When does the gfx become a bottleneck?

[HansKlos]

I have a 4870 1 gig by asus, with a q9400 running at 3.6ghz, does the car become a bottleneck at this point? and should i drop my cpu to 3.2 or am i fine?

[rotNdude]

Your generic question can't be handled with a specific answer. The applications you run will vary and those applications will highlight what may be the weakest component. Some apps are very CPU intensive and other apps are very GPU intensive.

[Mr_Keroro]

So you have the cpu OC by about 1GHz?

[Monster_user]

I have a 4870 1 gig by asus, with a q9400 running at 3.6ghz, does the car become a bottleneck at this point?

As rotNdude said, it depends on the game.

That said, as long as you have a 3ghz Quad core, the GPU is usually the bottleneck. I strongly believe that even at 3.2ghz clock speeds, your GPU is going to be the bottleneck most of the time.

The 4870 is now two generations out of date. This drops it down to mid-range, or passable. Your computer will benefit from the upgrade to a 6870, regardless of bottlenecks.

and should i drop my cpu to 3.2 or am i fine?

The higher the clock, the more wear and tear will be put on the CPU, and the more electricity is required for it to run.

Also, Speedstep could reduce stability, as it changes the clock speeds. Generally your computer does not run at the full 3.6ghz, except while gaming.

Finally, each CPU is not made the same. If your CPU has fewer defects than others, then it could withstand a higher overclock. It is generally recommended to make sure to have more than enough cooling though.

The decision is yours.

[NJuice]

Stop worrying about bottlenecks.

[themires]

i think this term Bottleneck is used way to much.

[HansKlos]

ok thanx guys, right now im running every game very well at almost maxed out settings, unless its cryis or metro 2033, besides that all games run great