Help Upgrading My PC for BattleField 3?

Question

I am a complete scrub when it comes to computers. The only thing I have ever done was add additional Ram Cards that I got from a local Micro Center. Anyways, I want to (or at least I have to) upgrade my PC so that I can play battlefield 3 this upcoming October. I don't care if I have to run it on minimum requirements so long as I can play it on the PC. Every battlefield game I have ever played was on the PC and I don't want to change the trend now.

I have a Lenovo IdeaCentre K Series right now...originally bought for the office but became our home PC instead.

My PC Specs are:

System Model: 8702z
Default System Bios
Processor: Pentium (R) Dual-Core CPU E5200 @ 2.5GHz (2CPUs), ~2.5Ghz
Memory: 6070MB RAM
Page File: 2639MB Used 3610 Available
DirectX Version: DirectX 11


Display-Device (the one that worries me the most)

Name: Intel (R) G33/31 Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip Type: Intel(R)GMA 3100
DAC Type: Internal
Approx. Total Memory: 286 MB
Current Display Mode: 1440x 900 (32 Bit)(60Hz)
Monitor: Envision 912Sw-1


Drivers
Main: igdum64.dll
Version: 7.15.0010.1554(English)


That is everything I know about my PC
I do know that it can play Starcraft 2 in lowish settings without a problem if that gives anybody a clue as to how it would run with Battlefield 3


Sorry that I am the complete bane of tech people everywhere and Thanks for any help. As for a price range I can spend up to $130 but I wouldn't mind saving if there is anything affordable but useful.

Answer 1

Battlefield 3 requires a Quad-Core processor to run smoothly. an i5 or i7 processor should fix that problem. You also need to upgrade your video card. Since you have a 550w psu, you can put a modern graphics card in. For around $130, you can get a 5770 or GTS 450, but I am not sure it can run BF3 on max settings. If you can spend a little more, you can get a 6850, GTX 460, or GTX 560ti.

Answer 2

unfortunately your computer barely handles battlefield 3. I mean there is a different between running the game with 5fps (unplayable) or running it smoothly (more than 30fps).





if you want to upgrade (which is not a wise choice) get new a CPU and GPU. you have 6gb of memory which is more than enough to run the game. I dont know much about your motherboard. If you want to get a new GPU for your current system get HD6790 or HD6750 (around $100) and a new CPU intel core 2 quad q8200 (aroud $60). all of these costs around $150. I emphasis on getting a quad core. before buying make sure they are compatible with your motherboard. they are all LGA775



My suggestion is that you go with a new system. buy a computer with $400 budget. keep the 6gb memories and you are good to go. get a AMD phenom II CPU which is very cheap compare to its performance (around $120). get a HD6750 or HD6790. get a new $140 motherboard (990FX GREAT for future upgrades) then you are set for bf3 with Medium - high settings.



I do not see any point to spend money on your current computer. You waste your money if you get new CPU or GPU cause the main board does not offer that much of upgrades and also Intel core 2 quads are a bit expensive compare to what it actually offers. Not a good idea to spend money on any pre built system like dell, IBM, etc. At the same time I agree that $400 is a lot to pay just to play a game.



Hoped I answered your question ;)

Answer 3

We need to know how many watts your power supply has.



The Radeon HD 6770 card can run BF3 on Mid-High settings, and is $120, but a need to know the watts on your power supply. What's your computer's model number?



The CPU is a bit outdated, but it meets the minimum system requirements. If you want a good cpu, like a 2nd generation i3 2100, you need to increase you budget by about $190 more. The graphics card is more important though, so yeah.



EDIT: The first guy is an idiot. What he told you are the RECOMMENDED system requirements. Also, if you spend your money on a quad core cpu, then you won't have money for a graphics card, which is the powerhouse that greatly determines gaming performance.

Answer 4

BF3 need a 4 core cpu and hd 5850 or gtx 460 http://bf3blog.com/battlefield-3-system-requirements/



buy a core 2 quad Q9650 it's compatible(it's the same socket LGA775 than your dual core),and depends of the maximum length or if you can have single slot or dual slot video card,and buy the power supply recommended for your video card.



edit:ryan,if you can't be polite go to write somewhere else,idiot

Answer 5

You should upgrade the CPU, but it is not necessary to run the game.

The GPU on the other hand, is just rubbish, you should upgrade to at least a 5770, but you need a PSU that has enough wattage to power your system, you could always google PSU calculator to find out what PSU you need.

Answer 6

Looks good so far



Good Build ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN0_-trt_qw

Full Build ...

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$600 build...

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Ibuypower Build ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJBsc7NW9a8