Matching video card for AMD 5600+ CPU

[Craig234]

Just two questions:

Just how bad is the overkill of using a 4870 with the 5600+? (I just ordered a 4870 for a future gaming system, and also got a 5600+ in the meantime for a lower system).

What graphics card is a good fit for performance and value for the 5600+?

Thanks.

 

[daveybrat]

The 5600+ X2 cpu will run that card fine. I've got the same cpu and it runs flawless with my 8800GTS, but i definitely need to upgrade my video card next as well. A 2.9GHz AMD X2 cpu is still fine for modern games unless you only run them at 800x600. 😛

 

[MarcVenice]

I'd have to agree. This guy with a 3.0ghz opteron has a gtx280, and could run Far Cry 2 flawles with min fps of 30ish. I wouldn't go SLI/CF with that CPU, but for anything else itll be just fine for this generation of cards.

 

[Ares202]

The sort of performace hit youll get with that cpu and a 4870 wil depend on what types of games you play

COD4, Crysis and most other fps's -30% compared to high end cpu
Supreme Commander World in conflict etc - 60-100%

 

[Leyawiin]

Kind of confused, you bought the HD 4870 for a build your piecing together, but in the short term it will be paired with an X2 5600+? Are you asking what to pair with the CPU after you pull the HD 4870? If thats the case an HD 4850 would be a nice fit. In the meanwhile the HD 4870 will work fine. It won't stretch its legs unless you play on a large screen with all the graphics options cranked up though.

For comparison's sake I have an X2 6200+ paired with a factory OC'd (666 Mhz) GTX 260. Not much different that the pairing you're going to do. I still saw a big difference in games after retiring my 8800 GTX (game at 1680x1050).

 

[Arkaign]

IMO, it's a bit overkill, but if it's temporary it won't be a big deal. You'll be CPU bottlenecked in many games/configurations with the 5600+, but at this point, nothing should be unplayable with the right settings.

 

[Craig234]

Thanks for the replies. I was basically checking the question on whether they're in the same ballpark enough to go ahead and just use the 5600+/4870 for the higher end system (I have this big case for that one), or whether it's unbalanced enough to use them for the lower system (Sonata III case), and to keep shopping for the higher end CPU over coming weeks or months, and plan to move the 4870 to the high system and get a better match for the 5600+ (cheaper too) when I do that.

I've got a confused approach anyway, along the lines of 'bought more cases than I need because of good deals, and sort of want a computer room gaming PC and a PC for the living room 65" LCD used for big screen gaminig and home theatre use, but I haven't really figured out the logistics especially what surface to use for the keyboard/mouse, and in the meantime these cases sitting around are getting annoying and wow is too slow on the ancient PC'. I snagged a 4870 1GB for $219 and a 5600+/ECS MB for $66 over the last bargain weekend and there we are.