What improvements should I make to reduce frame drops and stuttering in video games?
What improvements should I make to reduce frame drops and stuttering in video games?
Greetings! My son possesses a high-performance computer he utilizes for both gaming and academic pursuits. However, the system is somewhat dated, resulting in performance bottlenecks during gameplay. He has a limited budget and wishes to enhance certain components to elevate his gaming experience, but I’d like to ensure he invests wisely in upgrades that will yield the most significant improvements. Could you offer guidance on this matter? Or perhaps upgrading hardware is not the optimal strategy—are there alternative approaches we should explore initially?
Here are his current specifications:
* Windows 10 Home (64-bit)
* Intel Core i5-750 (4-core @ 2.67 GHz) – reaching 97°C during gaming
* 16 GB DDR3 Dual-Channel @ 665 MHz (9-9-9-24 timings)
* AsusTeK P7P55 LX (LGA1156) – 33°C
* 2047 MB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti – 54°C
* 1863 GB Seagate ST2000DM001 – 32°C
* ATAPI IHAS ATA Device
* HL-DT-ST DVD-ROM GDR8161B ATA Device
Approximately two months ago, he upgraded his graphics card. He predominantly plays Fortnite and Counter-Strike Global Offensive (CSGO), frequently encountering frame drops, crashes, and freezes. We have a fiber internet connection providing approximately 300 Mbps upload and download speeds.
He believes the problem stems from his processor, while I believe improving its cooling is a priority, as it consistently runs hot and utilizes only the original fans. He has attempted to optimize system settings through research, achieving minor performance gains, yet he continues to experience lag and instability.
What are your suggestions?
Thank you for your assistance!
The central processing unit is limiting the capabilities of that graphics card, as it’s a product from ten years ago and paired with a considerably more advanced and potent GPU. I recommend upgrading the CPU, motherboard, and RAM.
Suggested components:
Ryzen 1600AF ($85)
Motherboard: ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $104.98
This price includes shipping, applicable taxes, and any available promotions. This list was created using PCPartPicker on 2020-01-26 at 03:00 EST-0500.
The Ryzen 1600AF is being listed separately because it's available on PCPartPicker, and it represents a modestly slower version of the Ryzen 2600 but offers excellent value for its price.
The central processing unit is limiting the performance of that graphics card; it’s a device from ten years ago used with a significantly more advanced and potent video card. I recommend upgrading the CPU, motherboard, and memory.
Suggested components:
Ryzen 1600AF (85 USD) – https://pcpartpicker.com/list/MQD6WD
Motherboard: ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $104.98
This price includes shipping, applicable taxes, and any available promotions. This list was created using PCPartPicker on 2020-01-26 at 03:00 EST-0500.
I’ve separated the Ryzen 1600AF as it is currently available on PCPartPicker. It functions similarly to a slightly less powerful Ryzen 2600, representing an excellent value for its price.