Will-my-pc-run-Arma3? What cpu/gpu to get? What settings? What system specifications?

[LSD_Timewarp82 21]

It´s your own decision, if the voltage is the same as with turbomode when your PC is in load mode the difference in temperature will be marginal better. Check the load Voltage of CPU with and without Turbomode, and check it when CPU is in Load mode. When Volatages are the same you can stay with turbomode

Voltage makes the music in PC Overclocking ^^

[betterhidegood 10]

Hi all I have a gtx 760 2gb SC, I5 3570k @ 4.5 GHZ just wonder which of these to upgrade in order to gain an extra 5-10 FPS in King Of the Hill. Thanks in advance!

[Groove_C 267]

@betterhidegood

Get higher clocked RAM.

2400 MHz instead of 1600 MHz. This will give you up to 5-7 FPS more.

Get 16 GB of it instead of 8 GB only. This way, you can disable the "paging file" on your HDD, preventing stuff being stored/loaded on/from your HDD. Everything will remain stored in RAM an will load lightning fast.

Get a SSD to get ride of stuttering and wired textures situations because of slow loading speeds of a HDD. Less FPS loss while recording!

To consider:

SSD used in this video is a cheap 120 GB Kingston SSDNow V300 with only 180 MB/s read and 133 MB/s write.

CPU used in this video is a cheap AMD 6600K even thought it's clocked @ 4.4 GHz.

With a better SSD like Samsung 840/850 Evo/Pro with over 500 MB/s read/write + an Intel CPU the difference would have been even greater!

A GTX 980 won't give you much more FPS than your GTX 760. Atleast not in ArmA )))

A GTX 760 is more or less the same as A GTX 680 performance wise.

GTX 680 vs. R9 290X vs. GTX 980/970

GTX 780Ti/780/770 vs. R9 290X/290/280X vs. GTX 980/970

Test configuration

i7-4770K @ 4,5 GHz

2×4 GB DDR3 1866 MHz 9-10-9-27 2T

Plextor M3 Pro 256 GB SSD

A higher speced GPU will make a slight difference only when using:

FSAA: 4x/8x

AToC: trees + grass (alpha to coverage anti-aliasing / transparent anti-aliasing)

Blur + Bloom

SSAO (ambient occlusion)

PPAA (postprocessing anti-aliasing)

SHADOW: high, very high or ultra (normal and below settings are processed by CPU only)

---------- Post added at 11:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 AM ----------

And thanks groove that does help a little as I do like running my aa and pp up... But it doesnt change fps much when I drop them or disable them bloom/blur/aa/pp etc... So I'm assuming that means CPU would be my best bet?

While playing an i7 (4790K that you want) @ 4.5 GHz won't give you more FPS than an i5 (3570K in your case) @ 4.5 GHz.

While recording there will be less FPS loss with an i7 vs. i5.

Don't expect an i7-4790K to clock higher (i. e. 4.7-4.9 GHz) than your i5 (4.5 GHz).

CPU bench/chart @ Helicopters Showcase (20 seconds flight).

Original bench/chart picture link

Test configuration:

ASUS X99 Deluxe (LGA 2011-v3) - 4x4 GB DDR4 2133 (13-13-13)

ASUS P9X79 (LGA 2011) - 4x4 GB DDR3 1600 (9-9-9)

ASUS Z97-A (LGA 1150) - 2X4 GB DDR3 1600 (9-9-9)

ASUS Sabertooth 990FX R2.0 (AM3+) - 2X4 GB DDR3 1600 (9-9-9)

GTX 780 Ti (875 MHz)

Sandisk Ultra II SSD

1920x1080 @ Ultra (no AA)

Win 8.1 x64

In this bench/chart:

i7-4970K gives you 33.1 FPS, only because of it's 4.0 GHz default frequency (regardless of Hyper-Threading).

i7-4770K gives you 30.0 FPS, because of it's 3.5 GHz default frequency (regardless of Hyper-Threading).

i5-4670K gives you 28.5 FPS, because of it's 3.4 GHz default frequency.

i5-3570K will give you 28.5 FPS as well, because of it's 3.4 GHz default frequency.

i7-5820K gives you only 26.6 FPS, because of it's 3.3 GHz default frequency (regardless of it being a 6 cores CPU + Hyper-Threading).

If you clock all these CPUs to the same speed (i. e. 4.5 GHz), there won't be any FPS difference.

So keep your i5-3570K (4.5 GHz).

Edited October 8, 2014 by Groove_C

[betterhidegood 10]

Thanks again man!

[massey_sd 10]

Ok, great news, it appears LSD_Timewarp82 was right.

I installed my new cooler, the Noctua NH-U14S, and ran Prime95. (The first option: Small FFT's.)

With my stock cooler, it would go to 95°C+ (even 100°C) in a matter of seconds. (In Core Temp).

Now I let it ran for quite a while, and max it got to was 74°C. (In Core Temp.)

But in the software called "Dual Intelligent Processors," it shows something like 60°C, or a bit higher.

And when the CPU is idle, it's definitely lower as well.

When idle, the cores are at 29°C-32°C. (Core Temp)

But I did notice that, even when the CPU is idle, there are spikes from time to time, up until 38°C. Is this normal?

But usually, they stay around 29°C-32°C.

Is this normal for a Not-OC'ed i7-4790K (@ 4.0GHz) with a great aftermarket cooler? Or should it be even lower.

PS: The Noctua NH-U14S comes with thermal paste, NT-H1.

Just mentioning that, in case you're looking for a new cooler, and you decide to get this one.

Oh, PS: Normally my Mobo would be 32°C. But now it's 30°C all the time... (In "Dual Intelligent Processors 5".)

Edited October 8, 2014 by Massey_sd

[LSD_Timewarp82 21]

Of course i was right, i earn my money with buildings Rigs for Customers. Why should i have to tell you shit, i had no reason to do so.

Your Temperatures are good man, you can only optimize the Airflow in the case, mostly this should give another 3 to 8°C (depends on many factors like Roomtemparture and so on)

[tonschuh 3]

Some of the Temps are only calculated / guessed by the tools, as your CPU is missing at least one sensor as far I know / heard about it.

I'm really not sure if I will go for one of that CPU's when I will do my next upgrade, because I dislike that the max temps are 5C lower, but the whole CPU is already running much hotter, even without a large OC.

:)

[massey_sd 10]

Ok, my new RAM arrived...

With Helo's ArmA3Mark benchmarking, I get...

Stratis: 44FPS. 2FPS increase when compared to my other RAM

Altis: 42FPS. 4FPS increase.

For my rig, which is in my sig, is this fine?

Or should it be higher?

I expected a bigger increase in FPS to be honest...

A bit disappointed.

PS: How do I take screenshots in Arma3?

When I want to Print Screen my Video Settings, and I paste it into Paint, all I get is black.

EDIT:

Actually, I noticed that Turbo Mode was enabled again (even though I disabled it yesterday), that's why I had the increase in FPS...

Disabled Turbo Mode again, and it's the same FPS as with my old ram... 42FPS. How is that possible?

WTF?

And I did notice buildings and trees flickering from time to time while using Helo's Arma3Mark...

And the temperatures of the cores of my CPU when idle are higher again... 33°-36°C...

Same goes for my Mobo, 36°C...

And the Core0-3 Voltage show 0.720v all the time...

While before, it would be 0.000v, or, 0.028 from time to time, when idle...

Now it's 0.720 all the time, when not doing anything. (EDIT: Alright, restarted my PC, now it changes.)

Did another benchmark, and now it's 41 and 39 FPS...

This can't be right, going from 1866MHz to 2800MHz, and basically, no increase in FPS...

What a waste of money, lol...

And it also takes longer to boot my computer...

EDIT: Alright, rebooted for like a fourth of fifth time, and now it's extremely fast...

And temperatures of my CPU are lower again when idle...

VRM is also lower, but Mobo is still quite high... Was only 28°C; or 30°C yesterday...

36°C now.

EDIT:

Wtf, this can't be right...

Did another benchmark, Stratis...

Now it's only 35 FPS.

This can't be right...

And now the temperature of my Mobo is 40°C.....

Also, I rebooted again, and, in BIOS, Turbo Mode is always Enabled automatically...

I have to disable it every time.

EDIT: Now temperature of my Mobo dropped to 36°C again.

And VRM to 32°C...

EDIT: But this 35FPS I had during my latest benchmark... that's just not possible, if you look at the rig I have...

And a jump of 8°C more or less for my mobo. Even 12°C at one time...

My new ram did come with 2 fans though, and I did install them.

EDIT: Did 3 benchmarks in a row, the Stratis map; and 3 times, 37FPS...

Something's wrong here, that's for sure...

With my 1866MHz memory, I had 42 or some shit.

Anyone got any suggestions?

I'm thinking about taking it to a computer store and let computer specialists have a look at it...

Now my FPS is lower... That's just not possible.

Edited October 9, 2014 by Massey_sd

[LSD_Timewarp82 21]

The result is nothing other than i expected, that is what i always try to say to some people that upgrading ram is worth a shit. But there are a couple of members which trying to tell you that you will gain huge boost from "upgrading" your Ram. This is so ridiculous.

I think this is what you get, you wont be able to get more frames, Armas Engine wont allow that. Unless no optimizations to the Engine will start you wont be able to get higher framerates. And those 4 frames you won there, you gonna loose them in the next framedrop. And value stays the same as with your old ram.

Edit: When you press Print the pics should be in your Arma3 root folder.

[massey_sd 10]

The result is nothing other than i expected, that is what i always try to say to some people that upgrading ram is worth a shit. But there are a couple of members which trying to tell you that you will gain huge boost from "upgrading" your Ram. This is so ridiculous.

I think this is what you get, you wont be able to get more frames, Armas Engine wont allow that. Unless no optimizations to the Engine will start you wont be able to get higher framerates. And those 4 frames you won there, you gonna loose them in the next framedrop. And value stays the same as with your old ram.

Edit: When you press Print the pics should be in your Arma3 root folder.

Oh, ... Yes, I know you've mentioned that you build rigs for a living, so don't you worry, I listen carefully to what you have to say :)...

But still, my FPS "DROPPED!!!," when compared to my old ram... Like 5-6-7 FPS or something...

That shouldn't be happening right?

EDIT: Nothing appears in my Arma3 root folder.

---------- Post added at 19:06 ---------- Previous post was at 18:48 ----------

This is according to Fraps, with my old ram, 1866MHz...

http://i60.tinypic.com/2a80nzb.png (140 kB)

And Fraps with new ram, 2800MHz...

http://i57.tinypic.com/258wi6x.png (106 kB)

And I just checked the Altis map... 32FPS... And with my old ram I had over 40...

The Altis map kinda convinced me to perhaps bring my computer to a computer store or some shit...

A drop of 10 fps, with much better ram.....?

Edited October 9, 2014 by Massey_sd

[LSD_Timewarp82 21]

Can you give me the exact modelnames of the ram you own, best from the old and new ones. Possible that the new ram is running with a CL3 timing, i can check it for you, then we can talk about further strategy (eventually overclocking it, but we will see)

[massey_sd 10]

Can you give me the exact modelnames of the ram you own, best from the old and new ones. Possible that the new ram is running with a CL3 timing, i can check it for you, then we can talk about further strategy (eventually overclocking it, but we will see)

http://www.gskill.com/en/product/f3-2800c12d-16gtxdg This is the ram I currently own.

My old ram is: http://www.corsair.com/en-au/vengeance-pro-series-16gb-2-x-8gb-ddr3-dram-1866mhz-c9-memory-kit-cmy16gx3m2a1866c9

Thanks.

I wonder if there's something wrong with it...

EDIT: And like I mentioned before, in BIOS, 'Turbo Mode' always switches to 'Enabled,' even if I disable it... lol

PS: Do you think there might be something wrong with this RAM? Or, whenever there is something wrong with RAM, the computer doesn't boot or something?

I don't know actually.

Edited October 9, 2014 by Massey_sd

[LSD_Timewarp82 21]

You can check your Ram with a tool named "Memtest" but i dont think that your Ram is broken. I think your Ram doesnt run with the speed he usually should. Can you check it with how many Mhz your Modules are running at the moment?

[massey_sd 10]

You can check your Ram with a tool named "Memtest" but i dont think that your Ram is broken. I think your Ram doesnt run with the speed he usually should. Can you check it with how many Mhz your Modules are running at the moment?

You know...

I just went to BIOS, and, guess what, my RAM was 'AUTOMATICALLY' Reset to 1333MHz, and, the XMP Profile not loaded...

Even though those were the 2 first things that I did when I installed my new RAM...

Now it's running at 2800MHz, and XMP Enabled, And, on stratis, I get 42fps... (But with my old 1866Mhz, I had 44fps)

My BIOS just automatically resets certain settings.

So now it's enabled, (wonder when it's gonna get changed again automatically), but still, only 42fps...

Is that normal?

EDIT: And Altis now 39fps. (I had 42fps with my old ram)

Edited October 9, 2014 by Massey_sd

[LSD_Timewarp82 21]

Well, yes that is normal. No other game had so many complaints due low fps than Arma. Did you run the CPU on Turbomode meanwhile, as i remember correctly you set it to Off last time.

For this instant reset there must be an option in the Bios, i will check some articles so i can tell you how to disable it when there is such an option

[massey_sd 10]

Well, yes that is normal. No other game had so many complaints due low fps than Arma. Did you run the CPU on Turbomode meanwhile, as i remember correctly you set it to Off last time.

For this instant reset there must be an option in the Bios, i will check some articles so i can tell you how to disable it when there is such an option

Turbo Mode should be disabled...

PS: Why are these numbers in yellow?

[nikiforos 450]

Massey_sd I'm sorry to hear the bad results with the RAM upgrade. Actually I had some thoughts of upgrading my own RAM as well but will now back off and spend the money elsewhere.

[massey_sd 10]

Massey_sd I'm sorry to hear the bad results with the RAM upgrade. Actually I had some thoughts of upgrading my own RAM as well but will now back off and spend the money elsewhere.

Yep, if I would have known this would be the result I wouldn't have bought it either.

Screw all this, gonna watch a movie. :D

Edited October 9, 2014 by Massey_sd

[LSD_Timewarp82 21]

You can activate Turbomode again, you have a good cooler meanwhile. The missing 400Mhz should be the issue to your question qhy you have less frames , i suppose you run the test with more frames with activated Turbomode. You can activate it, trust me. In Bios is an Option EZ Tuning Wizard (press F11 when in Bios) there you can adjust the "Performance" mode, this should help to gain some frames too

The yellow numbers are okay, no worries, your Ram needs the 1,65V to run the 1400Mhz

[massey_sd 10]

Alright, enabled Turbo Mode again, and, I selected "Tower Fan" in the EZ Tuning Wizard or something like that for my CPU, because it would increase the performance slightly.

Benchmarked Stratis, and 43fps... Altis: 41.

Still 1 fps lower than with my old ram.

Edited October 9, 2014 by Massey_sd

[LSD_Timewarp82 21]

Ram is running with the XPM settings?

[massey_sd 10]

Ram is running with the XPM settings?

Yes it is.

[LSD_Timewarp82 21]

I checked some articles about your Mainboard, it is really easy to Overclock a system with it, you should think about if you want to try it, i could help you in this :)

I think it should be really easy to Overclock it to 4700Mhz or more with the correct settings. For this we need to adjust the Voltages manually, overclocking wont work with "Auto" settings correctly.

Think about it and let me know dude, your temperatures are very well so there is some space to overclock it ;)

[massey_sd 10]

I checked some articles about your Mainboard, it is really easy to Overclock a system with it, you should think about if you want to try it, i could help you in this :)

I think it should be really easy to Overclock it to 4700Mhz or more with the correct settings. For this we need to adjust the Voltages manually, overclocking wont work with "Auto" settings correctly.

Think about it and let me know dude, your temperatures are very well so there is some space to overclock it ;)

Alright, I'll think about it.

If I do decide to OC my pc, RAM (I installed the 2 fans that come with the ram) and CPU, I definitely could use some help. ;)

Thanks for the help so far.

PS: I imagine that other games will run smoother and better with my new RAM when compared to my old RAM...

It's just the Arma3 engine, right?

Oh yes, and I remember you mentioned Memtest... I'll run it later today. Just to make sure my RAM is fine.

Edited October 10, 2014 by Massey_sd

[tonschuh 3]

There is for sure something wrong, even if it's only some settings.

I just updated to Dev-Build v1.33.127670 and benched again:

Auto / Ultra-Settings:

RAM-Speed 1333MHz (10-11-11-28-2T):

- Altis = 29fps

- Stratis = 32fps

RAM-Speed 2400MHz (10-11-11-28-2T):

- Altis = 37fps

- Stratis = 41fps

As you can see it's still working and the improvements are within my promised range (5-10fps more). You should at least get another 2-5fps more because you went from 1333MHz to 2800MHz.

I would really adjust some settings and double-check them as well, like:

- disable Core-Parking

- OC your CPU further, if possible

- OC your GPU further, if possible

- make sure that your CPU + GPU are not running into the Thermal Throttle

- check your RAM-Timings

- adjust your Windows-Power-Profile to High Performance / Samsung High Performance

- move ARMA-3 on a SSD

- enable the Rapid-Mode of your SSD

- adjust your GPU-Driver-Settings to max. Performance etc.pp.

- adjust your ARMA-3 Start-Parameters

- install / use Fred's MemAlloc

:)