So, I finally got around to installing Bioshock and it proceeded to completely rape my computer.

I have a new monitor that is at 1680x1050. I haven't gamed much since I got it, but I was able to run games like Oblivion and FEAR at 1280x1024, with medium to medium-high graphic settings..

Bioshock is unplayable at 1680x1050 with medium graphics on. I've finally got it playable at 1360x765 with medium on. My rig's not top of the line, but I'm wondering if anybody else has gotten better performance with hidden tweaks or something.

AMD 64 3700+ (stock)
2 gigs value RAM
evga 6800

That setup won't cut it for newer games. That's about 2 generations behind current top-tech. If possible, I recommend an upgrade (at least up to X2 CPU and 7800/x1900/x1950 GPU, and get good ram, it is certainly worth the cost)

My friend's 7950 runs it really well. Obviously no DX10, but you know.

ugh.. I know that (thanks for rubbing it in). Upgrade isn't really worth it for me yet..

was looking more for something like a patch that would let me run it in a 4:3 resolution (black bars on the side)

Well, I've started looking around at video cards, and am trying to figure out if 512mb ram is worth the difference?

Found a 8500GT for $65

Eh, it's a TD rebate, so YMMV.

Go for this at least.

http://computers.pricegrabber.com/video ... /46788697/

If you are going DX10, at the very least get an 8600, preferably an 8800 GTS.

I have an 8600gts and I had no problems at all playing bioshock and company of heroes in Dx10 with rather high settings and at least some AA. The 256mb 128bit ram is a bit behind the times, but a 2,000mhz memory clock seems to make up for it. You won't get the best performance with 16x AA but everything else runs pretty nice. Plays old games like Far Cry, Fear, titan quest, GTR2, and some others on Ultra or Very High settings with no problems.

fwiw my system is a core 2 duo e6300 with 2gb of pc6400 ram.