CPU Scaling in HL2

[klah]

They test 17 cpus from an XP2100+ to FX-55.

http://firingsquad.com/hardwar...u_shootout/default.asp

3.8GHz Prescott performs about the same as the A64-3200+.

The graph rounds out at 1600x1200, where you can see graphics performance factor into the equation a little more. AMD?s Athlon 64 FX-55 still takes its victory, but the margin is slim indeed. We?re still seeing processor-bound play here, though, as right down to the Athlon XP 2800+, you can still play the game. And that?s with all the goodies turned on! So, even at 1600x1200, we?re seeing the effects of processor-bound game play, except for the very fastest chips, which are limited by graphics.
...
What could be better than one of the most incredible games we?ve ever played in its full glory at 1600x1200? How about running that game on your aging Athlon XP machine ? a system that you were positive you?d have to upgrade after trying to play Doom 3 at those same levels of detail? Yes, Half-Life 2 runs incredibly well on older systems and even better on new ones.

 

[RaGingGoSu]

Yay! I can't wait to have my new system and play :/

 

[Lithan]

Yeah. Valve was so busy tweaking it to favor ATi they forgot to make it favor Intel.

 

[thegimp03]

Interesting article...lol Lithan

 

[stelleg151]

Yeah, more important article than people realize, because I have seen multiple people with their 2.8 P4's have tons of issues with FPS dropping into 20-s range. I think anandtech should follow firingsquads example, because I think relativley speaking, HL2 is much more cpu bound than GPU bound, as these 2.8ghz p4's seem to be showing.

BTW - awesome comment Lithan.

 

[RGebhart]

awesome find, thanks man. I've been hearing alot about this, the better your cpu, it affects it more then the video card does.