GT200 Review: CPU scaling of the Geforce GTX 280

In our detailed benchmark analysis the Geforce GTX 280 runs with a 3.6 GHz Dore 2 Duo (Wolfdale core). The following review will reveal why this is a reasonable decision and how much the GT200 addicted to the CPU power. To achieve this we set our E8500 (6 MiByte L2-Cache) to clock speeds between 2 and 4 GHz. All tests were made at a resolution of 1.680x1.050 with 4x FSAA and 16:1 AF.

Performance analysis: CPU Addiction GTX 280
The benchmarks reveal that the 2 GHz processor is a noticeable burden. Especially the minimal fps of World in Conflict, benefit from 3 or more GHz. Crysis is, even with the GTX 280, GPU limited in the used settings and thus the minimal fps rise slightly but the average fps don't.

Summing up, one can say, that in 1.680x1.050 (4x FAA/16:1 AF) the Geforce GTX 280 is on full throttle from 3.6 GHz upwards. If you play in even higher resolutions a 3 GHz processor is enough, especially if it has four cores. Of course the GTX 280 could even convert more than 5 GHz CPU power into more fps - but not in resolutions that are dignified for a high-end graphics card.