CPU limited versus GPU limited

[SBGTF]

I'm building myself a new Athlon 64 system based on the AMD 64 3000+. What I'm trying to figure out is what is the best video card I can buy that will not be CPU limited.

One of these two guys is always going to be waiting on the other. Either your CPU is waiting for your GPU or your GPU is waiting for your CPU.

With my chioce of the 3000+, which video card has the best synergy. that is to say, which one best matches so neither piece is waiting very long on the other piece.

What I want to avoid (extreme example, but you'll get the picture)

AMD 3800+ with an ATI Radeon 7900

or an Intel Celeron 2.0 with a nVidia 6800 Ultra.

Hopefully you understand what I'm trying to ascertain.

SBGTF

 

[reelbigfish214]

Video cards are by far faster than current CPU's. However, it really doesn't matter. Just get the best one you can afford. Even if your CPU is holding you back, you can always up the AA/AF and you get more use out of your video card. This shows in most tests. The fastest cards are bottlenecked by the CPU and then once you turn on the AA/AF the frame rate stays the same or lowers slightly while the visual appearance increases. So basically, it doesn't matter. Haveing "synergy" as you put it won't make a difference. Most any card you buy will be CPU limited unless you get a bargain card.

 

[Vee]

Originally posted by: SBGTF
I'm building myself a new Athlon 64 system based on the AMD 64 3000+. What I'm trying to figure out is what is the best video card I can buy that will not be CPU limited.

One of these two guys is always going to be waiting on the other. Either your CPU is waiting for your GPU or your GPU is waiting for your CPU.

With my chioce of the 3000+, which video card has the best synergy. that is to say, which one best matches so neither piece is waiting very long on the other piece.

What I want to avoid (extreme example, but you'll get the picture)

AMD 3800+ with an ATI Radeon 7900

or an Intel Celeron 2.0 with a nVidia 6800 Ultra.

Hopefully you understand what I'm trying to ascertain.

SBGTF

I'd be tempted to go with the Celeron+FX6800.
"Determine at what point a given GPU becomes CPU limited"
Simply reduce resolution, until framerate doesn't increase any more. That generally takes some doing, -eh? -And some GPU!