CPU limited?

C

CmaN3

Limp Gawd
Joined
Aug 5, 2004
Messages
368
Well my current rig looks like this:

A64 X2 5000+(brisbane)
2 gigs ram
8600GT
450W FSP
24in 1920x1080 LG

I just got ARMA2, and tried to play it an well, lets just say it didnt go well. My old 8600GT just doesnt have the horsepower to play it. Im looking at picking up a 5770 or possibly a 5850 if prices drop, and I was wondering if I would be cpu limited in doing so. Id rather not build a whole new machine, but my 8600 is really showing its age.
 
Probably will be, but the performance increase will be massive though since you're replacing the 8600gt and playing at 1920x1080.

You'll be fine, and that card is perfect, have fun!
 
Yes, you will. However, you are GPU limited now, and your CPU can get you a good bit further. I just recently upgraded from a 5000+ Black Edition (@3ghz) to an i7, and with a 4850 I was CPU limited, but in most games that meant I was getting 50 FPS instead of, say, 70 FPS. I didn't care that I was limited to 50 FPS, as the game was still completely playable.

I haven't played ARMA2, so I don't know how CPU limited that game in particular is, but I would definitely recommend picking up, say, a 5750 (or even a 9600GT if you are really on a budget). It will be significantly faster than what you have now, even with your CPU.
 
So basically, dont spend the money for a 5850 or something like that because there wont be any difference?

Sounds like a plan to me :p
 
Whats your CPU clock? I have the same running 3.1 Ghz, 4 gigs ram, HD4870 and can run most games maxed or near at 1600x1200, or higher with a few exceptions of course, but 1920x1080 is pushing it for some games though. If your not a graphics whore like me and can tollerate turning down some settings, I think you'll be ok. If your not overclocked you should crank it up, it should overclock pretty good, could also use some more ram and whats that PS? How many amps on the 12v rail(s)? Might need an upgrade there for a 4800 - 5800 series card. Yea, a 5850 or above is a bit overkill unless you'd use it in a near future build as well.
 
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CmaN3 said:
So basically, dont spend the money for a 5850 or something like that because there wont be any difference?

Sounds like a plan to me :p
Click to expand...

Exactly, and if you can overclock your cpu a bit. But like I said, the performance increase will be massive at that resolution.
 
CmaN3 said:
Well my current rig looks like this:

A64 X2 5000+(brisbane)
2 gigs ram
8600GT
450W FSP
24in 1920x1080 LG

I just got ARMA2, and tried to play it an well, lets just say it didnt go well. My old 8600GT just doesnt have the horsepower to play it. Im looking at picking up a 5770 or possibly a 5850 if prices drop, and I was wondering if I would be cpu limited in doing so. Id rather not build a whole new machine, but my 8600 is really showing its age.
Click to expand...

yeah you are going to be cpu limited in most games with a 5850, even at that resolution. plus your power supply is going to limit that option as well with only 27A on the 12v rail. though it might get by, i wouldn't recommend it. so i say a 5750/5770 would be a nice upgrade depending on your budget. you're still going to have some bottlenecking, but it won't be nearly as bad as it would with a 5850. regardless, you should get a very nice boost in arma2.

just fyi - you would get about 50% higher fps going from a brisbane to an highly oced core2duo or a regular quad core cpu at cpu limited settings/ resolution
 
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I would get it if you were planning on upgrading your CPU soon.
 
Clocks on this vary. During the summer I have to run it stock which is 2.6ghz, but during the winter I can run it at ~3ghz.

My PSU has dual 12v rails, 14 and 13 amp. My main thing is being able to run it at my native res. Im not to picky about graphics. I just want to squeeze a little more life out of this old girl as I may need to buy a new car soon which takes priority over a new computer.
 
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