I have an Intel Core i5-6500, and while my GPU is an RTX 3060, everything else in my setup is newer. The games I play aren't super demanding, but I've been experiencing lagging and stuttering, and I noticed my GPU is only using about 40% capacity while my CPU is running between 80% to 100%. I'm wondering if upgrading to a newer CPU would solve the issues I'm having in my games. Here are my full specs:
- GPU: RTX 3060
- Motherboard: MSI H110M Pro-VD
- RAM: 16GB
- Power Supply: EVGA Supernova 650W Gold
5 Answers
That CPU is getting outdated. I had a similar setup, and some games just wouldn't run properly. Upgrading to at least a Ryzen 5 5600 or similar would really make a difference! It's totally worth it for better gaming experiences.
Considering your motherboard doesn't support newer CPUs, you're pretty much looking at a complete overhaul. However, if you're willing to reuse some parts like DDR4 RAM, you could easily boost your CPU power significantly with newer components. Check out some budget-friendly options to build a decent rig!
You might not need a whole new rig yet, but if you're upgrading, I'd look for a used i7-7700 which you might find for about $50. It'll give you around 50% better performance than what you have now. Just make sure your motherboard can support it!
My motherboard is an MSI H110M Pro-VD. Does that support 6th gen processors?
It sounds like you're dealing with a classic CPU bottleneck. Since your CPU is around 10 years old, a new one will definitely help, but you'll need a new motherboard too. You'll likely want to consider upgrading other components as well for an overall better performance, like your RAM and power supply. If you provide your full specs and budget, I can suggest some options!
Why would I need a new power supply?
Yeah, definitely a CPU bottleneck! If your games aren't capped at a certain frame rate and you're seeing under 80% GPU utilization, it's a strong indicator that the CPU is holding you back. You'll want something more modern for better performance.
What do you mean by needing a complete overhaul? Can't I just swap the CPU?