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Question

Upgrade path for i5-4570T

Mar 3, 2018 2:41PM PST

Looking to replace CPU due to excessive GPU bottlenecking.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Way back when
Mar 3, 2018 2:45PM PST

The i5-2500 would push three GPUs. Let's hear more. Is this some CPU bound game like Minecraft?

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CPU replacement.
Mar 3, 2018 2:48PM PST

Fallout 4 is my major problem. I've got 120 FPS when standing still, but it bottoms out frequently when moving, sometimes freezing for up to 3 minutes,

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Doesn't jive.
Mar 3, 2018 2:59PM PST
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CPU replacement.
Mar 3, 2018 2:56PM PST

I also know that it is a CPU problem, because every time it freezes, CPU usage jumps up to 100%.

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This 100% also is known to happen
Mar 3, 2018 3:06PM PST

When there is a disk error. But hey, your money. Just hate to see folk so convinced and have to take two tries to fix such a thing.

Which motherboard? Then we can check the CPU list. You don't pick the CPU, the motherboard picks the CPU.

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Or not...
Mar 3, 2018 3:13PM PST

Z87 Micro (lga 1150). So it's a HDD problem, or GFX card? HDD'd be cheaper, but I don't want to jump to SSD for such a large drive. 3TB Seagate Barricuda, which is 75% full... I could upgrade the GFX for roughly the same price as the CPU.

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Sorry but with a make, model, version
Mar 3, 2018 3:30PM PST

Of the motherboard I can't take a look at that for you.

The Speccy really helps here. In it I can check RAM performance, HDD smart values and more.

Given the story I would do nothing till we read the report.

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Or not...
Mar 3, 2018 3:37PM PST

Make: Selfbuilt. Model: MSi Z87m. Version of what?

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Some motherboards have versions.
Mar 3, 2018 3:52PM PST

That means we might get more or less CPUs on the CPU list. let's see what I can find with just that detail.

The CPU list appears to be at https://us.msi.com/Motherboard/support/Z87M-GAMING#support-cpu

Fortunately I don't see versions on that board.

Remember, if this is the usual issue, a new CPU will be nice but won't cure it. I've had clients disregard this advice, plow ahead and have to circle back to the real issue.

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Or not...
Mar 3, 2018 3:57PM PST

It's on the list, but like I'd asked, what's the m0st likely cause?

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Your Speccy report does reveal HDD issues.
Mar 3, 2018 4:14PM PST

Skip down to the ST3000DM001 and look at the first value. That's a very big number. Way too high.

07 is also showing issues.

Similar issues on the second HDD. You should ask others if that's a sign. It is for me.

Remember, I see this a lot, the owner will go get a better CPU and still see the 100% CPU use due to Windows going nearly single task to read the drives.

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Clarification Request
CPU replacement.
Mar 3, 2018 2:46PM PST

I'm on the rails about which chip I should go with. I want to go with a Xeon E3 1241 V3, but want to be sure that I'm not going to be missing any major features that an "i" series chip has. GPU in question is an AMD R9 270x. Have a 650W PS, if it matters.

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Clarification Request
Let's see the rest of the PC.
Mar 3, 2018 3:00PM PST
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Speccy Link
Mar 3, 2018 3:29PM PST
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Answer
A Speccy reading.
Mar 3, 2018 4:21PM PST

1. The Seagates drives appear to be showing read errors. Not good. Causes odd delays and 100% CPU spikes.

2. That GPU. Is it driving 2 displays? Cut back to one for gaming.

3. The RAM is dual channel which is good to see.

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Firewall disabled.
Mar 3, 2018 4:29PM PST

That's not going to help Bob.
Dafydd.

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If it were that easy.
Mar 3, 2018 4:32PM PST

One of the monitors is integrated into my frame (self built all-in-one, 13" screen), the other's a 24" external. But I can't disable the built in, because when I go to move it, I won't have a screen.

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While the core issue looks to be HDD read errors
Mar 3, 2018 4:35PM PST

While almost always peg the CPU to 100% that GPU is what it is. It may be best at 1080p but only one display. At least you know what's up now with the 100% CPU spikes.

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GFX reccomendation
Mar 3, 2018 4:40PM PST

Any recommendations for a ~$200 card of similar or better performance? Preferably AMD.

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Curious.
Mar 3, 2018 4:37PM PST

So both drives are failing?

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I would get them out of my game rig.
Mar 3, 2018 4:58PM PST

But compare the 560 noted at http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gpus,4380.html

I'm not writing this is the card to get or it will solve your existing HDD problems. Compare and see if it's better.


And both drives are showing issues. Seagate will tell you they are working. I'm writing these are creating issues.

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HDD Reccomendation
Mar 3, 2018 5:16PM PST

Any recommendations for a brand/model of hard drive? Preferably of the same size. And should I jump ship for an SSD, or are there any SSD's with that high of a capacity? $200 for whatever I get.

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Answer
Speccy
Mar 4, 2018 1:59AM PST

Run a chkdsk with the F and R option on all your drive letters.

Other than some time it's free.

See if anything changes.