I built my PC back in 2020 and have made a couple of upgrades since then, including the GPU and adding new SSDs, but I've never changed my CPU. Recently, I've been encountering lag issues in games like Overwatch 2. I'm concerned it might be because my CPU is bottlenecking the performance. I'm looking for advice on whether my current CPU is outdated and if I should replace it, or if I should keep troubleshooting software-related factors behind the lag.
I've tried adjusting various settings and updating my GPU drivers but still find that my frame rate drops from around 140fps to 80fps intermittently. I'm hoping to gather some recommendations for new CPUs if I indeed need an upgrade! Here's my current setup:
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Six-Core Processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (12 GB)
- 16 GB RAM
- B450 TOMAHAWK MAX (MS-7C02)
- Samsung SSD 860 QVO 1TB
- Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 2TB (boot drive)
Also, peripherals that might be relevant:
- ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Monitor (VG27AQ)
- Acer KG221Q bmix LCD Monitor
- Razer Naga Trinity Mouse
- Akko Pochacco 5108B Plus Keyboard
- Blue Yeti Microphone
- HyperX Cloud Alpha Headset
I'm open to spending money on a new CPU if necessary, but I'd prefer not to go overboard. Thank you for your help!
3 Answers
Honestly, the Ryzen 5700x3d is a solid option, though finding one at a reasonable price can be tough due to tariffs. They used to go for around $130 on AliExpress, but the market is fluctuating.
It sounds like your CPU is definitely a bottleneck for your GPU. If you're looking for an upgrade and are on a budget, I’d recommend the Ryzen 5 5600x or the Ryzen 7 5700. If you want something higher-end, consider the Ryzen 9 5900x. These should give you a significant boost without breaking the bank!
I'll look into those, thanks for replying!
A good rule of thumb is to upgrade your CPU when you notice it bottlenecking performance, not just based on what others say. Try downloading MSI Afterburner and monitor the CPU and GPU usage while gaming. This way, you can see exactly where the bottleneck is happening and make a more informed decision!
This is a very fair reply, honestly. A little stupid of me, but I didn't think to check with software (MSI Afterburner) to actually SEE the bottlenecking, I kinda just assumed it was since I knew it was kinda old. Really appreciate this reply, thank you!
Alright, I'll still look into it though, thank you!