Cheapest Homebuilt System to Run Most Any GPU?

[pc_79]

Hey guys, what is the lowest-end CPU to run any GPU w/o any significant bottlenecks? For example, is the AMD Phenom II x3 720 BE able to run the hd5870 w/o any bottlenecks? What about the Amd Phenom II x2 550 BE? (I realize that the MoBo and the RAM also can be bottlenecks)


Its just that whenever I look at peoples custom configs, they always have a high end GPU paired with a high end CPU, for example the AMD Phenom II x4 955 BE with the hd4890. Is this necessary if gaming is the primary purpose?

 

[hunter315]

What resolution are you running at? At 1024x768 there is no processor capable of running even a 4870 with no bottlenecks, and even the overclocked i7 used in the 5870 review encountered bottlenecks at a few resolutions. It all depends on the games you play and the resolutions you play at, if you are playing at high resolutions like 1920x1200 you need a high end GPU and it will be stressed enough that it wont be bottlenecked.

 

[pc_79]

how 'bout at 1680 x 1050 or 1440 x 900

And lets say.......um.........(don't kill me) crysis

 

[Outlander_04]

you wont need a 5870 for that resolution

a 5850 makes some sense though

 

[pc_79]

So is the cpu the limiting factor then at 1440 x 900? So you'd want the best cpu you could get and a lower end GPU like the hd4770 for max fps?

 

[Outlander_04]

LCD monitors usualy run at 60 Hz or 60 refreshs/per second .

Thats the most frame you can get the monitor to display

Some are 100 Hz , some are 120 Hz but those are still unusual .
Its just a waste of money to build a computer to push higher fps than 60

 

[wathman]

here's a pretty interesting point of view on fps, refresh, and what it takes to make a game look "good" http://www.100fps.com/how_many_frames_can_humans_see.htm
In summary, it's not all about frame rates