Higher performance in relation to hardware?

[Unreal_pirate]

I'm currently running:

Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
Intel Core I3 2100 @3.1ghz
Radeon HD 7950
12 GB Kingston RAM (I can get more info on this if it's really relevant)

I Run the latest stable dolphin build (4.0.2) as well as Dolphin 3.0 for games. I run settings based on the performance guide found on the dolphin website.

What I'm currently seeing online is others with my CPU or slightly weaker currently running games at a higher performance than I am able to run them. Can someone help me with any other factors that may be having an effect on my performance? Thank you.

[yl-smash]

What games are you trying to play?
That processor is pretty weak for Dolphin and is definitely bottlenecking you but you should be able to play some low end/mid end games.
I'd recommend upgrading or overclocking (or upgrading).

[kinkinkijkin]

Overclocking isn't possible on intel non-k processors, I don't think.

Could you be more specific? Are you hosting? Do you have a lot of background applications running?

[Unreal_pirate]

(04-13-2014, 05:02 AM)yl-smash Wrote: What games are you trying to play?
That processor is pretty weak for Dolphin and is definitely bottlenecking you but you should be able to play some low end/mid end games.
I'd recommend upgrading or overclocking (or upgrading).

I have currently attempted running Wind Waker, Super Mario sunshine, Shadow the Hegehog (extreme performance issues - game was unplayable. I understand this one requires more than I have) and Sonic Heroes. Trying to relive some of those games I played in my childhood.

I'm very new to dolphin emulation, but I have some experience with other emulators.
I also just now updated some drivers.

Will a processor overclock result in a major increase in performance?

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(04-13-2014, 05:30 AM)kinkinkijkin Wrote: Overclocking isn't possible on intel non-k processors, I don't think.

Could you be more specific? Are you hosting? Do you have a lot of background applications running?

I try as best as possible to keep background applications to a minimum. Other than a couple default windows processes, I run Steam, Realtek audio manager, Catalyst control center, and Razer synapse.

[pauldacheez]

Overclocking or upgrading your CPU will almost invariably give a noticeable performance increase. Unfortunately, though, you'd likely have to upgrade both your motherboard and CPU to overclock at all. I'd recommend splurging for a Z87 'board and an i5-4670K, preferably with a decent aftermarket cooler.

Also, I've given this exact advice hundreds of times. Try searching next time – I'd rather have people do research themselves than have to answer the same questions every day.

[kinkinkijkin]

(04-13-2014, 06:42 AM)pauldacheez Wrote: I'd rather have people do research themselves than have to answer the same questions every day.

Words to live by.