What kind of performance with BFBC2 can I expect using an AMD X2 5600+ @ 3000 MHz cpu and a 896 MB GTX260? I am considering picking up a GTX260 gpu, even though the card will be bottlenecked by my cpu, if it will give me a decent gain in performance over my current 512 MB 9800GTX+ gpu. Any advice appreciated.

Unless your getting the 260 used at a decent price, I'd say it's a waste of money. There's faster cards that can be had for less.

Thanks. I will hold off until I can pick up a used GTX260 for a good price.

Your 9800 should be decent, unless you want to play at insane resolutions or max out on AA.

I picked up a GTX 260 card after all and am quite satisfied with the purchase. Although I only gained a measly 200 points in 3dmark06 at default resolution over my benchmark using a 9800gtx+ card, Battlefield Bad Company 2 is much more fluid at 1680x1050 with everything on high except for shadows (low) and effects (medium). I have also been able to significantly increase the eye candy and antialiasing on other games.

I realize that my cpu is a major bottleneck so the next upgrade will be a new cpu and mainboard.

speaking of BF bad company - I picked it up and Like it. The 5850 allows me to max ALL settings and eye candy at 1680 x 1050 an playability is as smooth as silk. awesome.