6860FX - General Questions - Lurker

I've been a lurker and figured I'd recently join. I've skimmed threads on my laptop model, but would prefer a more direct answer.

With my current settings what AA/AF can I/should I be running DoD:S, CS:S, other Source variations for the best visual and game performance?

I will soon be attaching an external monitor and using this as a desktop replacement for when I go to college/university. Can you guys recommend a decent one?
I was looking at Acer models and Samsung, but have none in particular that stick out. Know of any that accept the HDMI? I can tell the difference now between DVI and VGA sadly.

I also play COD4... umm in the control for the 8800m GTS what should I set the AA and AF in there as well?

Lastly is an T8300 a large upgrade or should I download rivatuner or something similar to gain a few more fps? I haven't noticed anything drastic but some stutters occasionally primarily in COD4 vs Source. I really don't want to spend 200+ $ if it isn't that much of an upgrade, personally.

I apologize if this is a big ramble.


Thanks!

 

well lets see..... rivatuner is useless when trying to over clock the 8800m gts. you will need to download ntune software for over clocking.

i have the 24" gateway monitor with hdmi and i know that the 22" also has hdmi. not sure about others.

cod4-aa = off
sync every frame = no
1024x768
corpses
and everything else yes and normal

and it's better to just go with the t9300 and not the t8300

this should net you 50 plus frames with a 1.83 ghz chip

 

Really that much improvement!?

That's insane.

I'm running everything pretty much at 1440x900 (I think that's right).

 

at your res, it should still be about 50+ frames.