Fast CPU Or High-End Graphics Card?
Choosing a fast processor may ensure a prolonged lifetime of the computer, but it will also increase system costs. Even though we are not talking about $ 800 CPUs like some years ago, those $ 300 for an Athlon 1200 might still be wasted if you do not need high performance. An Athlon 900 costs approximately $ 150 right now and still performs fast enough for almost all applications.
Teaming up such a mid-class processor with a high-end graphics card like a GeForce2 Ultra seems to be quite a good idea, as fast graphics cards are not that CPU-dependent today (see benchmarks later). Doing the opposite, using an Athlon 1200 or Pentium 4 with a TNT2/Ultra or GeForce2 MX is quite a silly idea, unless you don't require 3D-performance, as the graphics board is definitely no adequate partner for those processors in 3D-applications.
Going the middle course is usually the best choice. The fastest components need fast partners in order to show their potential.
