amd 5600+ & 4870/4870x2

Hey guys, first off my system is as follows..


Asus M2N68-LA mobo
amd 5600 x2 Windsor (the one with 2x1mb L2 cache)
2gb A-data pc2 6400
8600gt xxx 256mb
250gb Western 7200rpm
20" Lg L204wt
XP Pro


..my question is the same as the original.


Is my cpu efficient to run..
a) the 4870 at least close to it's full potential.
b) the 4870x2 without the gpu leaving a large gap between what a newer cpu could provide.


All input would be appreciated.


P.S. I would like to run games at at least 1440x900, but prefer 1680x1050.

ur cpu wont really "bottleneck" the gpu much. u can always oc it to ease the pain. So ya i would recommend the 4870 right now, but if u have one pcie slot and plan not to upgrade for a long time i would recommend the 4870x2.

well the thing is my cpu/mobo is locked in the bios so i can't oc, so i'm running at stock 2.8 ghz unfortunately. thanks for the suggestions though guys.

You have three options:

1. Upgrade the CPU to a quad core

2. Upgrade to a 24" monitor to game at 1920

3. Get a 4850 instead

You will be CPU limited below 1920 with either a 4870 or 4870x2.

lol ohhh no. i'm in college so i don't have the money to just blow every 3 months lol.
i'd really like to get an intel core 2 duo setup but ya, money doesn't grow on trees.

my main concern is running far cry 2 when it comes, and i don't just want "playable", i want beautiful. lol

for gaming this is wat u want to upgrade 1st gpu 2nd cpu 3rd ram.
1st ur gpu needs to be upgraded so just get the 4870 or gtx260 which ever one is cheaper but the 4870 has a slight edge. ur cpu is fine u dont need a high end quad core since most games today wont use more then 2 cores. as for ur memory 2gig 800mhz is enough for todays games. we dont no how farcry 2 runs but at 1680x1050 ur system should perform well and u should be able to put the settings on high.
save some money! for a college student i no ur very much on a tight budget unless ur parents r filthy rich. =P