I've noticed my X2 is lacking compared to my graphics card, as even if I turn some settings down I still get the same FPS. What settings generally take most CPU? Like e.g.. particles? textures? Any answers specifically to Oblivion would be appreciated too
What settings generally take most CPU?
- Thread starter Inazuma
- Start date
Good question.
In my experience, the following settings are usually quite dependent:
Shadows
Physics
Particles
Special effects (often related to the above). Be careful with this one though.
Dynamic Lighting (depends on how it is done - sometimes can be more GPU dependent).
Sound
FOV (due to increasing/disabling the number of rendered entities)
Things like Textures are more dependent on gfx card and physical memory. Resolution is heavily GPU dependent (so increase it if you have an underpowered CPU).
In my experience, the following settings are usually quite dependent:
Shadows
Physics
Particles
Special effects (often related to the above). Be careful with this one though.
Dynamic Lighting (depends on how it is done - sometimes can be more GPU dependent).
Sound
FOV (due to increasing/disabling the number of rendered entities)
Things like Textures are more dependent on gfx card and physical memory. Resolution is heavily GPU dependent (so increase it if you have an underpowered CPU).
What Rig you got?
I have often wondered this as well, I always thought things like Physics and Particles are CPU dependant while Shadows and Dynamic Lighting are usually GPU dependant, but I could be wrong.
A good way to test if you are CPU limited is to run at 640*480 or 800*600, if the framerate is the same as 1280*1024/1680*1050 you are CPU limited, if the framerate is higher you are GPU limited.
A good way to test if you are CPU limited is to run at 640*480 or 800*600, if the framerate is the same as 1280*1024/1680*1050 you are CPU limited, if the framerate is higher you are GPU limited.
I guess in some games Shadows are GPU dependent, however one thing I have noticed is that the setting nearly always has a profound effect on framerate regardless of what gfx card you have. I.e. in most games reducing shadows from max to low will give a big boost even on fast cards. As a rule I tend to use 'low' shadows except for games from a few years ago that I can run maxed out.
I agree, Shadows is one of the first things to lower if framerate isn't satisfactory.