Your computer's frame rate plummets to nearly zero during gameplay, and you're wondering what upgrades would help.
Your computer's frame rate plummets to nearly zero during gameplay, and you're wondering what upgrades would help.
I'm seeking advice or suggestions to improve my performance. I'm experiencing issues with my World of Warcraft Classic, especially during intense raids where visuals and crowd density cause significant lag. The game feels very slow and choppy, making it hard to play smoothly. It's my first time posting on a forum, so I hope someone can help me figure out the best solutions.
I'm currently using a 20-year-old system with an ASUS Prime A320M-K motherboard, AMD Ryzen 3 3100 4-core processor, and 16 GB of RAM. I'm running two monitors at once, switching between game and other tasks, and the graphics settings are set to the lowest possible. I thought upgrading my RAM to 32 GB DDR or replacing the graphics card might help, but I need more guidance on what to prioritize first.
Any tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Graphics card: Radeon RX 570 Series
Motherboard: ASUS Prime A320M-K
Processor AMD Ryzen 3 3100 4-Core Processor 3.59 GHz
Installed RAM 16.0 GB
System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.
You should also include where you're located, what your preferred site for purchase is and what your budget for your upgrade is.
Moved thread from Graphics Cards section to Systems section.
CPU details: AMD Ryzen 3 3100 4-Core at 3.59GHz.
Current BIOS version: American Megatrends Inc. 5409, dated 1/7/2020.
CPU cooler information: Unknown specific, default model included.
Motherboard: ASUS Prime A320M-K
Memory: Total physical memory 16,315 MB; available 10,356 MB; virtual memory max 28,603 MB; used 11,680 MB.
Storage: SSD/HDD details provided with descriptions and sizes.
Operating system: 64-bit OS, x64 processor.
Location: Phoenix, AZ USA.
Estimated budget: around $200.
This appears to be a clear case of CPU constraints.
Signs of CPU limitations include a noticeable drop in frame rate and choppiness when there are numerous players, NPCs, or objects on the screen.
Adjusting graphical settings offers minimal improvement.
Upgrading your GPU or RAM seems unnecessary since your current hardware should handle older titles smoothly at low resolutions.
The main issue lies with your CPU. Four-core processors are insufficient for modern gaming. A six-core CPU from recent years is the bare minimum needed to run games without stuttering or frame loss. Your outdated four-core chip lacks the power to supply the GPU with pre-rendered frames, causing bottlenecks. Lowering graphical settings simply reduces the load on the GPU.
If you're on a $200 budget, choose the best AM4 platform CPU available for your board. A Ryzen 5600X should resolve most problems, but a 5800X or 5800X3D would be ideal if possible. This upgrade will likely reduce stuttering and improve FPS, and you may even regain control over graphical settings.
Also, remember that even with adequate RAM, AMD CPUs are highly sensitive to RAM speed and capacity—if your RAM isn’t a solid 2 sticks at 3200 MHz or higher, you’ll still face low frame rates and drops. Ensure your RAM meets these requirements!
2017 rig. Get ready to purchase all new equipment. Welcome to 2025. Verify your bank balance. Spending between $800 and $8000 is feasible. You can construct an upper-middle rig for $2000.
Your GPU is likely configured to stay silent until it reaches 50 degrees. If you're running at 1080p low and CPU is limiting performance (as mentioned in my first post), then your GPU isn't doing much work, stays cool, and the fans rarely activate. Not having fans on doesn't mean your GPU is broken—it just means it's underused.
I have no way of knowing if a 20-year-old game will utilize sufficient cache for the x3d model. OP requires the best clock speeds they can manage.
Execute your games with reduced resolution and less visual distraction. This slightly strains the graphics card. An increase in FPS suggests your CPU can handle a better graphics setup. If the FPS remains unchanged, it likely points to CPU limitations. It seems the CPU is probably the main constraint.
Here’s a list of processors your motherboard supports:
https://www.asus.com/us/motherboard...a3...ME-A320M-K
You may need to update the BIOS first.
Run the cpu-Z benchmark on your R3-3100 and check the single-thread rating. This is crucial for gaming performance.
Your score should be around 478:
http://valid.x86.fr/bench/kyivrr
A reasonable CPU upgrade could be the R5 5600X, roughly $100 used on eBay.
R7 and R9 provide more processing threads, but little extra gaming benefit.
You’re unlikely to run out of RAM.
Windows typically reports around 80% usage. This is because Windows keeps data in RAM for faster access later.
Check the task manager; a high hard fault rate may indicate you have insufficient RAM.
It's also a web-based game, so the ISP might be the problem.