cpu and gaming

[zombes]

This is my current set up:
os: windows xp pro
cpu: amd 3200 venice
video card: xfx 7900 gt
sound card: soundblaster 2zs
ram: 2 gig of Corsair
mobo: dfi lanparty nf4 ultra-d


I'm thinking about upgrading my processor to an AMD 4200 dual core. My question is would this make a noticable difference when it comes to online gaming. Say for a game like counterstrike source or even newer fps titles?

[Mada_Milty]

I'm not sure you would see a benefit for Counterstrike, as your current specs should run that without much trouble. As for newer FPS', you might see a little performance boost, but I couldn't say how much as you have the RAM and video card to run most pretty well. Also, you should note that having a dual core processor vs a single core will not give you ANY benefits, as not too many games are coded to take advantage of the second core. For gaming purposes, you might save yourself some money (and possibly get more performance) by getting a faster single core processor.

[Rikky]

Your cpu is bottlenecking your system you would see a fps improvement in all games,my a64 3500 OC'd to 2.6 on a full 32 player map in CODUO starts to struggle with everything on max when the action gets thick

An article from Guru3d that has now been removed from the archive as far as I can see shows that even a 6800 ultra can make use of an a64 4000,your 7900gt would really make use of the extra speed

found it

http://www.guru3d.com/article/article/136/