Simple Question

[Heffty]

I read alot in the anandtech articles. Often times I come across a phrase in regards to games especially in relation to BF2. The phrase is as follows "the game is CPU limited".

What is CPU limited? I would think it means the game requires alot from the CPU. But I don't know. So I ask. Please answer. Thanks.

 

[myocardia]

Any game will require more performance from one of two things, the cpu or the video card. For instance, even the newest games that aren't considered cpu limited will be cpu limited at 800x600 resolution. And every game that is considered to be cpu limited won't be at 1920x1080 and above.

But in general, you've got the right idea. This always applies at 1280x1024 and 1600x1200, the two most used resolutions these days. Video card limited games (called GPU limited) are the norm, but not all games are GPU limited.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Basically this means that no matter what GPU you put in there the FPS don't go up. You have to get a faster CPU for higher FPS.

For instance a AMD 4400+ with 7900gtx is about the same fps as a 7960gx2 in the same system, but put those cards in a system running a faster CPU like FX60 and it's higher fps.

This only happens at lower resolutions most of the time. Very few games are CPU limited anymore. Most of the time you need a better GPU to get any extra performance regardless of the CPU speed.

 

[lyssword]

Most of the games that are cpu limited are either RTS like aoe3/rise of legends and maybe perhaps some MMO with lot of ppl in one place.. Otherwise vid card is the most important thing for games

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: lyssword
Most of the games that are cpu limited are either RTS like aoe3/rise of legends and maybe perhaps some MMO with lot of ppl in one place.. Otherwise vid card is the most important thing for games

The one MMO I play (Final fantasy XI) really doesn't use much GPU if any at all. I can run something like a 6300LE and it's the same as a 7900.