how many cores does clod use

[jayrc]

Originally Posted by Rattlehead

May I make a suggestion? Forget getting a CPU at this stage.

If you really must upgrade now, go for windows 7 64-bit (a must) a really decent graphics card and a PSU to match. I suggest a 700-750 watt PSU and a graphics card such as a HD6970 or Nvidia equivlalent. Maybe a bit more ram as well. (extra 1gb)

I am also running a core 2 3ghz, and it runs fine.

I've always been a big believer of video card, then ram, then cpu...in order of importance for gaming.

what would the equivlalent be to the 6970 in nvidia, 570, 580? Is there a problem with going intel with ati, or amd and nvidia? do they mix well?

[Rattlehead]

Originally Posted by jayrc

what would the equivlalent be to the 6970 in nvidia, 570, 580? Is there a problem with going intel with ati, or amd and nvidia? do they mix well?

I would imagine those cards are the equivalent, more or less. The 580 GTX seems to be faster than the 6970, but it also costs more.
The best places to check would of course be guru3d, anandtech, tom's hardware...I don't keep up with the Nvidia side of things much these days...good cards, but I've got an Ati for now, so I don't see the need to know what's going on in the 'green camp'.

As far as your second question is concerned, there is no problems that I'm aware of mixing your Intels, Amds, Nvidia's or Ati's.

[kendo65]

Originally Posted by jayrc

what would the equivlalent be to the 6970 in nvidia, 570, 580? Is there a problem with going intel with ati, or amd and nvidia? do they mix well?

The 570 is approx same level performance and price. 580 is superior and more costly.