Better BF3 Build?

DemoMan

Distinguished
Aug 18, 2010
4
0
18,510
Hi everyone,

With Battlefield 3 just around the corner, I decided I want to ditch the console and go more towards PC Gaming. I also intend to play Skyrim and Diablo 3 when it comes out. So below are two similar builds that I am having difficulty choosing between.

Approximate Purchase Date: Within Next 2 Weeks

Budget Range: (e.g.: ~500) Before Rebates (Im not willing to go above $ 525)

System Usage: Gaming

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, Hard drive, Optical drive, Mouse, Monitor

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.ca

Country of Origin: Canada

Monitor Resolution: 1024x768 (Thats my max res)


Common Items

CASE : Antec 300 Illusion

RAM : G.SKILL NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 1333

GPU: GTS 450

PS: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W


AMD Based

MOBO: ASRock M3A770DE

CPU / PS : Phenom 955 BE, CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W (Combo)

Intel Based

MOBO: Asrock H61M-VS

CPU: i3 2100

=====================================================

Intel Build: $ 519

Amd Build: $ 492

(After shipping,before any rebates)

The concerns I have is whether the GTS 450 will be enough to do well at 1024x768 and how well it would perform if at higher resolutions.

Also, I am concerned whether the I should buy the 955 BE because BF3 might need those cores or just stick with the i3 2100 because its already blazing fast. I don't intend to overclock so I would just be keeping the 955 at 3.2 GHz.

One last thing, since Im not buying an aftermarket cooler I am leaning towards the i3 because I've heard the 955's stock cooler sounds like a vacuum cleaner.

Thanks, any input is appreciated!