How to boost my FX-8350 for 4K gaming?
How to boost my FX-8350 for 4K gaming?
Given my current setup with a GTX 1080 Ti and an FX-8350, I'm considering boosting my CPU overclocking to enhance performance. I'm already achieving solid results, maintaining around 60 FPS in most games and around 40-60 FPS in more demanding titles like Siege, all with V-sync on a 3840x2160, 60Hz display. My motherboard is ASUS m5a97, the PSU is XFX TS 550 Bronze, and I have a heatsink and single fan cooler for the CPU (not the original). Will this setup allow me to successfully overclock my CPU?
At this level of detail, your system is more limited by GPU resources, so boosting the CPU won't improve performance.
Your motherboard and CPU both allow overclocking, so you should be able to do it. However, there might be a problem with the PSU. Overclocking the 8350 will require significantly more power since these CPUs are very power-hungry. Combined with the 1080ti power, you could easily exceed your PSU's capacity.
Your motherboard isn't ideal for overclocking either, and I'm not sure your cooler would handle it well either.
Throughout the years, I've assembled multiple PCs for others using that board with the FX 8320. This board is quite average at best for overclocking, so I should be cautious about pushing it too hard. Even with the optimal overclock, the GPU remains significantly limited by the outdated CPU/mobo. I would really think about upgrading to a modern Intel or Ryzen system if possible.
It doesn't really matter whether I'm causing a slowdown, and because I don't have funds for a new CPU, I aim to test if I can overclock slightly before purchasing a replacement only when needed.
You might notice an 8-9% boost if your aftermarket cooler is installed.
if "in the 40's" appears in the scene:
45 fps x 8% = about 4 fps gain (rough estimate)
If you're using the original cooler, don't push it too hard. Temperatures will spike significantly. The stock cooler isn't doing well.
At this level of detail, your system is more limited by GPU resources, so boosting the CPU won't improve performance.