Far Cry 4 Vs It's Own 'Recommended System Requirements'
**Exploring Far Cry 4's Performance on Recommended System Requirements: A 2020 Retrospective**
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### Introduction to Far Cry 4 and Its Historical Challenges
Far Cry 4, a beloved title in the series, holds a special place for many players, including our narrator, who ranks it second only to Far Cry 3. Beyond its engaging gameplay and compelling narrative, the game's performance history is notable. Upon initial release, the narrator experienced significant issues running the game on their Pentium G3258 processor, which struggled to meet the system requirements. However, a fan-made patch allowed them to play without upgrading their CPU, marking a turning point in their gaming experience.
The game has received updates over the years, piquing curiosity about whether its original recommended system requirements still hold true in 2020. The narrator seized the opportunity to revisit Far Cry 4 during a sale, motivated by a desire to assess its performance on older hardware and share insights with their audience.
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### Recommended System Requirements and Hardware Setup
The game's recommended system specifications, outlined in 2014, included:
- **Processor:** AMD FX 8350 or Intel Core i5 2400S
- **Graphics Card:** Radeon R9 290X or NVIDIA GTX 680
- **Memory:** 8GB of RAM
For testing, the narrator chose an AMD FX 8350 and NVIDIA GTX 680 combination. These components were cutting-edge when released but now face scrutiny in the context of modern hardware advancements.
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### Performance Testing: Separating Components
#### Test 1: Modern CPU with Older GPU
The first test paired a Ryzen 5 3600 (a modern CPU) with an older GTX 680. The setup aimed to assess the GPU's performance without the constraints of an aged CPU. Running Far Cry 4 on high settings with motion blur disabled, the system achieved an average of 60fps, though occasional drops to the low 50s occurred. The narrator found this configuration playable but noted that medium settings would offer a more consistent experience.
#### Test 2: Older CPU with Modern GPU
Next, the FX 8350 was tested with a powerful GTX 1080 Ti in a high-end system. Surprisingly, frame rate differences were minimal, averaging only five to ten frames less than the previous setup. This revelation highlighted that, in this specific game, the GPU often becomes the bottleneck rather than the CPU.
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### Combined Performance: FX 8350 and GTX 680
When pairing the FX 8350 with the GTX 680, the system achieved an average of 53fps on high settings. While this was acceptable, frame drops were noticeable. Opting for medium settings improved the experience, yielding a smoother 70fps average and consistent performance above 60fps.
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### Console Comparisons: PC vs. Consoles
The article emphasizes that playing Far Cry 4 on a PC with similar hardware offers a superior experience compared to its console counterparts. While PC visuals may not match the latest consoles at medium settings, it delivers better frame rates, enhancing gameplay fluidity and enjoyment.
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### Conclusion: Recommendations for Playing Far Cry 4 in 2023
The narrator concludes that Far Cry 4 remains a worthwhile play on PC with compatible hardware. For those considering older GPUs like the GTX 680, exploring its performance in other games is recommended. The article provides valuable insights for retro gaming enthusiasts and those seeking cost-effective gaming solutions.
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### Final Call to Action
Thank you for reading this detailed exploration of Far Cry 4's performance on older hardware. If you found value in this content, we encourage you to engage by leaving a like or subscribing for more insightful videos. We look forward to seeing you in the next video!