Hey everyone! I'm relatively new to PC gaming, so I hope I'm using the right terms. Recently, someone mentioned that my processor might be outdated, while my other hardware is decent. I've noticed that my FPS in games has been lower than expected. For instance, I checked my task manager while playing Overwatch and saw my GPU usage was only around 20%-30%, while my CPU was around 20% as well. Here's a quick rundown of my PC specs: CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4500 6-Core Processor 3.60GHz, GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, and 24GB of RAM. I keep my graphics drivers updated, too. If my CPU is indeed the bottleneck, I'm open to upgrading it—just need to confirm that's the issue first. Thanks in advance for your help!
6 Answers
You should definitely monitor your GPU usage more closely, especially with AAA games. If it’s not hitting at least 96%, something is likely causing it to underperform, probably the CPU. Also, your RAM setup could be a bit off; make sure it runs at 3200-3600MHz for optimal performance.
If this FPS drop is a recent problem, you might want to start by checking the thermal paste on your CPU cooler. It could just be needing a refresh and not necessarily a new CPU.
Check what RAM speed you have in task manager! Is this FPS drop a new issue or have you noticed it since you got the PC?
Yes, it seems like your CPU is bottlenecking your setup. I recommend the Ryzen 5800X3D for serious gaming. It’s great for 1080p and should make a big difference. If that's too pricey, the Ryzen 5 5600X was a solid pick during the 3060 Ti's prime. You might also consider the 5700X3D.
Your RAM needs to be in dual channel for better performance. The Ryzen 5 4500 is somewhat lacking for gaming. I’d suggest considering the Ryzen 5600 if you're on a budget; it should provide a nice FPS boost in most games.
I checked, and it looks like my RAM speed is 3000 MT/s. The FPS issues started around August, a few months after I got the PC.