Processors vs Graphics Cards (For PC gaming)

[Necromancer1991]

Yeah here a quick question, let's say I want to play TF2 and the computer can display everything but the framerate is choppy, my ping is close to zero, would I need to get a processor upgrade (I'm squeezing as much RAM out of my computer as is) or is it a graphics card issue? Also would you mind suggesting any cheap high-quality processors or graphics cards for me to try?

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

I think that's more processor...

And I have no idea. I think I use an Intel duo core.

 

[TheNamlessGuy]

DELETED

 

[nightfish]

Do you have your specs? Hard to know whats causing a bottleneck.

 

[Ulfsson]

Could it be your internet? I have a decent PC (3.1 dual core/4850/4gb RAM) and the problem with online for me is definitely my internet.

 

[veloper]

TF2 has very low requirements and will run just fine on last generation of single core CPUs, like the athlon64 or a pentium4 FSB 800 in the 3 ghz range.
Any core2 would do.

What sort of GPU would you put in such a dated rig? At most a geforce 9600gt I reckon.

 

[Skorpyo]

Problems with framerate AND ping?

Go with a combination CPU/RAM upgrade, THEN worry about the GPU.

 

[Danny Ocean]

If it can display everything it would be the processor.

It can't though. The framerate is choppy.

Ping is irrelevant. That's to do with your internet.

It's really difficult to say, as all you've said is that you have a low framerate. Here's a test. Try turning everything to low, except physics, which you should set to high. If you're still lagging, then it's probably the processor, as many games offload that data from the GPU onto the CPU. TF2 IS low on textures and geometry though, so it shouldn't be very taxing for your GPU.

Better yet, do this:
If you are using XP
Go into the start menu, click on run, type in "dxdiag". Post CPU and GPU here.

If using Vista
Go into the start menu, type in "dxdiag". Post CPU and GPU here.

Basically, we need your computer's components listed to tell.

 

[balanovich]

Give us your specs so we can tell you more.

If you want to test your GPU, play with the lowest textures and no effects wathsoever. Then play with higher textures and effects. If that's the major source of lag, it would point towards your graphic card.


Then try again with high resolution and low resolution. Resolution challenges more the processor.

For you internet connection, try playing alone, or offline if TF2 allows it.

 

[Woodsey]

I would suggest a Geforce GTX 470 and a Intel Quad Q6600 as graphics card and processor respectively.

Reading that really shouldn't arouse me like it does.

OT: It's hard to tell without seeing your system spec. and not knowing what settings you're trying to run it on.

If you've got a dual core it REALLY shouldn't be your processor, but I'm pretty sure even single core CPU's will run it.

So yeah, post basic stuff like your GFX card, RAM and CPU.

This has also reminded me that I won a Radeon HD 5770 from PC Gamer last week that should arrive (hopefully) tomorrow. Yippee!

 

[balanovich]

Problems with framerate AND ping?

He says his ping is next to 0.... that's good.

 

[veloper]

For you internet connection, try playing alone, or offline if TF2 allows it.

It does. There are offline training modes in tf2. They were included in an update some time ago.

 

[anfionn]

This discussion is pointless without his specs and a decent problem description.
I fear that the user is not providing any useful info
"I'm squeezing as much RAM out of my computer as is" I dont know what that means.. is it that he has 4 gigs of ram etc etc, its not even clear if he has an issue, as TF2 was an example,

Im saying basta, until he gives us some info

 

[LightOfDarkness]

Tell us your specs. That would be a good start.

Also, the Source engine is highly CPU dependant, unlike other engines which are mostly GPU dependant.

 

[LightOfDarkness]

Give us your specs so we can tell you more.

If you want to test your GPU, play with the lowest textures and no effects wathsoever. Then play with higher textures and effects. If that's the major source of lag, it would point towards your graphic card.


Then try again with high resolution and low resolution. Resolution challenges more the processor.

For you internet connection, try playing alone, or offline if TF2 allows it.

TF2 supports LAN