does my cpu bottleneck my gpu?

[dcf-joe]

I know this might be a dumb question, considering the specifications of my computer. However, I have an AMD 3000+ overclocked to 2.403 GHz, and an ATI X300 SE overclocked to 501 MHz core and 245 MHz memory. Also, my system memory is overclocked to 218.5 MHz. You can see my specs to the left. So, is my CPU bottlenecking my GPU???

 

[JrRacinFan]

Far from bottleneck. but I bet if you upgrade to at least an 8600GT/HD2600XT or greater you would have more fun.

 

[Nick259]

the 300SE is eqivalent to the 9600SE, i don't even think it would bottleneck up to a 7800?

edit: by the way i have a 5600x2 oc'd to 3.1ghz, and i'm about to buy an 8800gts 512mb, i game at 1680x1050, will there be a bottleneck?

 

[Fahim]

The whole system is the bottleneck, i would say. Whether you upgrade CPU or GPU, one will bottleneck the other unless you change them both.

 

[KainXS]

if you get anything on the 8800GTS(G80)/HD3850 level or higher your gonna a huge performance hit with that

If you ever plan to get another card the 8600GT will be a good buy like JR said

why are you running vista on that?

i don't mean nick either

 

[candle_86]

nah the 3850 will do just fine

 

[muon]

I know this might be a dumb question, considering the specifications of my computer. However, I have an AMD 3000+ overclocked to 2.403 GHz, and an ATI X300 SE overclocked to 501 MHz core and 245 MHz memory. Also, my system memory is overclocked to 218.5 MHz. You can see my specs to the left. So, is my CPU bottlenecking my GPU???

For pretty much any game made in the last 5 years, at normal resolutions, the gpu will be the bottleneck in that combination. Therefore, overclocking the cpu further should not lead to performance improvments. You can test this by installing 3dmark05 and then looking at how the score varies as you increase the clock speed of the cpu. Any difference should be negligible at default settings (1024*768). At least this means you are using your gpu to the fullest however little that may be.

You will only see further performance improvements with a new graphics card. People here are saying that the 3000+ at 2.4ghz might bottleneck a hd3850, but I reckon at 1280*1024 and the iq settings up, it should be to a limited extent. For games which it will bottlneck, the frame rates should be high enough for it not to matter. Of course 3dmark06 which incorporates a cpu score will look weak, but for actual gaming probably not a terrible combination. The only problem I can see is how multithreaded games will be impacted. Games like supreme commander and UT3 like having some processing power.

This is of course assuming you want a new graphics card . Also, i'd liike to say thats a pretty good overclock on the x300.

 

[dcf-joe]

Well first of all I would like to clarify that my computer is the family computer, so that is why it is so crappy. I run vista on it because my father wanted to run vista on it, and even with a 2.5 experience score, vista still runs great with all of the aesthetic features turned on.

My computer will not run any of the benchmarks, because simply put, they will not even install themselves and run on my computer, because it does not meet the minimum requirements. However, I do still play Live For Speed and America's Army 2.8.3.1 on maximum settings and average out at around 30 fps. On the latest Live for Speed, I max out at 90 FPS, and usually average 60 FPS on maximum settings. Crysis will not even install on my computer.

I am in high school, however I am taking college classes over the summer. My parents promised me a new computer if I make A's in both of those classes. I do plan on getting an Intel Nehalem processor, with a X58 mobo, 4 or 8GB of DDR3 RAM, Crossfire 4870 X2's, and at least a 1KW power supply.