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    how important is CPU speed in gaming?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by aamadi, Jan 3, 2008.

  1. aamadi

    aamadi Notebook Consultant

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    I got a really good deal on a sony FZ 290 that came with a decent graphics card (NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GT) but a poor CPU (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5250 - 1.5GHz). When I check the minimum system requirements of a lot of the PC games I like, the video card makes it but my CPU falls short. They frequently list 1.8GHz or 2.0GHz minimums. Do you still think I can play the games with my lower CPU speed?
    Here's an example:
    http://www.crysis-online.com/Information/System Requirements/
    Thanks.
     
    aamadi, Jan 3, 2008
    #1
  2. sly

    sly m1530 owner!!!

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    u can . cpu doesnt affect gaming much unless u turn up the physics or play an rts. but remember u dont have a great gpu either so i would be more worried about that and it would be the bottleneck of the system
     
    sly, Jan 3, 2008
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  3. ahl395

    ahl395 Ahlball

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    It does matter, just not as much as the GPU. Remember you have 2 cores at 1.5Ghz. Giving your CPU a total of 3GHz power. But your GPU isnt the best, its good, but not the best.
     
    ahl395, Jan 3, 2008
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  4. ScifiMike12

    ScifiMike12 Drinking the good stuff

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    There are a lot of determinants such as what resolution, is AA enabled, type of game, and so on.

    Crysis, for example, is 99% GPU dependent. No matter what resolution you set it to, it still gonna run like crap (just kidding but you get what I mean).

    Games like CS:S and UT3 are more CPU bound. Meaning that if you get a P4 and a 8800Ultra, no matter if you enable AA and crank up the resolution, it's still going to fall short compared to a similar setup with a heftier processor.

    -Mike
     
    ScifiMike12, Jan 3, 2008
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  5. lokster

    lokster Notebook Deity

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    no not really as long as its dual core and youve got a kickass GPU, that GPU is alright :p
     
    lokster, Jan 3, 2008
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  6. aamadi

    aamadi Notebook Consultant

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    Awesome!
    I know I don't have the best graphics card, but at least I don't feel so bad about my CPU choice now.
     
    aamadi, Jan 3, 2008
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  7. xxERIKxx

    xxERIKxx Notebook Deity

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    yeah i have the t5250 also and when i see if i can run games like cod4 its says i dont meet the requirements but i can play cod4 at 60+fps. i have the 8600m gt though
     
    xxERIKxx, Jan 3, 2008
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  8. Nocturnal310

    Nocturnal310 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Dual core doesnt mean 1.5 X 2 = 3 GHz ....it means 3 GHz / 2 = 1.5 Ghz
    Hope u get the DEEPER meaning
     
    Nocturnal310, Jan 3, 2008
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  9. KGann

    KGann NBR Themesong Writer

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    I love the 8400GT. Out performed my old 8600GT. BEFORE ANYONE JUMPS TO CONCLUSION... I had one messed up 8600. :p
     
    KGann, Jan 3, 2008
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  10. Deify88

    Deify88 Notebook Consultant

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    You're both waaaaaaaaaay off. Dual core means there are two cores running at a certain frequency in one processor. There is no 1.5x2 or 3/2.
     
    Deify88, Jan 3, 2008
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