CPU intensive settings I can adjust?

[ladlon]

Hello.  So, I have a decent GPU and a good amount of RAM, but my CPU is an older i7.

 

All my flight sims, including CloD and the BoX series, run very well, but I fear that I may run into some random stuttering or a bit of slowdown while playing the campaign (rather than just quick missions, which I've done up to now).

 

I'm wondering if there's any CPU intensive settings that I can adjust (reduce) in case there is some stuttering/slowdown as I explore the campaign.

[JonRedcorn]

5 minutes ago, ladlon said:

Hello.  So, I have a decent GPU and a good amount of RAM, but my CPU is an older i7.

 

All my flight sims, including CloD and the BoX series, run very well, but I fear that I may run into some random stuttering or a bit of slowdown while playing the campaign (rather than just quick missions, which I've done up to now).

 

I'm wondering if there's any CPU intensive settings that I can adjust (reduce) in case there is some stuttering/slowdown as I explore the campaign.

First thing you should do is fire up a campaign and see how it runs. Should be fine.

[ladlon]

Hello again, JonRedcorn!

 

I did a single mission in the campaign a few days ago.  Ran okay, but there was some noticable slowdown.  Still usable, but certainly not as silky as with quick missions.  I'd assume it's all the AI units.

 

As well, I suppose I do have to look into this TrackIR stutter thing I've been noticing in some posts.

 

Quick missions, etc are all at 60fps (I have it capped at that rate), and only seems to occassionally dip to 59 or 58.  But, there are occassional 1/4 second pauses (no biggie)... most likely due to that TrackIR thing (...only in that I am using a TrackIR5, so I assume it might be a factor).

 

I have settings pretty much all high (highish).. certainly nothing lowered to something I'm not happy about.  So, if there's some settings that are CPU intensive, I'd have no problem reducing them to get smoother frame rates in the campaign (or any heavier missions, as far as number of units).

[Mac_Messer]

I noticed the slowdowns too when things get hectic. FPS doesn`t fall below 59fps though things are definitely slower like 30fps. Basicly look for any settings requiring more calculations hence CPU power.

 

You can try lowering the front line activity setting.

Quality of shadows obviously lowers the load.

 

Other settings I`m not sure if they work like that.

[ladlon]

It certainly hasn't been 'bad', but you can almost feel the strain.  My FPS counter shows the same as you, not really dipping much (58fps maybe), but you can feel/see it.

 

That's why I'm hoping to find out what settings are specifically CPU intensive.

 

Yep, the frontline activity setting was the first thing I figured would be.  Number of AI would be one.

 

I wouldn't think shadows were, as I'd assume they are GPU specific, but I'll certainly try it.

 

I didn't notice any others that seemed obviously CPU related, so that's why I ask.

[TWC_Ace]

CPU calculates FM, DM and AI. Video settings are mostly on GPU.

[ladlon]

Ya, about the only setting that I think we got (that would be CPU focused) would be maybe Simplified Physics... although that might be a PhysX thing, which would be the GPU, too.

 

I have front line density set to Scattered, which is as low as it allows.

 

A shame there's not more CPU stuff I can tone down.

 

I was considering changeing the frame rate cap from 60 to maybe 40... with the theory that doing so would result in smoother rates (since it wouldn't dip lower than that, and would be more consistant, at least).

 

I read that setting the Max Pre-Rendered Frames to 1 might help... but, again, isn't that a GPU thing?

[Picchio]

10 minutes ago, ladlon said:

Ya, about the only setting that I think we got (that would be CPU focused) would be maybe Simplified Physics... although that might be a PhysX thing, which would be the GPU, too.

 

I have front line density set to Scattered, which is as low as it allows.

 

A shame there's not more CPU stuff I can tone down.

 

I was considering changeing the frame rate cap from 60 to maybe 40... with the theory that doing so would result in smoother rates (since it wouldn't dip lower than that, and would be more consistant, at least).

 

I read that setting the Max Pre-Rendered Frames to 1 might help... but, again, isn't that a GPU thing?

 

There is no Nvidia PhysX in this game.

In general, what happens in BoX is fewer units = better CPU performance (making it less likely to incur into the infamous slo-mo, which is not directly related to your frames-per-second).

What the options we're given (frontline density and difficulty) really do in the campaign is kind of (annoyingly) obscure: https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/34923-campaign-difficulty/

[dburne]

2 hours ago, ladlon said:

Ya, about the only setting that I think we got (that would be CPU focused) would be maybe Simplified Physics... although that might be a PhysX thing, which would be the GPU, too.

 

I have front line density set to Scattered, which is as low as it allows.

 

A shame there's not more CPU stuff I can tone down.

 

I was considering changeing the frame rate cap from 60 to maybe 40... with the theory that doing so would result in smoother rates (since it wouldn't dip lower than that, and would be more consistant, at least).

 

I read that setting the Max Pre-Rendered Frames to 1 might help... but, again, isn't that a GPU thing?

 

I wish we had more control over our graphics settings, rather than the presets. Very early days of EA we did then they changed to the presets. They have since added a little, but I always liked having more ability to tune them.

Controllers as well, I wish we had more configuration options for our controller setups.

 

I can certainly live with it like it is and do pretty much daily, but always hope maybe someday they might find a way to expand on those two items.

 

 

[Dutch2]

On 4/4/2019 at 4:02 AM, ladlon said:

Hello.  So, I have a decent GPU and a good amount of RAM, but my CPU is an older i7.

 

All my flight sims, including CloD and the BoX series, run very well, but I fear that I may run into some random stuttering or a bit of slowdown while playing the campaign (rather than just quick missions, which I've done up to now).

 

I'm wondering if there's any CPU intensive settings that I can adjust (reduce) in case there is some stuttering/slowdown as I explore the campaign.

All the AI that BoX has to generate like moving ground objects or war activities on the ground, will cost you CPU power as being explained by @=VARP=Tvrdi

 

On 4/4/2019 at 3:49 PM, =VARP=Tvrdi said:

CPU calculates FM, DM and AI. Video settings are mostly on GPU.

 

If wanting to reduce the CPU load while playing Campaign mode you can use the PWCG. This PWCG does have a few adjustments that  turns the AI calculations down, just play with these adjustments and notice the effects. 

[ladlon]

Good idea about using PWCG, as that will most likely give me some control over CPU reliant things.

 

That's the whole reason I ask... I can assume what things would be CPU heavy, but there doesn't seem to be any settings (in BoX) to modify them... at least obvious ones.  So, I was kind of hoping there may be some settings I didn't realize were CPU heavy...or there would be some cfg file tinkering that could reduce CPU load (ex. number of AI on battlefield, etc).

 

The only thing I could find, as I said, was the Simplified Physics setting.

 

But, ya, good call on the PWCG suggestion. I was meaning to do that at some point anyway!  So, possible win-win there!

[Scott_Steiner]

Pretty sure that micro-stutters are when textures and other graphical information are loading into VRAM or possibly items loading into conventional memory. I think you are barking up the wrong tree by looking at CPU optimization.

[ladlon]

Well, the only reason I am focusing on CPU related settings, is because my CPU is definitely the weakest aspect of the system.  The video card is a 1060 3G, and I have 12 gigs of RAM, so although not a super-system, those components are not horrible.

 

I can't speak for how fast the RAM is (as that's equally as old), and the drive might also be contributing to some issues... That will be remedied soon, though.

 

I'm getting 60fps, with occasional dips to 59 (sitting around)...  Sure, an occasional microstutter, but definitely nothing to complain about (...and MAY be linked to the TrackIR, from what I am reading).

 

But, since I'm now starting to explore things beyond Quick Missions, I'm concerned that my CPU may start getting strained, due to (primarily) the increased battlefield AI.  So, I'm just being a bit proactive, and trying to see if there's any settings (CPU intensive) that I can lower to counter that.

 

I'm considering looking into overclocking, although that intimidates me to no end.... plus, it's even more complex than I originally anticipated.  Certainly would suck to blow up my main computer here....  although, that would then 'force' me to buy a new (and beefy) system....   New (modern) RAM, new motherboard, new CPU.... Definitely would be a huge improvement....     Hrmmm........ ?

 

Ya, hard to say.  I'm certainly not experiencing bad frame rates.  I think the last session (campaign) had occasional dips to 40fps, at worst... which, in my world, is still just fine.

 

Even if some of the stutters are not CPU issues, I know the CPU IS a very weak aspect, so knowing if there's anything I can alter in the settings that will help that, it'll be good to know.

 

Who knows... my drive may be badly fragmented, too...  Again, new, clean, large drive is going to enter the picture very soon... and with that, my flight sims will be cleanly installed first, so they get top, unfragmented space to live in (and the drive is probably faster than the current one, too).

Edited April 6, 2019 by ladlon

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

13 hours ago, ladlon said:

Well, the only reason I am focusing on CPU related settings, is because my CPU is definitely the weakest aspect of the system.  The video card is a 1060 3G, and I have 12 gigs of RAM, so although not a super-system, those components are not horrible.

That's not necessarily true. There have been many posts stating that the 3 GB version is insufficient for Il-2 at certain settings. That can be verified by checking GPU usage in the 'Performance' tab in Task Manager. If it's hitting 100%, you'll know that the GPU is limiting. Of course, it's entirely possible that the CPU is indeed the problem. However, it's always good to double-check.

 

I'd suggest dropping to 'Balanced' settings and changing Distant Landscape to see if anything changes. From earlier discussions of tests, I know that certain settings affect CPU-bound situations, probably via the cost of draw calls.

Edited April 6, 2019 by Mitthrawnuruodo

[ladlon]

Interesting point...  3gigs may not be enough these days.  I don't have 4K textures checked, but nevertheless, it could still be pushing that 3gigs.

 

Ya, I'd actually be very interested in seeing the actual strain (beyond a FPS meter).

 

I don't see any GPU info in the task manager.  Is that just a Win10 thing?  I'm running Win7 here.

 

I checked the Resource Monitor as well, but that too doesn't appear to have any GPU info.

 

I don't recall seeing any sort of GPU monitor in the NVidia software, either, unfortunately.

 

I fully realize that this is an ancient system. So, even with 12 gigs of RAM, it's 12 gigs of OLD RAM... on an OLD motherboard.  And the CPU is an old 2.6ghz i7.  The video card is recently bought, and nothing terrible, even today... but, ya, the VRam could certainly be better.  The card DID make a huge difference in the system, though.  All my games/sims actually ran fine, with reasonable settings (...I'm not a 4K gamer as it is, which helps).  But, just with the card update, I was able to put settings higher and/or get pretty silky frame rates.

 

A new system would be great in so many respects... not just MODERN components, but 'new' (as in not having many years of use against them).  I wouldn't cheap out, and would end up with a really nice system (...again, luckily, I'm not after 4k resolution or anything like that, so I don't have to reach too high).

 

I'm just holding off on a system purchase, as I have more important things to spend the money on.  But, it'll happen at some point.  But, for now, I have to see what little tweeks I can make (NVidia settings, defragging, in-game settings, etc) that might make things a little better.  I've actually seen a lot of vids about overclocking my specific CPU (which is encouraging)... but that stuff just intimidates me to no end.  A little too far out of my comfort zone on that stuff...  I'd only want to boost it just a tiny bit, though.  Even going from 2.6 to 2.8 would be a nice boost for me.

Edited April 6, 2019 by ladlon

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

3 hours ago, ladlon said:

I don't see any GPU info in the task manager.  Is that just a Win10 thing?  I'm running Win7 here.

 

That's quite possible. Perhaps someone can suggest an alternative monitoring software that you could use with your operating system.

 

As for overclocking, people may be able to help if you post more details, such as the exact CPU and motherboard models. Sometimes, there are guides for specific motherboard/CPU combinations that tell you what to do step-by-step for a moderate overclock.

 

Also, some people have claimed that using SSDs instead of hard drives reduces stuttering issues in some cases, although I have never been able to verify it myself (haven't installed games on a hard drive for almost a decade).

Edited April 6, 2019 by Mitthrawnuruodo

[Dutch2]

17 hours ago, ladlon said:

Ya, about the only setting that I think we got (that would be CPU focused) would be maybe Simplified Physics... although that might be a PhysX thing, which would be the GPU, too.

 

I have front line density set to Scattered, which is as low as it allows.

 

A shame there's not more CPU stuff I can tone down.

 

I was considering changeing the frame rate cap from 60 to maybe 40... with the theory that doing so would result in smoother rates (since it wouldn't dip lower than that, and would be more consistant, at least).

 

I read that setting the Max Pre-Rendered Frames to 1 might help... but, again, isn't that a GPU thing?

 

In this frame cap case it is maybe better to disable the ingame Vsync and set in the Nvidia control panel the The Vsync to adaptive Vsync. 

He is talking about slowdowns and a slowdown looks to me more an CPU bottleneck then GPU related. If reading his complain I think one CPU core is reaching >90% load, so it slows down the game. Keep in your mind fast small peaks can not be detected. 

 

We could all trying to guess what is the root cause, but why not determine what is the problem, download afterburner/Riva tool, at https://www.msi.com/page/afterburner

Check the last afterburner tutorials on youtube on how to make an ingame readout. 

Now you can onscreen check if one or more CPU cores are overflowing, GPU Vram is to low or GPU core is maxing.

 

When I was playing in the flat monitor world I always used software like afterburner to determine the best adjustments. 

Edited April 6, 2019 by Dutch2

[TWC_Ace]

Distant landscape with more than 2x settings demands 6gb vram card. Though it depends of monitor resolution.

Edited April 6, 2019 by =VARP=Tvrdi

[ladlon]

Hi, guys.  Thanks for all that interesting/useful info.

 

Overclocking: Yes, actually I am lucky enough that the specific CPU I have on this particular system seems to be a popular one for overclocking.  So, there is actually very detailed tutorial videos on overclocking it.  Besides the fact that it's unfamiliar territory for me, this system is also a bit notorious for not having good cooling, so the risk factor seems like it may be a concern.  I'll have to do a lot more research on it, and get some asseesments from people.  It's (unfortunately) a pre-made Gateway system, so a bit restrictive (by design).  It's an FX6802, the CPU is an i7 920 2.67GHz (...ouch...), and the motherboard is a Gateway TBGM01, with 12gigs of DDR3 1333 RAM.  Very old system, but still kicking.  I have a much better rig beside it for my work, but I refuse to put games and stuff like that on it (...keeping it 'clean'...).

 

SSD: Ya, I was considering that, at least for my flight sims (BoX, CloD, DCS, XPlane).  I may still do that at some point, since it's worth a try.

 

VSync (NVidia vs In-Game): Interesting tip.  I'll try that.  In the case of BoX, I found I definitely need it, as it was one of the few games where I did notice significant screen tearing.

 

Afterburner: Hey, I actually DO have that software.  I grabbed it years ago, but never really got into it.  I'll have to look into it again.  I think I originally thought it was a CPU thing, but when I realized it was a GPU thing, I guess I assumed it would be of no real use... but, I can definitely see it might be now.

 

CPU/GPU: As you can see, my CPU is definitely a dominant bottleneck/restriction, which is why I am (initially) focused on it.  The other components are fine, yet they too can definitely have their own issues....  Despite having 12gigs of RAM, it's 12gigs of OLD (probably relatively slow) RAM... and although the card is 'good' (and newly bought), the VRam may still not be ideal, as pointed out.  The drive, too, is old and probably not the fastest.  So, ya, I'm definitely not denying there are possibly other factors.  I just know the CPU is (probably?) the largest restriction of the lot.

 

Distant Landscape:  Good tip.  I'll have to check where mine is set.  That was a setting I wanted to adjust, actually.  If it is the same one I'm thinking of, I believe (by default) it's set quite high.  Certainly something I have no problem setting lower.  I play everything at 1920x1080, and usually have settings on High (if it works), but usually avoid Ultra settings (again, unless they work).  I've found my 1060 3G seems to really allow me to have high/very high settings for most things, which is a pleasant surprise.

 

Okay, I'll have a really good look at all this on my next session.  Some really helpful feedback there, guys.  Very much appreciated.  So good to find a forum where they don't just shout 'Get a new system!' (...although, ya, that would be a solution.  But, the time isn't right.  Got to be responsible, and make due with what I have.  It's certainly running well... I'm just being proactive, as I figure the campaign may strain the CPU....).

[TWC_Ace]

For 1080p 1060 3GB is more than enough for this game and 8GBs of RAM also. At least for high settings (just dont use SSAO and more than 2X distant landscape). Never saw this sim using more than 5GBs at 1200p.

Edited April 6, 2019 by =VARP=Tvrdi

[ladlon]

Yep, Quick Missions run just lovely.

 

I think I recently shut off SSAO (as a result of the suggestion on this forum).

 

I'm not sure which setting is Distant Landscape.  There's a view distance setting, and a detail one.  The detail one is at default (...I think that's the one that has options like 2x, etc  So, I guess that's the one you are referring to.  If so, I think that's already set 'low'... not 2x or anything like that).

 

In my last session, I noted some micro pauses when moving my head using TrackIR (...so, seemingly a 'loading geometry/textures or calculating geometry' thing... I think).  I'm getting suspicious of disk fragmentation (...as a partial cause, at least).

 

I made some changes today, but haven't taken off and tested things yet.  Later today...

[TWC_Ace]

1 hour ago, ladlon said:

Yep, Quick Missions run just lovely.

 

I think I recently shut off SSAO (as a result of the suggestion on this forum).

 

I'm not sure which setting is Distant Landscape.  There's a view distance setting, and a detail one.  The detail one is at default (...I think that's the one that has options like 2x, etc  So, I guess that's the one you are referring to.  If so, I think that's already set 'low'... not 2x or anything like that).

 

In my last session, I noted some micro pauses when moving my head using TrackIR (...so, seemingly a 'loading geometry/textures or calculating geometry' thing... I think).  I'm getting suspicious of disk fragmentation (...as a partial cause, at least).

 

I made some changes today, but haven't taken off and tested things yet.  Later today...

Distant landscape detail is the setting. I had it at 2X when I was using 1060 3GB (on 1200p) and no issues. Try that. This means, when you are at high alt your landscape at distance wont be in lower res. With that card I was also running 4k textures, vsync on (60Hz monitor) and full screen off (resolution must be the same as native resolution of your monitor). Custom skins (for MP) I always have turned off.

Edited April 6, 2019 by =VARP=Tvrdi

[ladlon]

Oh, so is 2x actually better (as far as frame rates) than the default (1x?)?  I thought the higher 'multipliers' would be more intense.  I wasn't really clear on what that does.

 

I don't think it's explained in the manual, as I think it was added after the manual printing (...the settings screen in the manual is quite simple compared to the current version).

 

Ya, I did the 'Windowed' trick, hearing that it's better than Fullscreen (as long as you have the resolution match your monitor, as you say.

[SCG_OpticFlow]

6 hours ago, ladlon said:

Hi, guys.  Thanks for all that interesting/useful info.

 

Overclocking: Yes, actually I am lucky enough that the specific CPU I have on this particular system seems to be a popular one for overclocking.  So, there is actually very detailed tutorial videos on overclocking it.  Besides the fact that it's unfamiliar territory for me, this system is also a bit notorious for not having good cooling, so the risk factor seems like it may be a concern.  I'll have to do a lot more research on it, and get some asseesments from people.  It's (unfortunately) a pre-made Gateway system, so a bit restrictive (by design).  It's an FX6802, the CPU is an i7 920 2.67GHz (...ouch...), and the motherboard is a Gateway TBGM01, with 12gigs of DDR3 1333 RAM.  Very old system, but still kicking.  I have a much better rig beside it for my work, but I refuse to put games and stuff like that on it (...keeping it 'clean'...).

 

SSD: Ya, I was considering that, at least for my flight sims (BoX, CloD, DCS, XPlane).  I may still do that at some point, since it's worth a try.

 

VSync (NVidia vs In-Game): Interesting tip.  I'll try that.  In the case of BoX, I found I definitely need it, as it was one of the few games where I did notice significant screen tearing.

 

Afterburner: Hey, I actually DO have that software.  I grabbed it years ago, but never really got into it.  I'll have to look into it again.  I think I originally thought it was a CPU thing, but when I realized it was a GPU thing, I guess I assumed it would be of no real use... but, I can definitely see it might be now.

 

CPU/GPU: As you can see, my CPU is definitely a dominant bottleneck/restriction, which is why I am (initially) focused on it.  The other components are fine, yet they too can definitely have their own issues....  Despite having 12gigs of RAM, it's 12gigs of OLD (probably relatively slow) RAM... and although the card is 'good' (and newly bought), the VRam may still not be ideal, as pointed out.  The drive, too, is old and probably not the fastest.  So, ya, I'm definitely not denying there are possibly other factors.  I just know the CPU is (probably?) the largest restriction of the lot.

 

Distant Landscape:  Good tip.  I'll have to check where mine is set.  That was a setting I wanted to adjust, actually.  If it is the same one I'm thinking of, I believe (by default) it's set quite high.  Certainly something I have no problem setting lower.  I play everything at 1920x1080, and usually have settings on High (if it works), but usually avoid Ultra settings (again, unless they work).  I've found my 1060 3G seems to really allow me to have high/very high settings for most things, which is a pleasant surprise.

 

Okay, I'll have a really good look at all this on my next session.  Some really helpful feedback there, guys.  Very much appreciated.  So good to find a forum where they don't just shout 'Get a new system!' (...although, ya, that would be a solution.  But, the time isn't right.  Got to be responsible, and make due with what I have.  It's certainly running well... I'm just being proactive, as I figure the campaign may strain the CPU....).

 

12 GB is uncommon number for RAM. Are you running identical modules in dual channel configuration?

[ladlon]

I think it's actually 6 2gig sticks....  It's a pre-built Gateway system (...my first and last pre-built rig...).  I guess they did that to discourage adding/replacing the RAM, as some of these prebuild companies want you to keep your hands off!  I believe they are Samsung sticks.  1333's.  I'm quite sure they are hardly impressive in any way these days.  Quite old system (but still running, and playing all my games/sims quite well, I have to say).

 

Nothing about it allows for upgrading, aside from the video card (originally an NVidia GTX 500 series, recently upgraded to a 1060 3G, which definitely helped).  Proprietary motherboard... can't really update the RAM nor the CPU.  Pretty much have to just get a whole new system... which I will, eventually.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Unfortunately with that motherboard overclocking seems virtually impossible. Knowing that it's an i7-920, you're almost certainly right about the CPU bottleneck. 

 

That CPU has roughly half the single-thread performance of popular gaming CPUs today, so an upgrade is certainly justified. 

[ladlon]

Ya, but oddly enough, I found a number of overclocking vids for that CPU in particular, which was a real surprise.

 

Not sure if the motherboard would be a restriction to overclocking, or if only the CPU is the deciding factor on whether or not you can do it.  Again, kind of new territory for me.

 

Frustrating rig, in that it blocks you from updating virtually anything (other than the video card).

 

Still, to its credit, it must be well over 10 years old now, and is still running fine (...original Win7 install and C drive, too).  The only thing that died on it was the front hot-swappable drive bay shorted out (or, the drive in it shorted out) at the connector... so, I avoid using it (despite it having TWO bays).... which, unfortunately, also makes it challenging to have multiple drives in there!  One drive is actually on the bottom of the case, resting on a bed of foam!

 

The new drive (1TB Black Western Digital) will actually be going into a drive bay  that goes into the CD rack....  I realized only recently that they actually have HD trays that fit in the CD bays, which solves the whole problem of where to put the drive, when the front drive bays are fried!  Once that's in, I'm installing my flight/racing sims on that new drive, which will probably help a bit (faster/newer drive, compared to the old C drive everything is on curently).  Plus, it will probably benefit from not being on the C drive (not sharing read/writes with the O/S, not getting as fragmented by system writes, etc).  Every little bit helps.

 

It's going to be seriously sweet when I finally do buy the new rig, though...

 

(Side note:  Funny... I was going through old (90's) tax documents, and came across several of my receipts for previous rigs I had back then...  Wow, they were all like $3000 and up.  Things were expensive back then!  And, I guess I had more income, too!)  I'm actually surprised how little a good rig will cost me now.... well, at least until you add the tax (...ouch).

[Scott_Steiner]

Yes, a good computer is a lot cheaper now and also, lasts a lot longer.. As you are well aware of by trying to extend the life out of your Gateway. All a good thing for consumers like us.

[SCG_OpticFlow]

8 hours ago, ladlon said:

Ya, but oddly enough, I found a number of overclocking vids for that CPU in particular, which was a real surprise.

 

Not sure if the motherboard would be a restriction to overclocking, or if only the CPU is the deciding factor on whether or not you can do it.  Again, kind of new territory for me.

 

Frustrating rig, in that it blocks you from updating virtually anything (other than the video card).

 

Still, to its credit, it must be well over 10 years old now, and is still running fine (...original Win7 install and C drive, too).  The only thing that died on it was the front hot-swappable drive bay shorted out (or, the drive in it shorted out) at the connector... so, I avoid using it (despite it having TWO bays).... which, unfortunately, also makes it challenging to have multiple drives in there!  One drive is actually on the bottom of the case, resting on a bed of foam!

 

The new drive (1TB Black Western Digital) will actually be going into a drive bay  that goes into the CD rack....  I realized only recently that they actually have HD trays that fit in the CD bays, which solves the whole problem of where to put the drive, when the front drive bays are fried!  Once that's in, I'm installing my flight/racing sims on that new drive, which will probably help a bit (faster/newer drive, compared to the old C drive everything is on curently).  Plus, it will probably benefit from not being on the C drive (not sharing read/writes with the O/S, not getting as fragmented by system writes, etc).  Every little bit helps.

  

It's going to be seriously sweet when I finally do buy the new rig, though...

 

(Side note:  Funny... I was going through old (90's) tax documents, and came across several of my receipts for previous rigs I had back then...  Wow, they were all like $3000 and up.  Things were expensive back then!  And, I guess I had more income, too!)  I'm actually surprised how little a good rig will cost me now.... well, at least until you add the tax (...ouch).

 

I saw now the CPU specs, it has actually a triple channel memory controller, so 6 modules is correct.

 

If you manage to overclock the CPU, you need to be aware that temps and power consumption would increase exponentially with speed (putting stress on other components -- fans, PSU). Mild overclock might be worth it though.

[ladlon]

Exactly... Which is why I avoided trying it (...that, and not being familiar with this sort of thing).

 

Luckily, I'd only want to go from 2.6 to maybe 2.8... maybe 3.0 if it doesn't cause a fire.  Certainly not 4.  Just a little boost, as it already performs surprisingly well.

 

But, ya, the system is notorious for running warm as it is... and I think things are 'worse' now (with age and the current configuration of drives, etc).

 

I have a 550 power supply, but no idea how much that's being currently tapped.  Three SATA drives, one 1060 3G,   I put a larger fan at the back, and added a large fan on the side (by the ventaliation grill in the side panel).  Hard to say how the temps are.

 

I check on things using HWInfo (monitoring software), but it seems the CPU monitor is inaccurate for some reason (impossibly high... yet the system has been running like this for over a decade).  Everything else (temps) is fine.

 

But, I'm not familiar enough with overclocking to even guess the risk or how far I can push it.  I'll be looking into it when I can, as it seems I might actually be able to push it a bit, as you mention... and that's all I want.

[Dakpilot]

Get a small SSD for you better work machine and install BoS on that drive, your work machine will remain clean

?

 

(I struggled with a 920 for a quite a while) 

Cheers, Dakpilot 

 

[ladlon]

Ya, that certainly would be a solution... although it seems that so many programs/games insist on putting random files/folders scattered outside of the main install folder (...MyDocuments... AppData.. MyGames...  User folders, etc).  Always annoyed me.  Plus, that just serves to add further fragmentation to the O/S drive, when they do that, with all the writes to it.

 

But, it's running well... I'm just trying to make it even better, just in case the campaigns stress it.  I'll try a few of the ideas/tweeks presented here.

 

I WILL be getting a new system... at some point.  I'm just being good, and spending my money on important things first. 

[Dakpilot]

BoS does none of that, (unless you are using steam) it would all live in one folder on the separate drive, SSD is simply best and cheap enough these days

 

Cheers, Dakpilot 

[SCG_OpticFlow]

On 4/8/2019 at 11:27 PM, Dakpilot said:

Get a small SSD for you better work machine and install BoS on that drive, your work machine will remain clean

?

 

(I struggled with a 920 for a quite a while) 

Cheers, Dakpilot 

 

 

Yes, while SSD won't improve the stutters, it makes loading the game much faster... I can recommend the one I'm using, Samsung 860 Pro 256GB.