The lowest FPS in CS:GO is often due to CPU issues, accounting for 99%. Should I upgrade the CPU?
The lowest FPS in CS:GO is often due to CPU issues, accounting for 99%. Should I upgrade the CPU?
Hello, I own an Elitebook 2570p HP laptop with an "i7 3520m" processor. I upgraded the RAM to 8GB, installed a 120GB SSD, and replaced the main GPU with an external one. I also added an AMD 6950 2GB using a special adapter and power supply, though there were many software issues initially. Now it runs smoothly at low settings in CSGO with 130-160 FPS. I’m aiming for 144Hz on a monitor and believe the CPU might be the bottleneck since my GPU is idle while the game waits for processing. When playing solo, I get 300 FPS. I’m wondering if overclocking the CPU would help, and whether it’s safe to do so on a laptop. Thanks a lot.
Newer doesn't always mean better. The 960 was a budget card, while the 770 was a well-designed top card at its time. You don't assume that a higher number equals a better one. A 1050 Ti is roughly equivalent to a 760, and a 960 is significantly lower than the 770 in terms of performance. As I mentioned, look at this graph—it gives you a clear picture of how they function:
http://international.download.nvidia.com...lineup.png
You'll notice the 770 is only slightly higher than the 960.
Don't push your laptop beyond its limits, as CPUs have restricted cooling and tend to use lower TDP models. It might be possible to overclock without changing the BIOS, but it could be risky. Your CPU probably isn’t the main reason for low FPS; the game itself is likely the issue. With a boost turbo clock of 3.6GHz and quad-core with hyperthreading, it should handle CSGO well. The GPU might be the real bottleneck. Updating drivers or switching to a newer GPU would help more. This GPU is from around 2010, which is quite old.
Don't push your laptop beyond its limits, as CPUs usually have restricted cooling which leads to lower TDP choices. It might be possible to overclock without changing the BIOS, but it’s probably not worth it. Your CPU seems capable of handling CSGO well with a boost clock of 3.6ghz and quad-core hyperthreading. It could actually be the GPU that’s the issue. Updating drivers or getting a better GPU would be better options. The one you have from 2010 is quite old, so it might not handle modern games smoothly. I’d suggest checking if your GPU is up to date or considering a newer one for better performance.
I can fully guarantee that your CPU isn’t limiting performance, an i7 with 3.6ghz or higher is a strong processor and won’t even cause bottlenecks with a Titan X. Therefore, I repeat, the issue lies with your GPU. Either it’s functioning properly or your game relies heavily on CPU graphics, which I question since achieving over 100 FPS on integrated graphics isn’t particularly impressive for CSGO. Still, yes, Freesync is exclusive to AMD. Why would you require a Freesync monitor? I purchased this one and it performs excellently—never have I limited my FPS or experienced screen tearing.
I fully guarantee that your CPU isn’t limiting performance, an i7 with a clock speed of 3.6ghz or higher shouldn’t even struggle with a Titan X. Therefore, I repeat, the issue must lie with your GPU. Either it’s not functioning properly or your game is relying too much on its graphics capabilities—something I question because achieving over 100 FPS on integrated graphics is quite impressive for CSGO. Still, yes, Freesync is exclusive to AMD systems. Why would you need a dedicated Freesync monitor? I purchased this one [link]. It performs exceptionally well; I never limit my FPS and I don’t experience screen tearing.
At first, I looked into Freesync—it’s designed for PCs that drop below 144 FPS, which isn’t a concern for me. Unfortunately, it seems the CPU might be the culprit. Someone on Techinferno suggested checking performance differences by adjusting the game’s settings to high and low, even restarting the game. The FPS remained consistent, so I suspect the CPU is the root cause.
Also, the GPU is definitely active during CSGO sessions, as I see 80 FPS and noticeable lag when using it without it. What do you think?
Kavinqt :
I honestly really doubt it's the CPU unless somehow its faulty which I greatly doubt.
I really don't see an i7 even a mobile version, I just don't see it bottlenecking a AMD 6950 2GB there is just no way unless it's actually got damage to it somehow.
god damn i hope so much u r right cause i cant replace cpu cause its too expensive.
can u suggest me something to do? i tried to play with the graphics settings, fps improvemnt guides, but couldnt get more fps..
🙁
Well how is the 6950 2gb connected? Is it an external GPU case like this one? You can see in the video that the 1080 is almost as good as the 1060 on the laptop. There are certain issues with external GPUs that simply don't work well. I think it's probably because the GPU is outdated, and the CPU is actually a very strong one. If the task manager shows it at 3.6ghz while you're gaming, it's definitely not the CPU.
Kavinqt :
Well how is the 6950 2gb hooked up? Is it an external GPU case? like this
https://youtu.be/SeGWwziCrpw
You can see in the video the 1080 is barely better than the 1060 in the laptop. There are certain factors that come in with external GPU's that just don't work well. I would more than likely say its the GPU It's an out dated GPU and that CPU is really a very good CPU, If task manager shows it at its 3.6ghz while you game it is 100% not the CPU.
Hey kavin first i want to thank you for helping me a lot, im so happy i have someone to speak with him about this, i really appriciate it thanks man.
okay so i saw the video and yes, my gpu conntec through "EXP GDC V8.0", and a Seasonic 430W, its the same as the one that shown on video, but a lot more cheaper. the only thing is diffrnece that my gpu is connected throu my expresscard, cause i dont have thunderblot, and i didnt want the gpu to be connected to the motherboard cause then it will not be a laptop... im not sure about the diffrence between expresscard Gen2 and Thunderbolt 3...
anyway i heard that it will not be 100 performance from the gpu cause its a x16 slot going through only a slot (expresscard) and i expected for little bit less performance. but, if this is the situation, then why there's no fps diffrence between lowest settings, and highest settings in csgo..? o.o
well i found someone that want to bought my 6950 in a good price, so ill buy some gtx 770 i think..