Specs - How Can I Improve?

SecretMachine · 3 Oct 2013 at 22:11

Hello.

So with Battlefield 4 around the corner and the Beta running like a wet slug for me, I'm trying to work out wherever there's anything in my setup I could improve to increase my FPS and maybe run it on some higher graphical settings? That and Rome Total War 2, which runs like ass on the higher settings.

Here are my specs.

Intel Core i5 2500k at 3.30Ghz
12.0GB DDR3 @ 798 mhz
2048 NVIDIA GTX 670
MSI Z68A-GD65 MOBO
DELL SP2309W

I altered something in my BIOS settings to increase my RAM mhz. I changed it from 1333, 1600. I am very much a noob when it comes to understanding these settings!

Thanks
Gareth

teppic · 3 Oct 2013 at 22:13

If you don't want to upgrade your board, you'd gain a lot by getting a second hand 3770K.

RTW2 runs like that on everything, unfortunately

SecretMachine · 3 Oct 2013 at 22:20

Thanks for the advice.

I got a bit confused with my motherboard as I was abit worried that certain components wouldn't "work" with it, or fit properly. This is a hang up I have from making a big big upgrade a couple of years ago where a bunch of my old RAM didn't work anymore!

So, my current MOBO would support a 3770K?

If I was to upgrade my motherboard, what advantages would that bring and would they outweight potentially getting a better processor?

I feel like I have relatively decent specs, but something's holding it back.

teppic · 3 Oct 2013 at 22:22

As long as you have an up to date BIOS you can run a 3770K.

If you upgrade, for BF4 I'd recommend an i7 or an 8320/50. A used 3770K is your cheapest and best option in my view. Get an SSD if you don't have one.

SecretMachine · 4 Oct 2013 at 00:40

Hello

So I've ran into a big big problem that might warrant a new thread

I went online to the MSI website to try and upgrade my bios by downloading a programme and placing it on a memory stick.
I did so, seemed to be going fine.
But then it got stuck in an infinite loop of restarting without even reaching bios.
I've tried the usual methods, including the reset CMOS button without power and I've just pulled the battery out and I'm gonna leave it over night.

Any suggestions?

If not I might need a new motherboard....

teppic · 4 Oct 2013 at 01:03

Did you reset the CMOS via the jumper method? Try leaving it powered off for a few mins, then try the jumper method if you haven't already.

SecretMachine · 4 Oct 2013 at 01:06

I can't seem to find the jumper inside of my case
I assumed that the reset CMOS button replaced it?

teppic · 4 Oct 2013 at 01:09

Most boards that have a CMOS clear button also have jumpers.

Try a cold poweroff (at the mains) for a bit, that can sometimes fix boot loops.

SecretMachine · 4 Oct 2013 at 01:10

Any where it might be located on my motherboard?
Really can't find it!

teppic · 4 Oct 2013 at 01:21

Your motherboard manual should be available online and it will show you if you have one.

honosuseri · 4 Oct 2013 at 02:30

Pop the battery out off the mobo and disconnect the PSU from the mains. Leave it a good 30mins (that's more than enough time) and when you come back it will be reset

You have an overclockable CPU but it's running at stock. I'd be looking to OC before swapping in an i7. If you have the stock heatsink that needs changing, I don't know what case you have so it's hard to recommend something.

That should explain how to OC the i5K nicely for you. I'll assume your 670 GPU is at stock too. The 670 is a cutdown 680 but they cut off very little, overclocking the 670 will close the gap. Software like MSI Afterburner makes OC'ing the GPU very easy, it can show in game your FPS, fan speed, GPU temps it can even record gameplay and adjust fan speeds

Once BF4 is out Nvidia will have new drivers optimised for the game before long. Remember your panel is higher than 1080P (correct me if I'm wrong) which makes life a little harder on the GPU. That's why boosting the GPU with an OC isn't such a bad idea.

Best of luck with it fella. I look forward to hearing how you get on

SecretMachine · 4 Oct 2013 at 08:19

Hello.

So I pulled the battery out and left it overnight,'popped it in this morning and it's still restarting.

Is my mobo screwed?

SecretMachine · 4 Oct 2013 at 10:40

honosuseri said:
Pop the battery out off the mobo and disconnect the PSU from the mains. Leave it a good 30mins (that's more than enough time) and when you come back it will be reset

You have an overclockable CPU but it's running at stock. I'd be looking to OC before swapping in an i7. If you have the stock heatsink that needs changing, I don't know what case you have so it's hard to recommend something.

That should explain how to OC the i5K nicely for you. I'll assume your 670 GPU is at stock too. The 670 is a cutdown 680 but they cut off very little, overclocking the 670 will close the gap. Software like MSI Afterburner makes OC'ing the GPU very easy, it can show in game your FPS, fan speed, GPU temps it can even record gameplay and adjust fan speeds

Once BF4 is out Nvidia will have new drivers optimised for the game before long. Remember your panel is higher than 1080P (correct me if I'm wrong) which makes life a little harder on the GPU. That's why boosting the GPU with an OC isn't such a bad idea.

Best of luck with it fella. I look forward to hearing how you get on

Here's the case I have.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-056-CS

teppic · 4 Oct 2013 at 11:04

Your board might have a rescue method of restoring the BIOS via USB stick.

SecretMachine · 4 Oct 2013 at 17:08

So I just tried a jumper and that method didn't work either.

Looks like the motherboard is Fried?

teppic · 4 Oct 2013 at 17:39

It sounds like the BIOS update failed and it's corrupt. If you cannot restore the BIOS in any way it might be easier to get a new board if you were wanting to upgrade anyway.