Compy specs --> Crysis!

So it looks like PC build pictures may or may not ever go up. I can't get myself to dump the shots onto the computer and upload. So I suppose a spec rundown will have to suffice for now, and possibly for later too:

Core2Duo E8400 @ 3.00ghz , 1333mhz fsb
2GB DDR2 at 1066mhz, OCZ Reapers HPC
Mobo: P35 chipset, Gigabyte board
Gigabyte ATI Radeon HD 4850 overclocked to 650mhz and 1200 mhz for core shader and memory clocks, though I think it may be good to lower them somewhat(will explain that in a bit).
Rosewill PSU and Case. Pretty slick case if I do say so myself.

Clocked the system to 1066mhz so that it all runs in sync, so it should do pretty decent.

Video card was originally overclocked with ATI utility to even higher specs, like 700mhz and ~1400mhz clocks, but I didn't want to push it that far. It runs at 79C at idle, so I could do w/ some better cooling solutions too. The case pushes air nicely, except there's more less a dead space under the video card, and there isn't really anywhere for the hot air to go. The case gets warm in that region when under load.

So last night I transfered some game images in preparation for the LAN on Sunday, including StarCraft and WCIII. But the real show was the Crysis demo that had finished downloading. I wanted to take the game for a spin, especially given this video card's power and the system's overall specs, I was confident that I could run the game at good resolutions and settings. Indeed, I had full 1440x900 and 4x AA, as well as all settings turned to high. The game is gorgeous. Like Cornell. It was one of the most immersing gaming experiences ever. I can't wait to get back to school to get the full version, as well as try out some other games that I've been missing out on due to my ancient 6600gt.

The AI and game scenery were probably the most impressive at this point. The enemy characters knew when someone was hurt or shot if they called out, and they rally reinforcements and move into the hills, searching for me. I could turn on stealth for limited periods of time, which allowed me to sneak past many a guard. The bushes and plants actually bend and break and move as I step on them and move through space. That was impressive. Unfortunately, my video card did crash during the game, once, which was scary, and I will be turning down my clock speeds next time. That may also mean I may need to turn down some settings, and it should be noted that since I was playing on XP, it was w/ DX9.0c, not DX10.

And though it was late, I did finish up the Reese's ice cream afterwards.