[Can my PC run GTA IV?]

That's not true at all, DX10 was not only meant to improve graphics (which it does) but it was also for improving performance on the same hardware (which it does). Vista is not resource hungry, people who say that are ignorant; yes it will say it is using a lot of RAM but it's not actually using it (as in preventing apps from using it), it's caching it so applications can access it faster. It's called advanced memory management.

In any case, Windows 7 and DX11 are coming up in about a year so don't wait, either get a DX10.1 card now or get a DX11 card in the future.

Also, that magazine scan is awesome because that mid-range config is nearly identical to mine, I'm happy I can run it at my native resolution on fairly good settings.

All I want to know is, if I switch back to XP with a 7900GT, 3GB RAM & AMD X2 2.0GHz, will it make the game run faster?

[Can my PC run GTA IV?]

Well, Vista is on DX10 and would make the visuals better on IV, and if you go back to XP, you'll only have DX9 which basically minuses the visuals. Make sure you've placed the 2GB stick of RAM firmly in, I've realized that many people don't do this alot, but don't go crazily firm with the stick of RAM.

I'm not that fussed by lots of visuals to be honest. I play plenty of games on DX9 and they all look fine. Graphics don't make a great game, in my opinion. Just as long as it runs smoothly.

I didn't think the 7900GT even supports DX10?

The RAM works if I take out the 1GB stick, and also if I take out the 2GB stick and replace it with the other 1GB. It just doesn't work with all 3GB. The computer boots up, and it even recognizes all 3GB, but when it gets to loading up Windows, the screen just stays blank. It's really strange.

[Can my PC run GTA IV?]

Do you think that the game would run if I switched back to XP? I just bought myself a 2GB stick of RAM (to replace one of the 1GB sticks) and Vista won't load with it in. It's only 3Gb so it should load. I was thinking of switching to XP anyway, as it would probably make most of my games run better.

The rest of my system:

NVIDIA 7900GT

AMD 3800+ 2.0GHz

[Can my PC run GTA IV?]

Well then i guess you should upgrade your cpu...you can upgrade your video card later, like after xmas or something i suppose. Just dont expect to run gta in any good looking settings, it will prob be like 800x600 low/med details, cos of that video card.

according to a benchmark on toms hardware (quake 4 1280x1024) even a AMD 4600+ beats the phenom X3 you mentioned. however GTA4 might be more optimised for multicore than Quake 4 was. the other X2 you were thinking of (5600+) is way ahead of the phenom you listed which is a higher price too.

But this could all change soon, because game dev. will optimise for multicore (we hope) so it can be used more effectively.

If i were you, i would buy the X2 5600+ , you can always upgrade later if you really need to. according to their site they have only 3 left so better jump on it

Thanks for the reply. Maybe it will be better to wait until the game comes out so that I can get feedback from people who have the same hardware...

[Can my PC run GTA IV?]

to make a point, you could have a intel quad core extreme edition $1000 processor, and a geforce FX5200, it still wont run it. sure your card meets the "minimum" but, i wouldve thought this game is more graphic intensive rather than CPU (still is cpu intensive, but graphics would be slightly more useful) i think.

so yeah like chris said, and im saying. better to upgrade your video card. do you have a PCIe x16 slot? if you dont then, you might be in a bit of trouble cos AGP is sorta long dead :S but you should have one.

Yes, I have a PCIe x16 slot.

The point that I was trying to make is that if the game won't physically run without the minimum processor (or will run very badly) wouldn't buying a graphics card be slightly pointless without first upgrading the processor?

I'm asking because that's the way it seems to me.

The graphics cards you've all suggested all seem to be around £100 or so, whereas the processors I mentioned cost £50 - £60, which is what I was intending to spend. Obviously you guys know what would make the difference, but I just can't spend that much money (credit crunch anyone?).

[Can my PC run GTA IV?]

If you're spending that amount of money, a new graphics card would suit you as it would be better to spend more if you wanted to upgrade the processor.

You could probably find an ATi 4850 for that price with rebates which would be fine.

But also keep in mind that you need at least a PCI-express x16 slot for that.

The 7900 is the minimum graphics card the game will need according to the system requirements, but iirc your processor doesn't meet the minimum specifications.

It's up to you, either upgrade would help, but a graphics card upgrade would be easier and cheaper.

Given that my processor doesn't meet the requirements and my graphics card does, I'd rather buy a new processor.

I was looking at this processor - would it be worth buying or would I be better of saving a little and getting an X3 phenom? This is the cheapest I could find: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/144803

[Can my PC run GTA IV?]

Hi, these are my system specs:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor 3800+ 2GHz

NVIDIA GeForce 7900GT

2GB RAM

Windows Vista 32 SP1

Currently I am able to play most games on high settings, but seeing as my system barely meets the minimum requirements I was wondering how I could make the biggest difference to my PC for the lowest price. I'm looking to spend no more than around £50-£60 (about $100 - $120 I think?) as money is a little tight for us at the moment.

I'm already planning on buying another GB of RAM.

My monitor's native resolution is 1600x1200 and I would like to play at this resolution if possible, even on low settings, but if necessary I wouldn't mind playing at 1280x1024.

Any help would be appreciated as I know you guys probably know way more about gaming hardware than myself.