I am confused what video card to get for BF3

Remobz

Platinum Member
Jun 9, 2005
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Hello all,

System specs....


INTEL i3 2100 3.1GHZ PROCESSOR LGA1155 3MB
INTEL DH67BLB3,
8 meg kingston DDR3-1333
Zotac Geforce 210 synergy 512megs ----> VERY outdated!
Samsung 840 pro 128
SEAGATE BARRACUDA 500GB 7200 RPM SATA


Monitor is Asus PA23q with maximum res of 1920 x 1080

The MAIN game will be BF3 and hopefully BF4 when it comes out.


Problem is that there are so many new drivers coming out by both AMD and Nvidia that improves performance (which one is better now?) and then so many OC and superclocked and Ti versions and on and on and on.

Alright, so here is my question for you all.


For a person that just bought BF3 premium what would be the absolute best card to play BF3 and hopefully BF4?

I would not like to spend over $250.00 if possible.

What would be the best strategy considering newer and better cards are coming out soon as well?
 

BallaTheFeared

Diamond Member
Nov 15, 2010
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If you're planning MP BF3/4, you need to budget for a cpu and gpu upgrade.

Meaning you need to start saving, because $250 for both isn't going to go anywhere.
 

Remobz

Platinum Member
Jun 9, 2005
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If you're planning MP BF3/4, you need to budget for a cpu and gpu upgrade.

Meaning you need to start saving, because $250 for both isn't going to go anywhere.

I am waiting for Haswell to come out before I upgrade.

Just looking to upgrade gpu for now and I don't think the i3 2100 should affect me too bad for BF3 at the present moment.

Basically, I am hoping not to go below 30fps in BF3 MP under high stress while easing the "pressure" of my CPU.
 
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BallaTheFeared

Diamond Member
Nov 15, 2010
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As a i3 and 7950 user also waiting for haswell I can tell you this is one of those games where in MP you need a quad for any reasonably decent gpu.

However, at your price point, ignoring cpu your best choices in the $250 range are the 660 Ti or the 7870 XT if you can find one.
 

Stuka87

Diamond Member
Dec 10, 2010
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Yeah, your CPU is going to cripple any mid range or higher GPU in BF3. But if buying for BF4, get the best card you can afford.
 

Midwayman

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2000
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Id get a 7870 LE (XT version from sapphire) Best performace deal in that price range. I have one and it'll stay over 60fps on ultra @1080 in bf3 with enough cpu. I have a i7 2600k.
 

Remobz

Platinum Member
Jun 9, 2005
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Anything more than a 7850 won't be proper justice with your cpu. Get a 7850 and call it a day.

And when I upgrade 3 or 5 months down the road then what? I would wish I had something better than a 7850.

I believe I will get the best 7870 LE then OC it. Then even when I upgrade the CPU in a few months the 7870 LE OC will last awhile before another significant GPU upgrade.
 

Remobz

Platinum Member
Jun 9, 2005
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Id get a 7870 LE (XT version from sapphire) Best performace deal in that price range. I have one and it'll stay over 60fps on ultra @1080 in bf3 with enough cpu. I have a i7 2600k.

I am willing to lower graphic settings to high instead of Ultra if that would help. Performance is key for me at this moment considering my CPU.
 

Stuka87

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Dec 10, 2010
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Id get a 7870 LE (XT version from sapphire) Best performace deal in that price range. I have one and it'll stay over 60fps on ultra @1080 in bf3 with enough cpu. I have a i7 2600k.

A 7870 is not going to keep it over 60fps. It will get close to averaging 60fps with an overclock, but averaging is not "stay over".
 

Durvelle27

Diamond Member
Jun 3, 2012
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A 7870 is not going to keep it over 60fps. It will get close to averaging 60fps with an overclock, but averaging is not "stay over".

not true at all i average above 60 FPS around 67 Maxed settings at 1920x1080 but i do get dips in the 50s.
 

Midwayman

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Jan 28, 2000
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A 7870 is not going to keep it over 60fps. It will get close to averaging 60fps with an overclock, but averaging is not "stay over".

Minimum frame rate under 60 yes. Average frame rate at least several fps over 60, yes. IIRC OC its like 65-68 average. Stock its like 58-59. So the great majority of the time it'll be over 60. Even Sli rigs will have dips under 60.
 

Midwayman

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Jan 28, 2000
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I am willing to lower graphic settings to high instead of Ultra if that would help. Performance is key for me at this moment considering my CPU.

I'm not sure exactly what will help your cpu the most. I know shadow detail tends to be cpu heavy. I know there were some performance benchmarks done on bf3 early after release that showed scaling of various features. Maybe go look there for some help.
 

Remobz

Platinum Member
Jun 9, 2005
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I'm not sure exactly what will help your cpu the most. I know shadow detail tends to be cpu heavy. I know there were some performance benchmarks done on bf3 early after release that showed scaling of various features. Maybe go look there for some help.

Thanks.

I am sure somewhere on the internet would have tips to gain performance while not sacrificing image quality too much.

I am sure the game would still look pretty decent on High settings with certain features turned off or lowered:)

As soon I can pay off some bills and save more money then I will get the proper hardware in the future.