Best way to improve framerate?

[simplyput]

It seems to me that videocards are the easiest/most cost effective way to improve frame rate. Is there ever a case that improving another computer component may have a larger effect on framerate on games?

The only 2 I can think of are:
1) You've already got the best in terms of GPU's(like OC'd 7900gtx's in Sli)
2) Your system doesn't even meet the minimum requirements for a game

Is there anything else though? (GPU's are expensive!)

 

[cleeve]

Games like GPUs, System RAM, and Videocards.

Other than that, a dedicated sound processor like an Audigy might give you a few FPS over, say, integrated sound... but that advantage might dissapear if you use advanced features that high end sound cards provide, like EAX...

 

[shabodah]

Yeah, Framerates are primarly determined by your GPU, but the CPU factor changes a bit game to game. Dedicated sound cards help a little, but focusing on GPU then CPU is the way to go. Do you have a more specific question about them or a specific game?

 

[simplyput]

I guess it just seems like there is alot of focus on getting supreme CPU speed on gaming computers and I don't quite understand why. I can max the processor/physics (or whatever it is) settings on FEAR pretty easily, but I can't stay above 60 FPS unless I crank down the resolution/settings big time.

I just thought, maybe I was missing something.