Advice for BF3 build

[kanazero]

Hey everyone,
I'm looking to make a system to mainly handle BF3 at a decent framerate (currently running it around 30-35fps on my first build with a Radeon HD 4800), and among other things like photo processing etc.

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next month

Budget Range: At most, 700-800 after rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, surfing the web, photo work

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speakers, Win7 64-bit, OCZ 650W PSU, AMD Phenom II X4 970 CPU

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg

Parts Preferences: Looking for an AMD setup with my current 970, preferably in a well ventilated mid tower due to space constraints

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: Acer H213H 1920x1080

Additional Comments: I would like a nice looking case : )

I have the following parts up for consideration:
Motherboard
ASUS Sabertooth 990FX AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131736&Tpk=asus%20sabertooth%20990fx

RAM
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145345

GPU
One of the Radeon HD 6950 cards, mixed reviews about most of them

Case
COOLER MASTER Storm Enforcer SGC-1000-KWN1 Black SECC / ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ATX PS2 / EPS 12V (optional ) Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119240

 

[stewood]

If you dont mind the lack of vram than go with the gigabyte 3 fan oc version. The cooler on this card is SUPERB so i would suggest this graphics card. The ram and case is also a decent choice although i do not like the design of the case. and the mobo is nice other than the fans that when they get old get noisy.
email me @ stewood23@gmail.com for further help!

 

[cutebeans]

Why are you getting a 990FX motherboard if you don't plan to OC or crossfire? Don't waste money Save money!

The most you need is this! $85 Asrock 970 AM3+ Motherboard.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157280

I know case depends on the person but get this Cooler Master Storm Scout. it looks cool.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196

 

[michxymi]

Value case with USB III in front panel

NZXT Source 210 Elite White Steel with painted interior ATX Mid Tower Computer Case w/ Black Front Trim
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146077

AM3+ high quality motherboard from Asrock with 8x / 8x Crossfire support, native USB & SATA III & eSATA III, support for up to 140W TDP CPUs and all solid cap. For 90$ it's for sure the way to go

ASRock 870 Extreme3 R2.0 AM3+ AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157272

8GB of high speed RAM

Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT51264RF160A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148463

6950 2GB

SAPPHIRE 100312-3L Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102954

And last the best SSD in the market

SAMSUNG 470 Series MZ-5PA128B/AM 2.5" 128GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) w/ Norton Ghost 15
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147125

SUM 644 without Rebate

 

[Onus]

I have the 990FX Sabertooth, and I like it, but cutebeans is right, if you aren't going to OC, it is way too extravagant.
I initially got the Corsair Vengeance, but could not get it to run at DDR3-1600 (although admittedly I did not make a lot of effort). I have read of others having that issue too. Anyway, I replaced it with some low voltage G.Skill Sniper DDR3-1600, and it runs at that speed no sweat.
Coolermaster is on my personal "Do Not Buy" list for being a dishonest company (some of their PSUs have liar labels or claim protection circuits they lack, all according to competent technical reviews at HardwareSecrets). I will not do business with them; fortunately they have competitors who offer similar or superior products, such as Rosewill cases and Xigmatek CPU coolers.

 

[kanazero]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. True, I had that the Sabertooth there mainly for the bells and whistles, in the case I decide to OC or crossfire in the future.

@cutebeans
That is a really sweet motherboard!

@jtt283
I also had an issue with their case for my first build. The front panel USB ports were DoA and it was a hassle working it out.