Zotac GTX 1 GB perfomace with old proc+mo-bo

mailpranshu

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Sep 15, 2010
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Hi Guys,

I have the following rig set up right now.
1. Processor: AMD AthlonX2 5600+(2.9 Ghz)
2. 2 GB DDR2 Ram 800 Mhz( One slot filled only but buying 2 GB more to enable dual channel).
3. Mobo Asus M2a-VM (AM2 socket with max support upto 8GB)
4. G Card - XFX 8600 GT 512 MB
5. Samsung 943 NWX with 1440x900 resolution.
6. Seagate 500 Gb HDD.
7. Win7 32 bit. But will put in 64 bit post the 2 additional Gb Ram.

I have been pondering over some time whether to buy a new card or not. I know that as a thumb of rule less screen resolution is more CPU dependent while 1080i or above is GPU dependent. I primarily use my rig to game and have oc'ed my card, my processor and even my ram. So in short there is no more I can push performance on my rig.

I had initially thought about the Palit 5750 1 GB. But then the GF104 based 460 got launched. I can afford it though I need a new power supply as well. I need the following doubts cleared.
1.Will my processor use at least 90% of the 460 if I set anti aliasing on high and other GPU based features on high on 1440x900? What kind of a performance jump will there be over my existing rig? Or will it BOTTLENECK??
2. Also, will a 650 w cooler master supply be enough to power the 460 cross fire?

Please do not give me answers like change you mo bo or the processor. I will in a couple of months and hopefully buy a second 460 to crossfire as well. Need help badly. This is just the first stage of many for my rig.

Note: Think of Crysis as the benchmark.
 
Solution
a gtx 460 is overkill for 1440x900.
gtx 460 SLIed will be wastage of money for your resolution.

As for processor usage, it depends on game you play.....more demanding games,more usage.Less demanding games,less usage.

A 650 w cooler is more than enough.....you can get a 550 w or 600 w and can save money here.
get 3 gb ram, 4 gb ram isn't necessary yet.
If you are going to get bigger monitor, then only go for gtx 460.
for your resolution ATi 5770 or gts 450 will be fine(if you don't want to play crysis).
Well, if you don't plan to upgrade to bigger monitor then GTS250 or HD4850 is enough for your resolution (HD5750 is good).

Dual GTX460 would be overkill for your need (low resolution). Better save your money to build a whole new system. :)
 

ATi RaDEoN

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Sep 6, 2010
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a gtx 460 is overkill for 1440x900.
gtx 460 SLIed will be wastage of money for your resolution.

As for processor usage, it depends on game you play.....more demanding games,more usage.Less demanding games,less usage.

A 650 w cooler is more than enough.....you can get a 550 w or 600 w and can save money here.
get 3 gb ram, 4 gb ram isn't necessary yet.
If you are going to get bigger monitor, then only go for gtx 460.
for your resolution ATi 5770 or gts 450 will be fine(if you don't want to play crysis).
 
Solution

mailpranshu

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Sep 15, 2010
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Thanks Ati....But Wont it be future safe?? As mentioned in my post, planning to pick a new screen as well...and definitely aiming for 32" full HD....so thats why.....
Also, more of an AMD guy so hoping to pick up the 1090T down the line. I guess the upgrades will be in the following way...
1. GTX 460 or other alternatives + PSU (15 days)
2. 32" screen(1 month)
3. 1090 T + Mobo(or a new Nehalem if the chaps drop prices more man.Waiting for the job incentives lol :p).

Also, have read a lot of things about game lag on HD monitors. My 943NWX uses a normal VGA port. Will a 1920x1080 work with a VGA as well? Or will i see better performance with the HDMI. I know its a no brainer cos its uncompressed and HD...but how visible is it?

And ya dudes...keeping crysis as a benchmark...cos me building my whole rig around Jan 2011(Crysis 2)...no way will the crytek boys tone it down....I seriously doubt it.