General Question: CPUs & GFX Cards - Preformance deciding Factor?

[Coldkilla]

I just ordered a AMD X2 4200+ from my current AMD 3000+. I hope to see a huge increase in games like Half Life 2 (Mods like Garry?s Mod that can clog the CPU), Operation Flashpoint (Huge CPU Hogger), and Rome Total War (Running over 6000 men simultaneously). I dont have any problems with how the game 'looks' say, but how it runs. With a new processor can I turn the gfx up higher? or do I need a better vc?

I currently have the 6800GT 256MB AGP Video card and see no real reason to upgrade unless that is the lesser of two evils.

Will I see a large performance increase with the new processor or WILL i need a new vc too?

I mean, it just seems like yesterday when I spent $420 on the new 6800GT and now its less than 130 :roll:

 

[SoundTheSurrender]

I would think a video card has a more deciding factor than a processor in general in all areas so it will probably run almost the same.

 

[thecrecarc]

ull see a speed incrase in general tasks, and a tiny speed increase in gaming.

if you want more increase in gaming, get a better VC

 

[DaveSimmons]

You might be able to run the CPU-loading games you mentioned at a higher resolution or with more effects, but don't expect a huge difference.

In other games your 3000+ was already enough to max out a 6800 so expect no difference.

 

[gobucks]

i'd say that your video card is adequate to get by for a while. if there are games you simply can't play at acceptable framerates, then it's time to upgrade. My personal opinion is that you should never upgrade video simply for the purpose of "futureproofing" so that you can play games that aren't yet; only do it if you need its performance NOW. besides, i think you should be able to get by until the DX10 cards come out, so you should get a lot more life out of an upgrade.

 

[Coldkilla]

Say I dont increase the gfx, but the load. For example: Viewdistance/Drawdistance on a game. (Still Vc?)

 

[deadseasquirrel]

Originally posted by: Coldkilla
Say I dont increase the gfx, but the load. For example: Viewdistance/Drawdistance on a game. (Still Vc?)

Yeah, those settings are still very dependant on GPU power. One of the main deciding factors is the resolution you run the game at. Lower resolutions put less stress on the video card, and, therefore, usually show performance gains with faster CPUs. This usually happens at 1024x768 and below.

Normally, I'd say you should take that $180 you spent on the 4200+ and put it toward a new GPU... but you're in a tough place since 1) you're on AGP still and that limits your upgrades (AGP cards that perform better than yours cost more than they're worth most of the time) and 2) new cards are around the corner... I know, they're always around the corner, but at least these have an important feature-- dx10.

So, overall, I think my long-winded point is that since you're running an AGP 6800gt now, you're probably playing at a lower resolution, which means your new CPU purchase should help your games perform a little better. Just don't expect to be able to turn up any extra eye candy that you don't have "on" right now.

 

[Cheex]

What about me?....
I'm currently running an AMD Sempron 2200+ (1.5 GHz) @ 2500+ (1.8 GHz).
I have a Leadtek 6600GT (AGP).

I have ordered a Pentium D 915 (2.8 GHz) which i hope to overclock.
What kind of performance gains will I experience, if any?

 

[Coldkilla]

All my games run at 1024x768. Most of my games I can have on high res all the way through except for some of the newest ones (being oblivion, and say rome with 6000 man armys).

I will have a PCI motherboard soon as the X2 4200 requires at least a s939 mobo. If I HAD to get a new VC, what would be a good choice now around 300 dollars that would last me a while.. the 7900GT or something dx10 ready? and how much of a preformance increase should I expect? now with the new gpu & cpu compaired to my original?

 

[Ike0069]

The 6800 GT is stll a very solid card. I have one and can play GRAW at 1280x960 at low video settings without any lag (2 GB system RAM also helps).

But I just ordered a 20" widescreen LCD. So if I want toplay at native resolution of 1680x1050, I will need to upgrade to a better VC.

So basically it comes down to what resolution you game at. If you need to game at higher than 1280x960, or you want to run at high video settings, then consider buying a new VC. If not, then hang on to the GT until DX10 cards come out.

 

[orangat]

Originally posted by: Coldkilla
I just ordered a AMD X2 4200+ from my current AMD 3000+. I hope to see a huge increase in games like Half Life 2 (Mods like Garry?s Mod that can clog the CPU), Operation Flashpoint (Huge CPU Hogger), and Rome Total War (Running over 6000 men simultaneously). I dont have any problems with how the game 'looks' say, but how it runs. With a new processor can I turn the gfx up higher? or do I need a better vc?
........

No you won't see a big performance increase because games are mostly gpu limited and the 3000+ is a pretty decent cpu for gaming.

You should have saved it for a new video card.

 

[Coldkilla]

How long yall think it'll be before the dx10 models come out & how long before the prices come down to around 300?