System Builder Marathon, Q3 2013: $1300 Enthusiast PC

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By Don Woligroski
published

Results: Battlefield 3 And The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Battlefield 3

Battlefield 3's single-player campaign is typically limited by graphics performance. Because it operates at higher clock rates, the newer GeForce GTX 770 does slightly better than the GeForce GTX 680, particularly at the higher detail levels and resolutions that'd be dependent on a fast graphics card.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Unlike Battlefield, Skyrim is generally platform-limited, and not so much constrained by graphics performance. In this case, the Q2 system's greater memory bandwidth appears to grant it a small victory. Once we choose the Ultra detail level with 8x MSAA, the Q3 build retakes ground with a win above 1920x1080.

Don Woligroski
61 Comments Comment from the forums
  • rolli59
    Keep them coming.
    Reply
  • chaospower
    I think this just shows that you don't really need more than a GTX 760 if you play on the most popular resolution of 1080p. Look how small the benefits of an Haswell are, compared to the 650$ build (HALF THE PRICE!) in games that mainly rely on GPU power.
    Overclocking haswell is a waste of money considering the amount of money you need to invest in a good MB and a good cooling, only to reach a rather tame 4.3ghz OC...
    Just buy the cheapest I5 you can buy and pair it with a GTX 760, if you play on 1080p, I doubt you'll be disappointed.
    Reply
  • DelightfulDucklings
    The more I look at these the sadder I am about the overpriced parts I have to pay for in New Zealand :( Nevertheless, another good article, keep it up
    Reply
  • silverblue
    "64 GB of cache"

    I'd have that hard drive for $70 if it was true. :P
    Reply
  • bemused_fred
    11591176 said:
    "64 GB of cache"

    I'd have that hard drive for $70 if it was true. :P

    I thought it was only....32 on the blue models. :p
    Reply
  • cmartin011
    Can't wait to see a new amd gpu in these builds got me all giddy inside!
    Reply
  • Larry Bob
    This is a complete waste of money. You spend way more on the 4670K than you would on a 3570K, and a really expensive motherboard, then you pair it with a crappy CLC where even a 212 Evo or Respire T40 would do better. You then WAY overpay on the graphics card when a 7970 offers exactly the same performance (according to Tom's research) for $60+ less.
    Reply
  • persuse
    the vengence ram Worst chip in all the model and brands !
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820313399
    Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB)DDR3 2400 best P/p memory with same price better choice.
    and corsair H50 not is better whan aircooler.
    the Phanteks PH-TC12DX or V6GT with same price range the beat performance.

    for ssd i,m recomend Kingston HyperX 3K 120G with same price and beter speed.
    Reply
  • Novuake
    Good choice in PSU. Odd choice in motherboard. Does not provide THAT much for 200$.
    But most importantly, HORRIBLE choice in cooling. But ok...
    Reply
  • MANOFKRYPTONAK
    This is old tech... We nee some new stuff! Can't wait to see amds new cards, and nvidias response. Also Intel supposedly has an eight core haswell-e coming:)
    Reply