Will your computer run BF3?

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toolman
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by toolman »

OK it's official....the wife has APPROVED another computer. (she does our budget)

:D

Now I just have to try not to be too hasty and get a good deal on a good box...

here is what my current plans are:

Alienware. hoping for a area 51 model but will probably end up with a aurora model based on the recent prices fluctuating prolly because of BF3.

intel i7 processor. typically the aurora line uses a i7 920.
as much RAM as I can get..6gb at least hoping for 8.
1 TB hard drive. would love to have a dual hard drive at 1TB each but those are harder to find within my budget.
1GB ATI video card. I replaced the Nvidia card in this box years ago with a ATI/AMD and I like it much better. Nvidia always pissed me off when I tried to update drivers.

23" or larger flat monitor. Currently I am looking at a 21" CRT screen. weighs like 40 lbs and makes my eyes hurt :geek:

on that note here is a example of what is my approximate budget and style is similar to

Alienware Aurora

Processor: Intel Core i7-920 Processor (8MB L3 Cache, 1MB L2 Cache, 2.66GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Alienware Aurora Desktop
1 TB SATA II Hard Drive (7200RPM)
6 GB Triple Channel DDR3 1333MHz (3 DIMMs) I have no idea what a DDR3 is compared to a non IEEC thing
24X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability no blu ray needed today
1GB ATI Radeon HD 5670 GDDR5 This seems like good card but I seem to recall seeing better ones at different times including dual cards on some. Not sure what would be more ideal. Don't expect to run dual monitors.


Price: $1,259.00

which leaves me a few hundred left to get a good monitor. want to keep it under 1600.00 out the door.

anyone have some suggestions on things I want to avoid or look for in particular?? I figure I will be lucky to last 2 weeks if I don't get frustrated shopping....

Need some advice guys. Thx.

(and before you say don't get a dell, or that I can build a mondo machine for that much coin..Dell is my only option. I'm shopping in the outlet to maximize a machine.)
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by ryeontherocks »

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gam ... ,3052.html

only gaming computer i would go with I 5 2500k with an asus p8z68v

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.as ... 6813131730

so u can cache 60 ssd hard drive(optional) with a 1 tera gig of western digital black hdd., also tom hardware uses a gpu chart and tells u benchmarks for what you want to do. they suggest amd 6950 2 gig for bf3.

early next year some interesting stuff is coming for intel and amd gpus if you want to wait that long?
(google intel ivy bridge with 2011 chipset and / amd 7000 gpu graphic cards )

thats my 2 cents
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by ryeontherocks »

btw if your close to one of these stores there cpu prices are pretty good
http://www.microcenter.com/search/searc ... 4294964566
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Ready-FIRE-Aim »

Toolman, I really know nothing about PC boxes and stuff but I will say that you should pay proper respect to good cooling. I've found that I can play BF3 while cooking dinner..........in the heat coming outta the back of my machine. Seriously, a couple of the guys on BF3 take cool down breaks from time to time. I'm running a small desktop fan across the back of my unit.
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

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Ready-FIRE-Aim wrote:Toolman, I really know nothing about PC boxes and stuff but I will say that you should pay proper respect to good cooling. I've found that I can play BF3 while cooking dinner..........in the heat coming outta the back of my machine. Seriously, a couple of the guys on BF3 take cool down breaks from time to time. I'm running a small desktop fan across the back of my unit.
RFA
Alienware is Liquid cooled. 8-) Big part of the reason I'm looking at it compared to a XPS.

Honestly I figure I should be able to upgrade just about any of it as time goes by. Much like I have with my current puter over the last 12 years.
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Grizzly »

I bought one from cyberpower.com a year ago and I'm extremely happy with it. Liquid cooled, amd 965 black edition, ati 5770, 8 gigs ram. It was a little over $1,000 and has ran everything maxed out. I also picked up an I-INC 28 inch 2 ms response monitor from tiger direct for $269. Had one dead pixel but it isn't noticeable at all.
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Axel »

Here is what I am looking at acquiring, and I am interested in your thoughts.

PROCESSOR / Intel® Core™ i7-2600K (8MB Cache) Overclocked Turbo Boost to 3.9GHz
OPERATING SYSTEM / Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64Bit, English
CHASSIS COLOR / Matte Stealth Black Chassis with 875W Multi-GPU Approved Power Supply
COOLING OPTION / Alienware™ High-Performance Liquid Cooling :mrgreen:
MEMORY / 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz
GRAPHICS CARD / 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon™ HD 6950
HARD DRIVE / 1TB SATA 3Gb/s (7,200RPM) 32MB Cache
OPTICAL DRIVE / Single Drive: 24X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability

Just from what you see listed above - will this run BF3? BTW - I am a Mac guy looking to upgrade, and the iMac is about $500 more w/o a licensed Windows 7.

All opinions / suggestions are appreciated.
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Ready-FIRE-Aim »

Hey again Axel,

Well you know that I am a Mac guy too. I hear you that there is a $500 premium for the iMac also. I can't really speak to the box you are considering though I don't see a display listed in your post. Is that a routine part of the Alienware set up or is one not included?

When we corresponded last, I was having trouble playing BF3 on the Win7 partition of my iMac but all of that ended up tracing back to a corrupted Origin account. I did have to update my graphics drivers and I am, sure enough, lost while I adapt to the Win7 feel and quirks. But none of my issues were Mac related.

Knowing that the most recent Mac OS renders some prior applications unusable (take BF1942/DC for example) I wonder if the $500 premium might be offset by any costs of replacement software for a PC?

Not trying to sway your decision in any direction, but just wondered about the economic analysis considerations.

Best,
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Specialist »

Toolman, you still getting a Alienware through Dell?

I have a coupon which is good for % 25 off your order for outlet Alineware comps which is good through 11/16.

Let me know.
toolman wrote:OK it's official....the wife has APPROVED another computer. (she does our budget)

:D

Now I just have to try not to be too hasty and get a good deal on a good box...

here is what my current plans are:

Alienware. hoping for a area 51 model but will probably end up with a aurora model based on the recent prices fluctuating prolly because of BF3.

intel i7 processor. typically the aurora line uses a i7 920.
as much RAM as I can get..6gb at least hoping for 8.
1 TB hard drive. would love to have a dual hard drive at 1TB each but those are harder to find within my budget.
1GB ATI video card. I replaced the Nvidia card in this box years ago with a ATI/AMD and I like it much better. Nvidia always pissed me off when I tried to update drivers.

23" or larger flat monitor. Currently I am looking at a 21" CRT screen. weighs like 40 lbs and makes my eyes hurt :geek:

on that note here is a example of what is my approximate budget and style is similar to

Alienware Aurora

Processor: Intel Core i7-920 Processor (8MB L3 Cache, 1MB L2 Cache, 2.66GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Alienware Aurora Desktop
1 TB SATA II Hard Drive (7200RPM)
6 GB Triple Channel DDR3 1333MHz (3 DIMMs) I have no idea what a DDR3 is compared to a non IEEC thing
24X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability no blu ray needed today
1GB ATI Radeon HD 5670 GDDR5 This seems like good card but I seem to recall seeing better ones at different times including dual cards on some. Not sure what would be more ideal. Don't expect to run dual monitors.


Price: $1,259.00

which leaves me a few hundred left to get a good monitor. want to keep it under 1600.00 out the door.

anyone have some suggestions on things I want to avoid or look for in particular?? I figure I will be lucky to last 2 weeks if I don't get frustrated shopping....

Need some advice guys. Thx.

(and before you say don't get a dell, or that I can build a mondo machine for that much coin..Dell is my only option. I'm shopping in the outlet to maximize a machine.)
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

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Specialist wrote:Toolman, you still getting a Alienware through Dell?

I have a coupon which is good for % 25 off your order for outlet Alineware comps which is good through 11/16.

Let me know.

well Dan unfortunately the coupon is not going to work for the system I already ordered viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3373 they have it back ordered (which in my case will just take a little longer) and if I cancelled my order the chances of me getting a system like I got for the price I got are almost zero before that coupon expires. I spoke to a bunch of people from Dell and tried to make it work but not gonna happen so I'm gonna sit on the system for my price since they have to honor it....


but I will say to anyone that is looking....work the Dell outlet HARD for some alienware...get up early and have an idea what your looking for. They are going out the door about as fast as they are being posted and there are some real good deals if you are diligent and patient...but be fast...I have been working it pretty hard for a few weeks and believe me when I say they go fast.

so the coupon is still up for grabs. ;)
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Axel »

Hi Ready-FIRE-AIM, and thanks for your reply.

You are right about the monitor not being part of the Alienware hardware, because it is not an integrated system as the iMac is. However, I could have selected to purchase a new monitor thru Dell (which sells Alienware) - but opted to continue using my 17" Sony until I find a killer deal later on (like at Costco). As far as the software goes, not a big deal for me, as the new system will be used exclusively for gaming. I still will have a MacBook and iPad2 that are used daily for everything else.

I did order my new Alienware system yesterday, and it will ship on the 21st... :roll: I guess they have been selling a tone of these lately due to a sale that ended earlier today.

I am stoked about this system, and diving head first into the world of Win 7, however, I am a Mac guy at heart...always will be :geek:
Ready-FIRE-Aim wrote:Hey again Axel,

Well you know that I am a Mac guy too. I hear you that there is a $500 premium for the iMac also. I can't really speak to the box you are considering though I don't see a display listed in your post. Is that a routine part of the Alienware set up or is one not included?

When we corresponded last, I was having trouble playing BF3 on the Win7 partition of my iMac but all of that ended up tracing back to a corrupted Origin account. I did have to update my graphics drivers and I am, sure enough, lost while I adapt to the Win7 feel and quirks. But none of my issues were Mac related.

Knowing that the most recent Mac OS renders some prior applications unusable (take BF1942/DC for example) I wonder if the $500 premium might be offset by any costs of replacement software for a PC?

Not trying to sway your decision in any direction, but just wondered about the economic analysis considerations.

Best,
RFA
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by toolman »

I love macs. I plan on getting my daughter one for college in addition to a dell (2 grandparents want to get her laptop) so she gets lucky there..but I'm also real happy with the system I got (ordered thus far) for what I paid.

Macs work. period. why I love them.

but it's also still a pita to get them rolling for games...but it also has been getting much better recently. My next box will be an Apple.
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Rally Monkey »

Hey my mac has these specs:

Does anyone know what I would need to upgrade in order to run bf3 or is it even possible?
I get that I need more ram which is easy to do, but the graphics card is the main problem correct?

Model Name: Mac Pro
Model Identifier: MacPro1,1
Processor Name: Dual-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 2
Total Number Of Cores: 4
L2 Cache (per processor): 4 MB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 1.33 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MP11.005C.B08
SMC Version: 1.7f10

NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT:

Chipset Model: NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
Slot: Slot-1
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0393
Revision ID: 0x00a1
ROM Revision: 3008
Displays:
SyncMaster:
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz
Depth: 32-bit Color
Core Image: Hardware Accelerated
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
Rotation: Supported
Display Connector:
Status: No display connected
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Ready-FIRE-Aim »

I think you are prolly DOA with that rig Rally. I didn't see your GPU listed on the BF3 capable list and I think your processor might at best meet only the most minimum requirement. You are correct that you would need more RAM, lots more. and you would need 8X more VRAM. You don't mention your HD either; that's gonna have to be big enough to partition off 100 GB or so with BootCamp so you can install Win7 and BF3.

Tell the missus that you need a new i5/i7 Intel QuadCore iMac to get er done. I am playing BF3 on one of those and can help you spec it out by PM if you go that route.
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Rally Monkey »

LOL thanx RFA,

I have 4 500gb hard drives so room is no problemo, but I didn't think it would run and have started browsing Area51 ish and Alienware ish gaming pcs.


still deciding...
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

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Rally Monkey wrote:LOL thanx RFA,

I have 4 500gb hard drives so room is no problemo, but I didn't think it would run and have started browsing Area51 ish and Alienware ish gaming pcs.


still deciding...
I just want to interrupt this thread by saying...I AM LOSING PATIENCE and am ready to plug in my tower. 72 hours from now I figure I will be quite frustrated waiting for my junk to load up.

If you can be patient Rally I promise to give feedback on my stuff as after I get it. I had a shot at a area 51 close to what I'm getting in the Aurora series. Make sure you got room for it....I pulled out my monitor and found that it takes up my desk with about inch to spare side to side...makes me giddy but also wondering if tower is going to fit. :lol:

I honestly have been looking since last year at different trends with puters and when the wife said "all you do is game on it anyway" I thought fine...gaming computer it is. Big screen, mucho RAM, big vid card, liquid cooled, killer headset. I spent $425.00 for my Mic and headset. 8-)
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by swodi »

oh man - you gonna be hearing me snipe you real good with those bad boyzz!

:D
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Ready-FIRE-Aim »

The sound of Spec's knife entering your chest should be SPECTACULAR on your new headset too!!!
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Axel »

Nov 28 is the big delivery date for my new Alienware desktop. Getting stoked :D
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Specialist »

Axel wrote:Nov 28 is the big delivery date for my new Alienware desktop. Getting stoked :D
Nice, give us some specs :)
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Sl0ppyM0lly »

@toolman How much room do you have on each side of the desk? I don't like putting my tower on the ground as well and I found these pretty cool looking roman style pillars (I use two) that are two feet high at garden ridge that sits next to my desk and I stand my tower on those. Paid like $5 each iirc.

http://www.touchofclass.com/product.asp ... code=RMS01

Basically like the one on the left but $5 lol.
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

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Sl0ppyM0lly wrote:@toolman How much room do you have on each side of the desk? I don't like putting my tower on the ground as well and I found these pretty cool looking roman style pillars (I use two) that are two feet high at garden ridge that sits next to my desk and I stand my tower on those. Paid like $5 each iirc.

http://www.touchofclass.com/product.asp ... code=RMS01

Basically like the one on the left but $5 lol.
I would worry about my tower falling, I have carpet in my gaming room and I don't think it would be well balanced.
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Sl0ppyM0lly »

I have carpeting as well and with the pillars being around two feet tall and lopping down the tower on top of them there is no lean etc so you would be fine really. Maybe I will send in a pic when I am sober soon :D
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Axel »

Specialist wrote:
Axel wrote:Nov 28 is the big delivery date for my new Alienware desktop. Getting stoked :D
Nice, give us some specs :)
Alienware Aurora-R3
Intel Core i7-2600K OTB 3.9GHz
CPU Liquid Cooling
8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz, AVDT
2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6950
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio, INFO, CDT
Single Drive: 24X DVD
1TB SATA 3Gb/s,7200RPM

Email arrived today - item just shipped 8-) 8-) 8-)
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Re: Will your computer run BF3?

Post by Jump3rRay »

Y'all have a recommended joystick for BF3? Mouse and Keyboard sucks for flight.
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