CPU & GPU Limiting One Another

[Coops07]

I was just wondering to myself, because after I read the Oblivion CPU & GPU benchies on Anandtech, they say that at cf x1900xtx's the cpu is restricting the gpu's somewhat. What I'd like to know is, what are the speeds of graphics cards vs. cpu's without limiting one anothers capabilities. For example:
If you buy a A64 3200+ /w 2gb ddr400 ram and top of the line mobo, what would be the best video card you should consider buying without the cpu limiting the gpu's capabilities?
Vice versa for a....lets say... 7600gt

 

[jaguarskx]

It depends on the game. There is no strict rule to follow.

For the 7600GT I would recommend nothing slower than the Athlon 64 3200+. Optimal would be either the 3400+ or the 3500+.

I think the way hardware sites conducts their test also plays a major role. I remember seeing two distinct reviews F.E.A.R. (IIRC) one review stated that the CPU didn't matter it was really the GPU that counts as long as the CPU was fast enough. There was a graph showing that from a Celeron D (not overclocked) thru the Athlon FX-60 with the same GPU, all systems were within 1 frame rate with each other. Another review from another site showed that F.E.A.R. played better on faster CPUs.

Oblivion is one of those few games that stresses both CPU and GPU, another is X3: Reunion, a space combat / trading simulation.

 

[Coops07]

What about the fastest video card you'd get with an A64 3200+?

 

[jaguarskx]

Mind you this is just a guess, but I would say the Radeon X1800XL, or the 7800GT. All others I would recommend at least the Athlon 3500+.

However, the resolutuion at which you play at is also important. 1600x1200 or higher resolution demands nothing but the best in my opinion regardless how fast or slow the CPU is.

At 1280x1024 resolution I would say getting the 7900GTX and the X1900XT and X1900XTX would be a waste.

The best advice that I can honestly give is to read hardware reviews on video cards and CPUs. They will always give you the specs they are testing at so you can judge for yourself what may or may not be most optimal.

Sorry this is no exact science.

 

[ALL_YOUR_BASE]

Yeah a X1800XL or 7800GT would be tops.

You'd probly even be getting some bottlenecking from the 3200+ with them and just sacrificing some framerate.

My advice would be to wait until you could get a 3500+ or 3700+ or even an X2 which would really eliminate any bottlenecking.

 

[dvdpiddy]

Yeah a X1800XL or 7800GT would be tops.

You'd probly even be getting some bottlenecking from the 3200+ with them and just sacrificing some framerate.

My advice would be to wait until you could get a 3500+ or 3700+ or even an X2 which would really eliminate any bottlenecking.

Oh my god your name ALL_YOUR_BASE i thought noone remembered that?

 

[liquidpaper007]

I was just wondering to myself, because after I read the Oblivion CPU & GPU benchies on Anandtech, they say that at cf x1900xtx's the cpu is restricting the gpu's somewhat. What I'd like to know is, what are the speeds of graphics cards vs. cpu's without limiting one anothers capabilities. For example:
If you buy a A64 3200+ /w 2gb ddr400 ram and top of the line mobo, what would be the best video card you should consider buying without the cpu limiting the gpu's capabilities?
Vice versa for a....lets say... 7600gt

cpu doesnt matter that much
just check the cpu charts. its a matter of a few frames. if your on a budget go for a high end gpu and an okay cpu like the 3200+

 

[K8MAN]

Yeah a X1800XL or 7800GT would be tops.

You'd probly even be getting some bottlenecking from the 3200+ with them and just sacrificing some framerate.

My advice would be to wait until you could get a 3500+ or 3700+ or even an X2 which would really eliminate any bottlenecking.

Oh my god your name ALL_YOUR_BASE i thought noone remembered that?
Obviously you havnt heard the techno remix :lol:

 

[the_guru]

Simple rule for most new games. Buy the fastest graphics card you can afford. Except for a few games upgrading the GPU will always give more performance than upgrading the CPU.

 

[PX7800GT]

Simple rule for most new games. Buy the fastest graphics card you can afford. Except for a few games upgrading the GPU will always give more performance than upgrading the CPU.

You Are 100% Right !! :twisted: