms the i9-11900K.

2. Their power consumption, especially in a limited motherboard like yours (that doesn't even have heatsinks) can be very problematic (i.e. over 100 watts).

For the RAM all i know its a 16 go ddr4 Dual Channel, with speed at 2666 MHz from task manager.
The reason RAM can be important is because if you're CPU bottlenecked, then the RAM speed matters. When it comes to achieve a high top-end FPS like 300+, it is likely that you will be CPU bottlenecked.

The other reply i got said i could have to upgrade components to DDR5 but i dont get what DDR(x) exactly refers to, if its about the motherboard or the ram, etc.. I read that past the 11th generation of intel CPU you need ddr5, but also read that it can also work on ddr4 even with 13 generation CPUs, can you explain?
DDR4 or DDR5 is the type of memory.

10th and 11th gen CPUs: DDR4 only.
12th - 14th gen CPUs: DDR4 OR DDR5, but the motherboard supports ONLY one type, so you have to decide when buying the motherboard.

About the GPU i think the 3060 8g i got is downing my fps stability as my I5 10400F should perform better from the stats i saw.
I think the 3060 12GB is capable of very high FPS in CS2, since in TPU's benchmarks it can achieve 189 FPS average at 1080p (max settings). The 3060 8GB is slower than the 12GB card, but it should still perform pretty well.

It is hard to judge from the limited benchmarks that I have, but the CPU results on Gamers Nexus sound like your 10400 is performing as expected (212 average, 137 1% lows) and you are experiencing a CPU bottleneck.

It would help to confirm, if you can tell us what the percentage utilisation of the CPU and GPU is, while you're playing CS2?

You should also tell us if you're playing at 1080p, or not.

I would upgrade to an ASUS DUAL NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti OC Edition, what do you think?
I don't like the 4060 Ti. It is overpriced and should have more memory than 8GB.

It is also (according to TPU here) only 42% faster and that's not enough improvement for £400, in my opinion.
 
thx i did some research and i m thinking a ASUS DUAL NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti OC Edition
, do i need to upgrade my Gigabyte H510M H motherboard for that?
For the RAM all i know its a 16 go ddr4 Dual Channel, speed at 2666 MHz. But i dont get what DDR(x) exactly refers to, if its about the motherboard or the ram, etc.. I read that past the 11th generation of intel CPU you need ddr5, but also read that it can also work on ddr4 even with 13 generation CPUs, can you explain?
About the CPU i would go for the Intel Core i7-11700K Rocket Lake Processor (3.6GHz), but if you think its worth it and that ventilation wont be a problem i could go for the i9-11900K 5,3 GHz, LGA1200, 125 W.
What do you think?

Tbh looking more into it, probably be better if with a system upgrade.

I would take tetras advice though more than mine he seems to be the guru on here, definitely better than listening to me
 
There are two problems with this:
1. For 10th and 11th gen CPUs, their performance often doesn't justify their price (relative to newer CPUs), unless you get a great deal.

To give you an example, the i3-12100F (£85) often outperforms the i5-11600K.
The i5-12400F (£130) often outperforms the i9-11900K.

2. Their power consumption, especially in a limited motherboard like yours (that doesn't even have heatsinks) can be very problematic (i.e. over 100 watts).


The reason RAM can be important is because if you're CPU bottlenecked, then the RAM speed matters. When it comes to achieve a high top-end FPS like 300+, it is likely that you will be CPU bottlenecked.


DDR4 or DDR5 is the type of memory.

10th and 11th gen CPUs: DDR4 only.
12th - 14th gen CPUs: DDR4 OR DDR5, but the motherboard supports ONLY one type, so you have to decide when buying the motherboard.


I think the 3060 12GB is capable of very high FPS in CS2, since in TPU's benchmarks it can achieve 189 FPS average at 1080p (max settings). The 3060 8GB is slower than the 12GB card, but it should still perform pretty well.

It is hard to judge from the limited benchmarks that I have, but the CPU results on Gamers Nexus sound like your 10400 is performing as expected (212 average, 137 1% lows) and you are experiencing a CPU bottleneck.

It would help to confirm, if you can tell us what the percentage utilisation of the CPU and GPU is, while you're playing CS2?

You should also tell us if you're playing at 1080p, or not.


I don't like the 4060 Ti. It is overpriced and should have more memory than 8GB.

It is also (according to TPU here) only 42% faster and that's not enough improvement for £400, in my opinion.
So i was able to show stats in game using afterburner and riva turner but i dont know how to calculate the average CPU/GPU percentage. I saw a formula saying "CPU Utilization = (Total Time Spent on Non-Idle Tasks / Total Time) x 100" but i really dont get it since its about in game. In case that will be enough i will now make an improvised test focusing on GPU then CPU trying to get some accurate numbers.
- GPU: on deathmatch between 33 and 45%, in match average between 50 and 71%, low peek 40 up peek 86, around 60°C.
- CPU: pretty much stable at 35 - 38%, low peek 32 up peek 44, around 70°C, 4006 MHz. (didn't include the CPU 1,2,3,4,5,... info)
By being able to see my accurate fps i can make an update: in match it ranges between 130 and 210 often getting back to 150/190 from the two, lows at 100+ and ups at 220, but in deathmatch i fall down to 80 fps multiple times a session and the average falls down to 110/150.
If you need a proper test just tell me how and i will do it, i could even make a video capture and post it on youtube if you need with that riva turner info on.
 
You should also tell us if you're playing at 1080p, or not.


I don't like the 4060 Ti. It is overpriced and should have more memory than 8GB.

It is also (according to TPU here) only 42% faster and that's not enough improvement for £400, in my opinion.
I forgot to say in game resolution is at 1920x1080. Also that 4060 ti has 16gb but if there is better at lower price sure
 
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- GPU: on deathmatch between 33 and 45%, in match average between 50 and 71%, low peek 40 up peek 86, around 60°C.
- CPU: pretty much stable at 35 - 38%, low peek 32 up peek 44, around 70°C, 4006 MHz. (didn't include the CPU 1,2,3,4,5,... info)
That's a bit confusing, because it suggests your whole system is being throttled, but I suspect it is because CS2 doesn't use all the cores, so I'm still of the belief that you have primarily a CPU bottleneck.

in deathmatch i fall down to 80 fps multiple times a session and the average falls down to 110/150.
Is there any change in the % usage of the CPU/GPU while you get these frame drops?

Also that 4060 ti has 16gb but if there is better at lower price sure
I assumed you were buying the 8GB card. The 7700 XT or 7800 XT are usually better performing in price/perf than the 4060 Ti 16GB. If nvidia had increased the bus width, then the story might be different, but the 16GB version has the same bus as the 8GB version.
 
if you're using a 3060, you can overlay the cpu/gpu performance you're getting ingame via the nvidia software, so no calculations, just look at the gpu/cpu % that's being displayed...

an amd 7800xt will wipe the floor with the 4060ti and is £480 (also comes with 16gb vram) compared to £450 for the 4060ti...think nvidia only becomes interesting at 4070super or above this gen
 
That's a bit confusing, because it suggests your whole system is being throttled, but I suspect it is because CS2 doesn't use all the cores, so I'm still of the belief that you have primarily a CPU bottleneck.


Is there any change in the % usage of the CPU/GPU while you get these frame drops?


I assumed you were buying the 8GB card. The 7700 XT or 7800 XT are usually better performing in price/perf than the 4060 Ti 16GB. If nvidia had increased the bus width, then the story might be different, but the 16GB version has the same bus as the 8GB version.
I made a video capture on a deathmatch session and saw the CPU % go up and also the GPU % but randomly and not everytime so its confusing to me as i have no sense of normality in all this.
I made a youtube channel and uploaded it so you can check it in details, also timestamped when the fps dropped to 100 and lower (67) so you dont waste time waiting for it.
Here is the name of the channel: TESTFORTETRAS (last time i put a link it got cancelled so you can either write it in youtube search bar or in URL put /@TESTFORTETRAS after youtube.com)
I found some of the GPUs / CPUs but maybe lets talk about that when you have a better idea of whats the problem, and if you need anything else before that just ask me better be sure
 
if you're using a 3060, you can overlay the cpu/gpu performance you're getting ingame via the nvidia software, so no calculations, just look at the gpu/cpu % that's being displayed...

an amd 7800xt will wipe the floor with the 4060ti and is £480 (also comes with 16gb vram) compared to £450 for the 4060ti...think nvidia only becomes interesting at 4070super or above this gen
Thx for the help, nvidia display still gives ranging % numbers tho my issue was about if there could be an avrg.
I found an XFX RX 7800 XT [Speedster MERC319 16 Go GDDR6 HDMI 3xDP, AMD RDNA™ 3 (RX-78TMERCB9)] at 559€
and an MSI RTX 4070 Super [12G Ventus 3X OC 12 Go GDDR6X, 2520 MHz, PCI Express Gen 4, 192 Bits, 3X DP v 1.4a, HDMI 2.1a (Supports 4K & 8K HDR)] at 719€
I have no idea if combining intel cpu and amd gpu can be a downgrade in game, i guess if you propose it its ok, the question is: is it worth keeping the rtx/nvidia stuff for 160€?
Performance-wise when comparing these two on UserBenchmark the rtx has +13% speed, +21 avrg score and +30% overcloked score, based on that i think so.
Also in the summary describing the two gpu on the amd one it is written:
"First time buyers tempted to consider the RX 7700/7800 XT by AMD’s army of Advanced Marketing scammers (youtube, reddit, twitter, forums etc.) should be aware that AMD have a history of releasing benchmark busting, heavily marketed, sub standard products. Although Nvidia’s 4070 only offers comparable performance, it has a broader feature set (RT/DLSS 3.0) and offers far better game compatibility (drivers). PC gamers looking to join AMD’s “2%” GPU club (Steam stats: 5000/6000/7000 series combined mkt share) need to work on their critical thinking skills: Influencers (posing as reviewers) are paid handsomely to scam users into buying inferior products. Experienced gamers know all too well that high average fps are worthless when they are accompanied with stutters, random crashes, excessive noise and a limited feature set."
What is your take on this as i learned its kind of a war of opinions going on between the 2 groups of users. Like maybe it wont be a problem for cs2 but if i want to play some more high demanding games is it going to pose problem?
 
maybe lets talk about that when you have a better idea of whats the problem, and if you need anything else before that just ask me better be sure
Here's the link:


I'm terrible at watching these kind of videos, so I'm afraid it doesn't tell me much, but hopefully someone else will watch it and let you know their opinion on what it says about the bottleneck.
 
Or if that intel goes too hot could i get 300 fps average with another one avoiding to upgrade more than my cpu?

Unless you are a pro gamer there's no benefit to such high frame rates. Indeed 130 fps is going to be more than good enough. However, stutters are an issue.

but hopefully someone else will watch it

I watched the first few minutes and scrubbed through the rest. No CPU core is hitting 100%; indeed the highest I saw was about 80%. Your GPU is barely breaking 40%. Your system has plenty of performance to spare.

I did note that CPU temperatures were locked in the mid 70s. So I wonder if your PC is thermal throttling. Your first step should be checking the BIOS for that temperature limit - I'll let a BIOS expert advise you on that. And after that you should look into a decent CPU cooler. Something like a Thermalright Assassin - if it will fit in your case.

BTW have you updated the BIOS? Latest is F18 and I see that BIOSes prior to F17 have some issues with RTX 3060 cards.
 
Unless you are a pro gamer there's no benefit to such high frame rates. Indeed 130 fps is going to be more than good enough. However, stutters are an issue.



I watched the first few minutes and scrubbed through the rest. No CPU core is hitting 100%; indeed the highest I saw was about 80%. Your GPU is barely breaking 40%. Your system has plenty of performance to spare.

I did note that CPU temperatures were locked in the mid 70s. So I wonder if your PC is thermal throttling. Your first step should be checking the BIOS for that temperature limit - I'll let a BIOS expert advise you on that. And after that you should look into a decent CPU cooler. Something like a Thermalright Assassin - if it will fit in your case.

BTW have you updated the BIOS? Latest is F18 and I see that BIOSes prior to F17 have some issues with RTX 3060 cards.
thx for help, i checked BIOS from gigabyte UEFI troubleshooting: i have the F16 version dated 12/08/2022.
I checked for updates here is the link: https://www.gigabyte.com/fr/Motherboard/H510M-H-rev-10-11-15/support#support-dl-bios .
I downloaded the latest F18 for my 1.1 rev H510M H but i need a usb to load it into the Q-FlASH system, i will have it tomorrow, do i have your approval to proceed?
Also maybe important point: i forgot that to use the faceit anticheat i had to enable secure boot from that UEFI interface, on the faceit page explaing how it says "Do it at your own risk, we are not responsible for any issues with your PC", here is the link to it: https://support.faceit.com/hc/en-us...-Boot-needs-to-be-enabled-to-launch-FACEIT-AC
About fps this deathmatch mode is more stressful for the pc thats why i get these numbers, in normal match i get about 190 avrg with peeks to 230 and drops to 130 and lower and i feel the difference. If i can get 200 dropless without upgrading i would be ok but no 130 is too much of a gap when every frame matters against someone who has twice as much.
Btw i play on wifi if that could be a factor
 
Here's the link:


I'm terrible at watching these kind of videos, so I'm afraid it doesn't tell me much, but hopefully someone else will watch it and let you know their opinion on what it says about the bottleneck.
ok no problem i just wanted to say that i had to enable secure boot to use the faceit anticheat app, on the faceit page explaing how it says "Do it at your own risk, we are not responsible for any issues with your PC", here is the link to it: https://support.faceit.com/hc/en-us...-Boot-needs-to-be-enabled-to-launch-FACEIT-AC .
I forgot about that and thought i'd mention it to you, also my BIOS update is F16 when 2 other updates arrived, i downloaded the F18 for my 1.1 rev motherboard i shall update it tomorrow with someone's approval, here is the link to it: https://www.gigabyte.com/fr/Motherboard/H510M-H-rev-10-11-15/support#support-dl-bios
 
I don't like the 4060 Ti. It is overpriced and should have more memory than 8GB.

It is also (according to TPU here) only 42% faster and that's not enough improvement for £400, in my opinion.
4070 is a good shout, I was getting around 465fps on most maps even with a 5700x at 1440p low in linux mint, haven't tested in windows as that machine lives under the tv now.

But for ref with a 5800X3D...
 
Also maybe important point: i forgot that to use the faceit anticheat i had to enable secure boot from that UEFI interface, on the faceit page explaing how it says "Do it at your own risk, we are not responsible for any issues with your PC", here is the link to it: https://support.faceit.com/hc/en-us...-Boot-needs-to-be-enabled-to-launch-FACEIT-AC

I have no knowledge of this software so cannot advise you beyond asking them. They will almost certainly have experience of their users doing BIOS upgrades.
 
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