Originally Posted by InfernalSolo

If I am understanding you correctly, you are saying that the beta testers cannot accurately judge how a computer that they do not have will perform. This is true to a certain extent. However, it may be that if they are only experiencing average performance running the game on their rigs, they can imagine that a lower-end system will perform worse - below average.

As for your video card, I do not think that it meets the recommended requirements. The 7950 performs much better than the 8500. That is because even though it is a generation ahead, it is still "out-classed."

Although the 8 series is a jump ahead generation-wise, that does not mean that any 8 series card will outperform any 7 series card. The cards of they new generation are only intended to outperform their counterpart cards of the previous generation. For example, the 8600 card is designed to replace the 7600, so it does perform better. However, it is still out-performed by the 7800. For that, you would need an 8800.

Here is my experience with some common geforce "classes."

x300-x500: Allows for high performance graphics design and multimedia use. Not intended for gaming.

x600: Entry level gaming card. Intended for fair performance in most modern games with settings at high.

x800: Allows for very good performance in modern games with most settings maxed or at high.

x900: Allows high performance in most games with settings maxed.

x950: Same as x900 class, but with two GPUs on one card, allowing for dual SLI on one card, or quad SLI with two cards. Intended for high performance with settings maxed in games as long as the CPU can keep up.

If you do not have the cash for a high performance 8 series card, I would highly suggest investing in a 7800 or a 7900 card. Although they do not meet the recommended specs either, they can be bought for cheaper, and still give good performance in modern games. And with windows XP, you don't need a DX10 card anyway.