New desktop PC for BF3

[PelleHK]

Hi everyone,
I'm looking at a new desktop PC that can run Battlefield 3 (when it comes out) smoothly, at a 2048 x 1152 resolution.
Will this do the trick:


PSU: 750 Coolermaster GX
CPU: Q9550 2,83GHz quad
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4
RAM: 8gb kingston hyperx
Graphics: Radeon 6970 2GB
HDD: 500 Gb WD + 120gb SSD (OCz Vertex) for the OS (win 7)

The graphics card should be really good, and the rams should also be plenty. I am more worried about the CPU, is it too old/slow for gaming nowadays?

 

[enzo matrix]

Your cpu is the weak link but it should be fine. It's not the weak link by a significant margin. It is on par with a phenom IIx4 at 3.0GHz.

Techspot did a cpu scaling review recently.
http://www.techspot.com/review/448-battlefield-3-beta-performance/page7.html


That said, your expectations could be high, depending on what you consider smooth and how many settings you are willing to sacrifice. AA is a definite no for you if you have my standards. I would also be dropping a few settings. But I consider "smooth" to be a constant 60fps. Some people consider 40fps fine. Still others (I can hardly believe it) consider 20fps smooth.

http://www.techspot.com/review/448-battlefield-3-beta-performance/page5.html
If you are into overclocking, I'd do it. If you don't know what I mean by that, then nevermind.

Now, all that said, where are you getting this PC from? You can get a much better CPU for the same current retail price as that one.

 

[PelleHK]

Is the CPU the reason that you wouldn't have AA on?
Performance wise i'd like 40-60 FPS.

It's a rig I've found second hand, and it is quite a lot cheaper than getting a new one, especially considering the graphics card, sad HDD, and 8gb ram..

Is it possible to put an i% CPU in it if i buy this rig, and will that make a big difference?

 

[PelleHK]

*i5

 

[enzo matrix]

Is the CPU the reason that you wouldn't have AA on?
Performance wise i'd like 40-60 FPS.

No. Scroll down to 1920x1200 resolution. The test linked just below is ensured to be not CPU limited. Only the dual cards are capable of giving you a high enough FPS:
http://www.techspot.com/review/448-battlefield-3-beta-performance/page3.html

That said, turning off AA is just my personal preference of settings to turn down first. You could turn down the textures or something if you wanted instead. Also, they never tested 2x AA for 2x AA might work out for you.

Here, without AA enabled, it meets your expectations:
http://www.techspot.com/review/448-battlefield-3-beta-performance/page5.html