Battlefield 3 will hit the shelves October 25th, 2011 for the PC, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3. If you are a PC gamer you know you are going to want a powerful machine to experience this much anticipated release. Battlefield 3 introduces the Frostbite 2.0 engine which is based on the 1.5 engine seen in Bad Company 2, so the system requirements will be similar.
Minimum System Requirements:
OS: Windows Vista or Windows 7
Processor: Core 2 Duo @ 2.0GHz
RAM: 2GB
Graphic card: DirectX 10 or 11 compatible Nvidia or AMD ATI card.
Graphics card memory: 512 MB
Hard drive: 15 GB for disc version or 10 GB for digital version
Recommended System Requirements:
OS: Windows 7 64-bit
Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD CPU
RAM: 4GB
Graphics card: DirectX 11 Nvidia or AMD ATI card, GeForce GTX 460, Radeon Radeon HD 6850
Graphics card memory: 1 GB
Hard drive: 15 GB for disc version or 10 GB for digital version
My Battlefield 3 Gaming Machine
CPU / Processor:
AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc…82E16819103849
Motherboard:
GIGABYTE GA-990XA-UD3 AM3+ AMD 990X
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc…82E16813128510
Video Card:
SAPPHIRE 100315L Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc…82E16814102908
with 8GB 1333 DDR3 memory and my current power supply / case which will fit the new components well.
Take the build found here in this article:
http://pc.mmgn.com/Articles/Building-A-PC-For-Battlefield-3
This build budget is $1000.
With the 3 components I have above I am at $445 with a promotional code (HARDOCPX817E) on the processor. This promotion ends TODAY – 8/23/11.
If I added on a Power Supply, HDD, CPU cooler, Case, DVD Drive, and memory:
OCZ ModXStream Pro 700W – $59.99 (After rebate) + Free Shipping
Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB – $49.99 + Free Shipping
ZALMAN CNPS10X Performa 120mm – $40.24 – Free Shipping
Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case – $49.99 + $9.99 Shipping
Sony Optiarc CD/DVD Burner Drive – $19.99 + Free Shipping
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) – $49.99 + Free Shipping
Total: $749 (Plus Tax)
Saved: $250!
Now whether you are looking to put together a new computer all together or just upgrade some components, this may be helpful to you.
1. Establish your price range – Sounds simple, but careful – you may find yourself stretching your boundaries reaching for some luxurious hardware.
2. Look for the deals – Always look for specials online for websites like Newegg.com and TigerDirect.com.
Promotional codes and coupons can be found online as well from places like RetailMeNot.com or Google. It pays to be patient as well for some upcoming deals for PC components. Check combo deals as well online for Motherboards/CPU’s or GPU/CPU’s.
3. Check compatibility – It is very important when picking out computer parts to make sure they are compatible with everything else you are getting or with what you are keeping in your system.
With Processors (CPU’s) you want to make sure your motherboard and CPU are both either Intel or AMD. For example my processor is “AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition” and my motherboard is “GIGABYTE GA-990XA-UD3 AM3+ AMD 990X.” Both are AMD. You also want to make sure that the motherboard accepts the CPU socket type of your processor. My CPU socket type is “Socket AM3” and if you look under details on my motherboard it says “CPU Socket Type: AM3+.” Your power supply must also have the power inputs that match your motherboard’s CPU power input. My motherboard has a 8 pin spot for the CPU and my power supply has that input.
You also want to make sure your motherboard is compatible with both the video card and memory you have. Most motherboards have multiple “PCI Express 2.0 x16” inputs. You will need at least one for your video card and more than one if you plan on having other components that will use these inputs (sound card, 2nd video card, etc.) The video card must also have the same “Chipset Manufacturer” as the motherboard/CPU brand (Intel or AMD). You should also check if features that are available from your video card are possible through your motherboard, such as SLI and CrossfireX. If you are getting a video card for any games (Battlefield 3) make sure it is DirectX11 under 3D API DirectX.
Most memory online and in stores now is DDR3. If you are upgrading your motherboard you will need to make sure the memory you will have is a compatible speed and type. If you look at “Memory Standard” under details for my motherboard it says “DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/1066.” So it is DDR3 and runs at those speeds – 2000 is “Over Clocked.” My memory is 8GB DDR3 1600MHz so it is compatible.
Here is my motherboard layout:
Enjoy building your new PC! Post your builds here or at BFGamerz!