Question 10yo gaming rig, cannot run CS 2.0, please help

[jcardia]

I'm running a 10+ year old gaming system and looking to see what GPU(s) I can run to play Counter Strike 2.0 without much lag. When I go to load game I get the following error: "application requires DX11, no valid device found"​

​

Current System specs:​

Windows 10 64 bit pro

ASUS Z68 Extreme4 w/ Intel i7-2600K CPU @ 3.4GHz (8 CPUs)​

Memory 8192MB RAM

ATI HD 4870 X2​

DirectX 12

Do I need new GPUs, if so what can I run in place of current GPUs without changing much else in the system?

Any guidance, is much appreciated.

 

[Order 66]

The ATI HD 4870 X2 does NOT support DX 12 or even DX11, you will need a new GPU, however a GPU that is able to run CS2 may struggle to run modern AAA games. IF you are planning on playing other games you will need a completely new system.

 

[punkncat]

Something along the lines of a 970/1060/580 or so should be a nice drop in according to your power supply.

CS2 system requirements

Valve has finally shared the official Counter-Strike 2 specs, and the Source 2 sequel isn't too difficult to run based on what has been revealed.

www.pcgamesn.com

 

[jcardia]

The ATI HD 4870 X2 does NOT support DX 12 or even DX11, you will need a new GPU, however a GPU that is able to run CS2 may struggle to run modern AAA games. IF you are planning on playing other games you will need a completely new system.

Ok, I ran "dxdiag" and the report showed DX12. Either way, CS2.0 is my only objective atm. what GPUs can I run with the moBo i have (pci 2.0 x16)

 

[punkncat]

You can readily pick up a "new" RX580 from off brands like Yeston for ~$70-80. Apparently they are a mix of new and old parts but the reviews of them have been surprisingly positive. My understanding is they are the weaker version of the 580 GPU, but still, for that price it could be worthwhile.

 

[jcardia]

Is the 580 the best bang for the buck in this scenario?

 

[punkncat]

Is the 580 the best bang for the buck in this scenario?

To be fair, I am not 100% sure you wouldn't run into limitations with the CPU against a 580. Even if so it should not be too bad. IMO I would search around for price and availability in your area for used or even off brand new and see what presents with models in that ballpark range.
1660 S/ti, 470/480/570, 1060...I don't think I would bother at this point purchasing a 960, so...

 

[stonecarver]

if so what can I run in place of current GPUs without changing much else in the system?

The only thing I would add is memory. You can get these for the cost of a combo hamburger meal.

It would be like for the first time taking your 2600k out of second gear.

 

[jcardia]

if i were to consider replacing multiple components, I would assume Motherboard, Memory, CPU and GPU. is the CPU really that limited by today's standards?

Either way, trying to salvage as much of my existing build as possible to not break the bank.

 

[stonecarver]

is the GPU really that limited by today's standards?

You could also put a 1080 Ti in there and that 2600k would sing. I would opt for two packs of the memory so 32 Gb's. The 1080 Ti came out about 6 years after the I7 2600K so they work pretty good together. And the AMD 580 is a beautiful gaming card with awesome game play and can play anything we have thrown at it. Happy gaming

 

[punkncat]

if i were to consider replacing multiple components, I would assume Motherboard, Memory, CPU and GPU. is the CPU really that limited by today's standards?

Either way, trying to salvage as much of my existing build as possible to not break the bank.

I would not spend to replace the core components based on this game alone. If you run into further limitations take those into consideration.

I also would not spend to put a 1080ti in this unless you ARE planning an update to something newer, soon. Consider that W10 support is ending in Oct of '24, so whatever you spend on then for a gaming rig should most likely be compliant with W11 unless you are adept with Linux.

 

[jcardia]

not adept with linux, so might have to buy a whole new rig. Ugh! thank you for this insight.

 

[punkncat]

not adept with linux, so might have to buy a whole new rig. Ugh! thank you for this insight.

No worries. Even an i3 10100 is faster than your 2600K. Not say I am recommending that, but just to say there are budget items out there that are far beyond that old i7. It was legendary and continues to have relevance but for gaming is pretty outdated at this point.

IDK if you have a MicroCenter nearby, but they have the R5 3600 on sale. Along with the motherboard discount and an RX 6600 you could readily build a system ~$500 that would be quite an improvement over your current.

 

[jcardia]

The only thing I would add is memory. You can get these for the cost of a combo hamburger meal.

It would be like for the first time taking your 2600k out of second gear.

So I'm already running a pair of Corsair 8GB (2x4GB) DIMMS, 1600MHz _ 9-9-9-24 1.5V

I'm pretty sure 16GB is max for this MoBo

 

[jcardia]

No worries. Even an i3 10100 is faster than your 2600K. Not say I am recommending that, but just to say there are budget items out there that are far beyond that old i7. It was legendary and continues to have relevance but for gaming is pretty outdated at this point.

IDK if you have a MicroCenter nearby, but they have the R5 3600 on sale. Along with the motherboard discount and an RX 6600 you could readily build a system ~$500 that would be quite an improvement over your current.

There is a Microcenter in Cambridge, MA I'll check their website. Thx

 

[Flayed]

I have a 3600 and even though it is not the latest tech it still does gaming rather well, such that the enthusiast in me is struggling to find justification to replace it with something newer.
I would also consider an R5 5600G as I think an integrated GPU would be worth a few bucks more.