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Hardware / Game compatibility
So I'm going to be getting a new computer soon and wanted some questions answered which mainly deal with how games utilize the hardware.
Namely: SLI vs. single GPU, single/dual/quad core computers, CPU GHz (pentium) vs. cache size (athlon), and 32 vs. 64 bit processors. For each of these four decisions, do computer's automatically optimize how software gets executed for best performance or does it depend on the coding of the game itself? For example, will a 64-bit system only be useful for games which have been programmed to handle it, or will it still outperform a 32-bit system regardless of the specific game?
Comments
Hmm... Is this just not an interesting question or to people not know or do they know but it would be too hard to explain?
SLi vs Single GPU. Multi-GPU does show its application in several games. However, its more the exception to the rule as many games are optimized for single GPU use. The only green light here are the advances AMD is making to scale gpus without dedicated programming from the game. However, this tech isn't done yet. There is also another technology doing this but it has a bottle-neck that makes it have 0 impact. So right now a single GPU is best.
Multiple cores. Games are now starting to create more threads. However, this is also another trend that isn't catching on. Most games are still being written on a single thread making anything above a dual core useless. Right now a Dual Core Processor is best unless you go AMD where thier triple and quad core perform better.
Cache Size is infinetly more important for games then GHz. However, you are backwards now its Intel with the monolithic amounts of cache and athlon stuck with only 512KB.
32-bit vs 64-bit processor. Always go 64-bit since thats all you can get right now for processors. However, I think you might mean 32-bit or 64-bit OS. A 64-bit OS will actually not scale down your processor to a 32-bit processor. Also 64-bit will always perform better then 32-bit if the application was written for 64-bit. However, you will encounter driver problems with a 64-bit OS. This has been mostly corrected but its still a minor issue on a few apps.
Currently Games have to be programmed specifically to make use of new technologies. If it isn't, the extra simply won't be used. Its been the trend lately not to support them. Very poor DX10 support for games, still using 32-bit apps even though most processors are not 64-bit, still single-threading games, and only offering 1 rendering operation.
Ok, id recommened duo cores then quad.
A single better video card is your best bet (this excludes x2 cards), sli and x-fire work fine in games that support it but id recommend only planning on using it for a cheap upgrad for a year or years in the future (geta good single now, with a mebo that can support two cards and then in 1-4 years buy another one of those cards [which at this time will be super cheap])
As for CPU id go intel they really do have better cpus atm, however, AMD cpus can compete if your looking at cheap solutions. (look at the cpus in your price range and then google xxx vs xxx)
OK here is the deal atm 64-bit os are pointless (unless you are video editing or some junk like that). For games good old xp is gonna get you the best bang for your hardware. No DX 10 , tho i do not care becuase the differnce is so small. However, if i had to buy an os id get 64bit vista (which is your call) [future proofing a bit]. The main reason why xp outpreforms vista in speed is simple , it has a lot less going on. However, this means vista has more going on and well if games in the future require that ... safe bets here if your getting an os with the system or buying a new os. If you have an old copy of xp just use that (might want to slipstream it however, goggle this if you plan on using an old copy of xp you already own).
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