Capturing gameplay solutions

[JamesV]

I'm putting together a new rig this Sept/Oct, and want to be able to capture video of games like Battlefield 3. I've used FRAPS, but noticed slowdowns, and was planning on getting an internal capture card. After about two weeks of researching, I'm no closer to a purchase. Every article is about 360/PS3 capturing, and every PC article is old (2003ish).

I want to be able to capture high quality game footage. I am not going to capture TV, I don't need a remote or cables, and am apparently out of luck because the high quality options are always bundled with a ton of junk. Is there a plain, high quality capture card out there?

Or, since I will not be recording TV, should I look into software alternatives? Like I said, I use FRAPS, but I notice the slowdowns.

I would really appreciate any recommendations for internal capture cards; specific models and not just brands please. Also any alternatives you think might work for me. Thanks.

 

[Imouto]

MSI Afterburner integrated solution.
Free.
0 performance loss.

 

[JamesV]

MSI Afterburner integrated solution.
Free.
0 performance loss.

I'm getting tons of problems with this from searches. Exactly what I want to avoid - any issues.

 

[apoppin]

If you have slowdowns with Fraps, consider using SSDs and the fastest CPU and graphics you can afford.

The capture cards that i have seen cost a lot more than upgrading your PC.

EDiT:
This looks promising:
http://www.d3dgear.com/

 

[JamesV]

If you have slowdowns with Fraps, consider using SSDs and the fastest CPU and graphics you can afford.

The capture cards that i have seen cost a lot more than upgrading your PC.

EDiT:
This looks promising:
http://www.d3dgear.com/

So you are saying that if I get a great CPU and SSD, then a program like FRAPS would work as well as a physical capture card?

I have two builds in mind so far(both with 128GB SSD drives for OS/select games); a 2600K build, and a 6 core Gulftown based on capturing. The 2600K has a huge fanbase, but for my needs (capture), would I better off with a 6 core?

Asking because most games don't fully utiilize all cores, and BF3 has been stated to use 4, and could possibly use more... I'm guessing if BF3 uses 4 cores, and if I had a 5th core FRAPS could run on - would that be optimal? Can FRAPS actually take advantage of that?

 

[imaheadcase]

Never noticed any slowdowns with fraps. Naturally depending on settings you record it and how you record.