A few questions on system slowdown prior to my new PC build

[hootman]

So I have the generator set on AD Low, GD Low, AAD Low, CPU Med, Structure Low, and standard settings on how many flights (I think it's 3 for both sides.

 

System specs:
i9 9900k (bios boost to 5 MHz)
Z390 Aorus Ultra-CF
64G DDR4 RAM
EVGA NVIDIA 3080Ti

 

I build my own rigs, and this one is about 3 years old, and a few gens behind on the mobo/CPU.

 

I usually build every 2 years, but in general this current rig handles almost everything I throw at it with graphics maxed out. DCS is a challenge, but it runs pretty well now that they have implemented MT capability. Elite Dangerous also runs great maxed out. VR of course is always a challenge finding a balance, but that's a VR thing, so not talking about that.

 

So just looking for some opinions on my particular observations, since I just recently started using PWCG (excellent utility BTW, really like it, may be the only way I'm going to play from here on out).

 

Normally I can run IL2 BOS on a single monitor 2560x1440 with all in game settings maxed, and also the NVIDIA control panel settings maxed out, at 80fps (I limit the FPS to 60 or 80 in most sim/games using the control panel). Usually it runs almost as well if I use trip monitors.

 

Utilizing the PWCG, I ran a mission in a Normandy Campaign, raid on an airfield near Calais with a flight of 8 P51.

 

Since I ran into some FPS/stuttering, I decided to run a test with MSI Afterburner in game to see how the GPU/CPU was holding up.

As I approached the Calais, the visible screen started to jerk a little as I looked side to side with TrackIR. FPS still at 80. GPU was at about 37%, CPU 16 threads were of course going up and down as it processed.

 

I monitored as I got closer, and all the ground flak and units in Calais became visible and began firing. At that point, the FPS began dropping, but never went below about 50 I think, with noticeable stuttering, but not freezing. 

 

Bottom line, the GPU the entire time, never exceed about 40%, and I think I saw the highest single thread was about 85%.

 

I'm not a genius, and of course we know that these days CPU is generally our issue with bottlenecking, so just a couple of questions.

 

1. At what % of CPU does bottlenecking begin affecting visible screen output / processing, FPS loss, and stuttering. I had always assumed it wa 100%, but based on my observations, are there other factors that cause this to occur once a thread starts getting around 80%?

 

2. Am I correct in believing that GPU is just fine to keep for an upgrade?

 

3. How much will an upgrade to a mid to upper level Z790 mobo with an i9 13900K and 64k of RAM improve my overall situation.

 

4. I do like to use OBS to stream and record. And I'm looking at probably recording the tracks also. How much does that stuff affect things? Is OBS itself killing me? I haven't really seen that to be a problem up until now. I don't think it eats up that many resources.

 

I've been researching, as I always do, and I can see the significance of the 13900k over the 9900k. I think the GPU is fine for now, as every thing I run is usually the CPU issue at this point. Once I get the 13900k, then I can re-evaluate the GPU at that point, but I'm not going to go crazy right now and just dump money into a 4090 unless I have to. There are already rumblings of a 5000 series next year.

 

Thoughts on upgrade and are there any other little tweaks I can do right now. The current slowdown is not enough to make me not have a good time, I'm just the type of person who can't stand stuttering, but will play through it, especially as it goes away when you move out of the problem area.

 

I realize there are people in far worse situations, but luckily I'm single and as I have aged a bit all my other hobbies have slowly stopped sucking money from me, and I don't mind spending on my gaming hobby. I just try to make sure I'm smart about it

 

Thanks again for a great utility.