how powerful a cpu needed to run a 6800gt

[estew33]

Hi all,
I hopefully have a 6800 gt coming soon, am wondering how powerful a rig is really needed to run one.
As stated I have a 2.2 gig machine ( a 2500+ mobile oc'ed to 2.2 can go to 2.3 gig no problem never really gave a all out hardcore effort to go higher ) 1 gig of hyperx 3000 memory
All input appreciated
Thanks,
Ed

 

[SickBeast]

It should be OK so long as you run AT LEAST at 1280x960 w/ 4XAA/8XAF. Otherwise you will be CPU limited, especially if you overclock to Ultra speeds.

 

[Sonic587]

It might limit your FPS in a few games, but you will be running very smoothly with that rig. No need to worry. If you mean your PSU, what model do you have?

 

[VIAN]

Your current setup will allow you to play at a high IQ. You will still be CPU limited in some games and it will only get worse as time goes on. You should be ok till the end of the year.

 

[Mik3y]

it should be fine. i hear the minimum requirements to take advantage of the gfx card's full potential is 2.2ghz on an athlon xp, so as long as its 2.2ghz, it'll run smooth. the more the merrier tho.

 

[dguy6789]

Get worse as time goes on? I though games got more graphically challenging as time goes on. :roll:

 

[VIAN]

Well, CPUs aren't left alone. CPU's are also used in games.

 

[mynewrigissick]

:wine:

 

[MatthewF01]

how about a barton running a steady 2500mhz....

should suffice, yes?

i imagine they would also like a nice fat FSB speed?




my GT is on order from evga

 

[apoppin]

CPU Scaling ATI?s and NVIDIA?s Best : Wondering how ATI?s and NVIDIA?s latest video cards stack up on different platforms and CPU speeds? We use real-world gameplay in FarCry, Battlefield Vietnam, and Flight Simulator 2004 to find out just how much of a factor CPUs are in today's gaming.

Our CPU scaling experiences really helped us understand just how important the CPU is to having a great gaming experience. In real-world gaming situations with a slower CPU such as an AthlonXP 2500+ or a Pentium4 2.4GHz, the video performance becomes extremely bottlenecked by the CPU. We were forced to reduce resolution, AA and AF settings, as well as in-game quality settings in the case of FarCry just to get playable performance.

Worth a read since it answers your question.

 

[Marsumane]

It should be enough to use these complex cards. Some situations your cpu may bottleneck you, but if you had anything lower (aka 9800xt) your gpu would be the bottleneck in most situations.

 

[imported_Amuro]

This article is a good read:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/article/136/01/

...
On a somewhat slower system (I refuse to call a 1 gig, 2.8 Ghz system mid-end) the results however are way closer to each other and definitely in favor of the GeForce 6800 series. The x800 XT is hungry for a faster processor that's for sure.
...
Right now I look at it this way, up-to a 3000 MHz you simply are better suited with a Radeon x800 Pro or GeForce 6800 GT. If you have a faster than 3 GHz (3000+) system and want the best of the best, then and only then I can recommend you the GeForce 6800 Ultra or the Radeon x800 XT. That system would be ridiculously expensive though and you need to consider whether that's worth all that hard earned dough.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Right now most all the CPU's are limiting the X800XT and 6800UE. Not nearly as much at the higher resolutions but still CPU are the MAIN limiting factor right now. No matter how much or how little.

-Kevin