I have an Intel i5-8400 CPU running at 2.8 GHz and I'm using a 4060 Ti for gaming at 1440p. I play a variety of AAA titles, including Black Myth Wukong, but I sometimes experience FPS stuttering. Since I'm okay with playing on lower settings, I'm wondering if my CPU is holding back my performance. Do I need to upgrade right away, or is there a way to fix these issues without an immediate upgrade?
4 Answers
Check your GPU usage whenever you're gaming. If it's significantly below 100%, then that indicates a bottleneck, likely from your CPU. But as long as you're satisfied with how your games are running, you might not need to stress about upgrading right away; a bottleneck won't damage anything.
Instead of guessing, just take a look at your GPU usage while gaming. If you're generally reaching close to 100% usage, then your setup is doing okay. If not, then there might be room for improvement.
You did pair a pretty old i5 with a current GPU, which is a red flag. Upgrading might be necessary if you want better performance. If you're sticking with Intel, consider an 8700k. Alternatively, for a more cost-effective route, look into the AM4 platform options like a Ryzen 5 5600.
When you're gaming, it’s helpful to open the Task Manager to monitor CPU usage. If your CPU is nearing 100% and your GPU isn't, then your CPU is likely the bottleneck. However, if the GPU is maxed out and the CPU isn't, then your GPU needs an upgrade. Also, keep an eye on your RAM usage, as hitting around 90% could signal the need for more.
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