Is the AMD Sempron 3850 + GTX 550 Ti Ideal for Gaming in 2019?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Benchmarking Setup
3. Specifications of the AMD Sempron 3850 and EVGA GTX 550 Ti
4. Test Bench and System Components
5. Cinebench R15 Benchmark Results
6. OpenGL Test Results
7. Resident Evil 6 Benchmark Results
8. Counter-Strike Source Benchmark Results
9. CS:GO Benchmark Results
10. Fortnite Benchmark Results
11. Unigine Benchmark Results
12. Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Introduction

📌 Taking on the task of benchmarking the AMD Sempron 3850 processor and the EVGA GTX 550 Ti graphics card, this article explores the performance of these components when used together. With the goal of assessing their compatibility and capabilities, we will delve into various gaming and synthetic benchmarks to gauge the system's performance. The outdated nature of these components compared to current market standards will also be discussed. So, let's get started and see how the AMD Sempron 3850 and EVGA GTX 550 Ti fare in today's computing landscape.

Benchmarking Setup

📌 Before diving into the benchmark results, let's take a closer look at the setup used for testing. An overview of the specifications of the AMD Sempron 3850 and EVGA GTX 550 Ti will provide insights into their capabilities. Additionally, we'll discuss the test bench and other system components used throughout the benchmarking process.

Specifications of the AMD Sempron 3850 and EVGA GTX 550 Ti

📌 To understand the performance limitations of the AMD Sempron 3850 and EVGA GTX 550 Ti, it's crucial to analyze their specifications. The AMD Sempron 3850, released in 2014, is a quad-core processor with a clock speed of 1.3GHz. Meanwhile, the EVGA GTX 550 Ti, dating back to 2011, boasts 1GB of GDDR5 memory. These components have undoubtedly stood the test of time, but their age may Present challenges when it comes to modern gaming and demanding tasks.

Test Bench and System Components

📌 As we embark on this benchmarking journey, it's worth mentioning the test bench and other system components used. Due to the absence of a dedicated case for this system, a homemade test bench was utilized. The core components include the AMD Sempron 3850 processor, EVGA GTX 550 Ti graphics card, Sushi AM-1 motherboard with a PCIe x4 slot, 4GB of DDR3 RAM clocked at 1333MHz, a 120GB Kingfish SSD, a used Corsair 550W power supply, and Windows 10 Pro as the operating system. This setup will be put through a series of benchmarks to assess its performance and potential bottlenecks.

Cinebench R15 Benchmark Results

📌 The first benchmark we conducted was the Cinebench R15 test, which measures OpenGL performance. Despite pointing the camera at the screen while initially Recording the benchmarks, we later used FRAPS for more accurate frame rate measurements. The AMD Sempron 3850 showcased consistent performance, obtaining a score of 108 Cinebench points, the average for this processor. This result doesn't come as a surprise, given the processor's age and specifications.

OpenGL Test Results

📌 Moving on to the OpenGL test, we observed promising performance at the beginning, but soon encountered slowdowns. The final score settled at 15 frames per Second, indicating limitations in the system's graphical capabilities. This result was expected, considering the age and limitations of the EVGA GTX 550 Ti.

Resident Evil 6 Benchmark Results

📌 The Resident Evil 6 benchmark, a widely recognized tool, was next in line. With medium settings enabled, we recorded a score of 30,480. Surprisingly, when the Game itself was launched, we encountered a discrepancy in frame rates. The game ran with bots, fluctuating between 30 and 60 frames per second. Although FRAPS influenced the frame rate measurements, the actual gameplay experience remained barely playable.

Counter-Strike Source Benchmark Results

📌 Counter-Strike Source was another game we tested, starting with medium settings. The built-in benchmark yielded a score of 117 frames per second. However, once we entered the game, the frame rate dropped dramatically. With frame rates ranging from 30 to 60 frames per second, the game was barely playable, even without FRAPS running.

CS:GO Benchmark Results

📌 Lowering the settings to low in CS:GO, we hoped for better results. Unfortunately, we experienced disappointment once again. The frame rate hovered between 10 and 40 frames per second, rendering the game unplayable on this system. Despite the lowered settings, the AMD Sempron 3850 and EVGA GTX 550 Ti struggled to provide an acceptable gaming experience.

Fortnite Benchmark Results

📌 Next on the benchmarking list was Fortnite. With low settings applied, we ventured into a match with guarded optimism. However, the outcome proved disheartening. The frame rate oscillated between 0 and 30 frames per second, accompanied by severe stuttering issues. Calling this performance unplayable would be an understatement.

Unigine Benchmark Results

📌 Concluding our gaming benchmarks, we turned to Unigine. Running the benchmark on low settings, we couldn't help but anticipate disappointing results. The frame rate achieved fluctuated between 15 and 35 frames per second, which falls significantly below acceptable performance levels. At times, the game seemed almost playable, but overall, it failed to deliver satisfactory results.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

📌 In assessing the performance of the AMD Sempron 3850 and EVGA GTX 550 Ti, it's evident that the system experiences significant bottlenecks. These bottlenecks may stem from either the PCIe x4 slot or the CPU itself. Graphs displaying GPU and CPU utilization highlight a potential CPU bottleneck. However, in certain tests, the CPU maxes out while the GPU remains underutilized, suggesting the PCIe x4 slot's contribution to the performance limitations. Based on the benchmarks conducted, it's clear that the AMD Sempron 3850 falls short in delivering satisfactory gaming performance. While the EVGA GTX 550 Ti exhibits some potential in specific titles, its overall usability remains limited. In conclusion, it's advisable to steer clear of the AMD Sempron 3850 and look for more suitable options when seeking optimal gaming performance.

Highlights

1. Benchmarking the AMD Sempron 3850 and EVGA GTX 550 Ti.
2. Analyzing the specifications of the components and their age.
3. Utilizing a homemade test bench for the benchmarking process.
4. Cinebench R15 test showcasing average performance.
5. Observing limitations in OpenGL performance.
6. Resident Evil 6 benchmark results indicating barely playable performance.
7. Counter-Strike Source and CS:GO benchmarks highlighting poor frame rates.
8. Unplayable performance in Fortnite and Unigine benchmarks.
9. Identifying bottlenecks in the system, potentially caused by the CPU or PCIe x4 slot.
10. Overall conclusion: AMD Sempron 3850 and EVGA GTX 550 Ti are not ideal for gaming.

FAQs

Q: Are the AMD Sempron 3850 and EVGA GTX 550 Ti suitable for modern gaming? A: No, both components struggle to deliver satisfactory performance in modern games due to their outdated specifications.

Q: What are the main bottlenecks in the system? A: The system experiences significant bottlenecks, potentially stemming from either the CPU or the PCIe x4 slot.

Q: Can the AMD Sempron 3850 and EVGA GTX 550 Ti handle any games? A: The EVGA GTX 550 Ti shows some potential in specific titles, but overall gaming performance is limited.

Q: Is it worth investing in the AMD Sempron 3850 and EVGA GTX 550 Ti for a budget gaming system? A: Considering their outdated nature and limitations, it's advisable to explore more suitable options when building a budget gaming system.