CPU speed vs graphics card speed. How do you calculate the best compromise for a gaming rig?

[Capitalizt]

In an ideal world of course I'd have $2k to blow and get the best of both worlds...getting the best Core2 processor and the best videocard, but for someone on a budget, what combo would you choose to get maximum performance on the newest games?


faster processor/weaker graphics card

or

or faster graphics card/weaker processor

?

 

[The Boston Dangler]

is the machine used for anything other than games?

and

how long do you plan on keeping it?

edit: the best C2D and the best vid card(s) will end up being a lot more than $2K.

 

[Capitalizt]

want it to be future proofed as long as possible...Games, music, movies, internet...that is all it will be used for.

 

[SoundTheSurrender]

Better video card is better than a better processor for gaming.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

what's the budget? keep in mind, the CPU is good for all sorts of things while the video card is (usually) more expensive, specialized, and obsolete much sooner.

 

[Capitalizt]

Originally posted by: SoundTheSurrender
Better video card is better than a better processor for gaming.

That's what I was thinking...I've been worried about "bottlenecking" though. The CPU might not be able to take full advantage of a high end graphics card's power. A few months ago, I upgraded from a 7600GS to an overclocked 7900GT (*big difference*)...and I only got a 5 frame per second boost on FEAR...because I'm using the card on a crappy Pentium 4 system that can't take advantage of the card.

I have a $1k budget and am hoping to create the best possible rig...something that will run games like UT2007 and Quake Wars smoothly at 1280x768 with all effects on.

 

[StopSign]

Overclocked E6300 is much faster than a stock E6700. Get the E6300, overclock it, and get the 8800GTS. There you have it: best of both worlds.

 

[ayabe]

Originally posted by: StopSign
Overclocked E6300 is much faster than a stock E6700. Get the E6300, overclock it, and get the 8800GTS. There you have it: best of both worlds.

Bingo.

 

[gerwen]

Why cheat yourself?

E6400 + Gigabyte 965P-S3 + Freezer 7 Pro, Overclocked to 3.2GHz =~$360
1 Gig of Value Ram, DDR2-800 ~ $100-120
8800 GTS ~$400


Killer rig upgrade <$1000 Add another gig of ram and your still within spitting distance of $1000

Should play anything with max detail cranked at 1280x1024 or higher with great framerates.

 

[DEredita]

weaker proc + hardcore videocard.

Weaker proc can be OC'ed or kept stock, but at least later on a faster proc can always be tossed into the computer.