PC Upgrade

[Rawns]

Like a raving loon, BF3 has driven me on a quest to get my PC up to spec in time for it's release so run it at a decent frame rate. So I'm looking at options for an upgrade. I can't really affor a new rig, so am looking at a mobo, CPU and memory upgrade, followed by a GPU upgrade if necessary in the future. Current spec is:

• AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5200+@ 2.61GHz
• 4GB OCZ DDR2 @ 400Mhz
• ASUSTek M2N4-SLI

I've priced this lot up for just over 200 quid which I don't think is too bad. I'd welcome any opinions/alternatives.

• AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition 3.4GHz Socket AM3.. | Ebuyer.com
• 2 X Kingston 4GB DDR3 1600MHz Hyperx Memory Module CL9 1.65V | Ebuyer.com
• Asus M4A87TD/USB3 870 Socket AM3 8 Channel Audio ATX.. | Ebuyer.com

The aim is to spend no more than £250 as am more likely to get the wife's consent.

[Arthur]

Although a little bit more expensive (£257.70), I would go with an Intel-based system for BF3...

Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K (£141.59)
Motherboard: Asus P8P67-M Rev. 3.0 (£80.47)
RAM: 8GB (2x4GB) G-Skill RipjawsX DDR3 1,600Mhz 1.5v Memory Kit (£35.64)

As you can see from these benchmarks there is a huge difference between a Phenom II X4 965 BE and a Core i5-2500K. Even more so if you overclock it too.

There's simply no better gaming CPU on the market today than Sandy Bridge. The Core i5 2500K and 2600K top the charts regardless of game. If you're building a new gaming box, you'll want a SNB in it. (Source)

By the way, have you already got a suitable graphics card?

[ihaveaproblem]

Might be talking trash here... but I thought I saw a few reports saying AMD CPU's where performing better on BF3?
Don’t quote me on this.. I’ll go dig some research to see if this is true or if I’m remembering something false

What GFX card have you got? I'd try to get 6 GB RAM or more because for me BF3 was very close to using 4gb.
Oh, and what’s your OS and reso you play at?

[Rawns]

I'm going for 8Gb of RAM. The more the better! I currently have a GTX280 at the moment which I think will do. I will see how it does with the inital upgrade and can always replace later on. I'll have a closer look at the i5 tomorrow.

[Rawns]

Oh, Win 7 and 1600x1200. :P

[Rawns]

Although a little bit more expensive (£257.70), I would go with an Intel-based system for BF3...

Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K (£141.59)
Motherboard: Asus P8P67-M Rev. 3.0 (£80.47)
RAM: 8GB (2x4GB) G-Skill RipjawsX DDR3 1,600Mhz 1.5v Memory Kit (£35.64)

As you can see from these benchmarks there is a huge difference between a Phenom II X4 965 BE and a Core i5-2500K. Even more so if you overclock it too.



By the way, have you already got a suitable graphics card?

Oooooo, there is quite a big jump between the two! I usually go with AMD as they are good value, but for an extra 30 quid, I think the difference in performance is quite clear that the i5 is the better option!

[Rawns]

Although a little bit more expensive (£257.70), I would go with an Intel-based system for BF3...

Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K (£141.59)
Motherboard: Asus P8P67-M Rev. 3.0 (£80.47)
RAM: 8GB (2x4GB) G-Skill RipjawsX DDR3 1,600Mhz 1.5v Memory Kit (£35.64)

As you can see from these benchmarks there is a huge difference between a Phenom II X4 965 BE and a Core i5-2500K. Even more so if you overclock it too.


By the way, have you already got a suitable graphics card?

@Arthur

Just had a look on eBuyer to do have another think and I've noticed all the kit you listed is now more expensive then when you posted!

i5 CPU - £171.00
Mobo - £97.73
Memory - £43.15

Takes it up to £311.88

[jamesreedersmith]

Ex Vat and Inc Vat!!

[Rawns]

Ex Vat and Inc Vat!!

All ebuyers prices are inclusive of VAT. Plus the CPU would be £134. Wonder if they had a sale on that I've missed.

[jamesreedersmith]

Unless you click the button that says show ex vat prices (like mose people buying for school do.)
Untitled.jpg

[Rawns]

Unless you click the button that says show ex vat prices (like mose people buying for school do.)
Untitled.jpg

Now it all makes sense. When buying for home, show VAT! No nasty surprises then!

[aerospacemango]

Hi Rawns....

Have you considered Novatech for your build? I rebuilt my PC with a quad-core, for about £200...including a 1TB HDD.

Good delivery speeds too!

(P.S. I have no affiliation with the company, I just thought they were good!)

[aerospacemango]

But talking of upgrades...

I need a new graphics card for BF3....but don't want to/can't spend a fortune....Any ideas???

[Rawns]

Hi Rawns....

Have you considered Novatech for your build? I rebuilt my PC with a quad-core, for about £200...including a 1TB HDD.

Good delivery speeds too!

(P.S. I have no affiliation with the company, I just thought they were good!)

Never heard of them before, but I'll have a look on their site tonight. Thanks.

[Rawns]

But talking of upgrades...

I need a new graphics card for BF3....but don't want to/can't spend a fortune....Any ideas???

What kind of budget are you aiming for?