Am I Now GPU Bound?

[evo4ever]

Hello all.

After I upgraded from my old system...

A64 3700 @ FX-57
ASUS A8N32-SLi Deluxe
2GB Corsair XMS4400 Pro TwinX @ 2.5-3-2-6 1T: 255MHz

... to my new system I got about 2700 extra points on 3DMark06 from 7100 to 9600 at STOCK speeds (except GPUs). Im now running my E6600 @ 3.2GHz and I only get a 1028 points raise from 9600 to 10628. Are my GPUs the bottleneck now? It was my old 3700+. Have the tides changed?

 

[akshayt]

With a E6600 @ 3.2GHz you should get atleast a 8800GTX SLI and maybe even then you will be GPU limited for most of todays games. Anway, dual 8800GTX can practically tackle everything at 1600x1200 or even 1920x1440.

 

[Centurin]

3dMark06 isn't exactly an accurate benchmark for real world performance. I certainly wouldn't consider a Conroe 6600 a bottleneck.

 

[Golgatha]

Yes, for the foreseeable future any new graphics card you buy will be the bottleneck. I'd actually downclock the E6600 to 3.0Ghz just to reduce the heat inside your case.

 

[ShadowOfMyself]

Yes

 

[theprodigalrebel]

Originally posted by: akshayt
With a E6600 @ 3.2GHz you should get atleast a 8800GTX SLI and maybe even then you will be GPU limited for most of todays games. Anway, dual 8800GTX can practically tackle everything at 1600x1200 or even 1920x1440.

WHAT? A SINGLE 8800GTX plays Oblivion at 1920x1200 with 8xAA, Transparency Supersampling and Maxed out details click

Hell, a single 8800GTX will play Oblivion at 2560x1600, maxed out details with 2xAA Transparency Supersampling. Don't tell people they need to drop $1200 on GPUs to play at 1600x1200 (and as you say), or even 1920x1440. :disgust:

OP, 3DMark06 is primarily a GPU-benchmark and the CPU only influences a small percentage of the final score. 7900GTX SLI is plenty fast - what's important to know is that very few games show good scaling with CPU power when running maxed out - exceptions include NWN2 and FSX. With a 3.2GHz C2D, you have no need to worry for quite some time.

 

[Avalon]

Originally posted by: akshayt
With a E6600 @ 3.2GHz you should get atleast a 8800GTX SLI and maybe even then you will be GPU limited for most of todays games. Anway, dual 8800GTX can practically tackle everything at 1600x1200 or even 1920x1440.

Uhh...what? At least an 8800GTX SLI? You mean you can do more?
All sarcasm aside, your recommendation is ridiculous. A single 8800GTX can handle anything at 1920x1440 that is out right now without breaking a sweat.

 

[evo4ever]

I dont think I want a 8800 card just yet they are too expensive. My pair of GTOs/GTXs can handle anything I throw at them. The only time ill upgrade to 8800 is when...

1. DX10 is released.
2. Vista Matures a bit.
3. Games that 100% utilize DX10.
4. 8800 prices drop.

Atm its pointless. I reckon about March/April is a good time.

8800 cards are for next generation games which arent out yet.

 

[TheRyuu]

Originally posted by: evo4ever
I dont think I want a 8800 card just yet they are too expensive. My pair of GTOs/GTXs can handle anything I throw at them. The only time ill upgrade to 8800 is when...

1. DX10 is released.
2. Vista Matures a bit.
3. Games that 100% utilize DX10.
4. 8800 prices drop.

Atm its pointless. I reckon about March/April is a good time.

8800 cards are for next generation games which arent out yet.

Agreed. You really don't have to upgrade unless you want the better IQ of the 8800 series.
You fine. Your system is pretty well balanced IMO. Any modern game at high enough resolution and eye candy will be GPU bound. Even on your old AMD system.