First post, by Great Hierophant
- Rank
- l33t
The games DOSBox can run smoothly is dependent on the speed of the host CPU. The faster the real processor, the faster the virtual processor. While it seems you can never have too fast a processor for DOSBox, some of the last DOS games can really bring fast processors to their knees.
Which is the fastest processor for DOSBox? These days, the MHz race is not the main theme as the current Pentium 4 and Athlon 64 processors are or are fast approaching their speed limits. Cache, 64-bit processing, and dual core implementations have garnered most of the current buzz. However, its simply not realistic for most people to spend $800-900 on the absolute top of the line processors (EEs and FXs) when you're paying 175% more than the next step downwards for a maximum performance increase of 10%.
Currently, I have my eye on an Athlon 64 4000+ (2.4GHz, 1MB L2) or maybe a Pentium 4 660 3.6GHz (2MB L2). Respectable high end but just edging on ridiculous. The Athlon has the edge on games while the Pentium 4 scores with many applications. But for DOSBox, which is best?