Battlefield 3 Upgrade Path

So Battlefield 3 is still a pretty long way away (Due date is 02 November 2011) but we have all seen the vids and they look great.

It also means that chances are most of us will be needing to do either a full upgrade (mobo, CPU, GFX etc) or a partial upgrade (GFX, ram) in order for BF3 to run nicely.

So I thought instead of everyone starting their own thread asking for help we can combine it here, maybe if bulk order some components if it is worthwhile.

Personally I foresee myself needing the following and will most probably only order after I have played BF3 on my current rig to see the of what I need to upgrade (I included estimates).

Paul
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New GFX (R3000)
New PSU (depends on the GFX, I have a 650W, should be ok for most GFX cards) (R1000)
2GB or 4GB extra RAM ( I currently have 4GB, I think with the destructibility, RAM will be important) (R500)
New Case (Not totally necessary but my case is getting long in the tooth) R1000
Joystick (Can’t fly those Jets without one of these) R400-R500

So all in all I am looking at about R6000 that needs to be saved in 7 odd months. I am sure you could throwing and extra R4000- R6000 if you need a new MOBO and CPU


So who else is going to need help getting up to speed so to speak

Paul, I reckon that the only bits from the above that you will really need are the Graphics card and the joystick. A 650W PSU should be fine for powering any current Graphics card (as long as it's a single GPU). RAM is beneficial, but I doubt that you will need it. A new case is a nice idea, but it's obviously a cosmetic change.

If I were you, I'd pump more money into getting a high end GPU. Get the best that you can afford at the time of upgrade. In current terms, I'd be looking at for least a GTX570 or a HD6970.

As for me, well I'm certainly hoping that I don't need to upgrade anything, although there's every possibility that I may do so anyway ;)

I'll more than likely get a Sandy Bridge Gen2 chip near the end of the year - with a 8Gb RAM setup - keeping my GTX570 - should be able to handle it (hopes)

That is what I am thinking as well, I am just planning for worst case. Would rather save the money and not need it than need the money and not have saved it.

Who can recommend a good joystick? This something I can get now, I was looking at this,

http://www.nivo.co.za/#buy~logitech.....joystick~p279

Paul I have that joystick. Same with Jono. Its decent entry level stuff, was good enough for basic BF2 flying, not sure how it will cope with BF3. Though its the only one I have tried, from what I have read, there are much better options out there and you will notice the difference. Simple question of how much flying you intend to do and how much you are willing to spend.

Ya, I have been trolling hardware estores as well. My only real necessity is GPU and for that I am willing to wait til BF3's release for newer hardware and better prices on the old. I'll also have a better idea on what it will take to run BF3 with all the sauces.

What I have been scratching my chin about in the meantime is getting a good water cooling system. Not much choice in SA so any links or experiences shared will be appreciated. Its gonna have to be a really good watercooling system though cos my high end air cooling is comparable with many of the low end water systems. I also want something quiet. I looked at phase change out of interest but that looks overpriced/overkill/bitch to install.

I'm VERY happy with my Corsair H70 - it performs much better than my Thermalright 120 air cool kit, it's neater, more stylish AND since I have dual fans running at low speed - it's actually quieter than my previous Air-cooled setup.

Also having the GTX570 has dropped the noise levels to almost non-existent now. The GTX5XX cards are super silent.

Geez thanks for reminding me, I also needed to add in the cooling. Look at my Thread about CPU cooling, Jarrod and Lee gave some good suggestions

Good idea Paul, although more than likely still a long time and I am sure we'll see some new technologies pop up.

I will be undergoing the monster upgrade for this as my specs are as follows (also, I don't want what happened to BC2 to happen with me to BF3):

Q9550
4x1GB 667 DDR2 RAM
HD6870
Asus P5N-D Motherboard
XFi-Fatality (might replace)
550W Coolermaster

I have had x2 of those Joysticks and they were great.. But "broke" after a 2 year stint. I will most def go for something again tho.

I like my case, but I foresee ALL the above needing an upgrade. Maybe even some SSD achtung. Thoughts?

Phats, I'd slap in another 6870, that'll keep you going graphics wise for a long time. As for the rest, a Sandy bridge upgrade would see you styling in terms of CPU power.

That lot would require a better PSU, and new RAM (DDR3). If you have the cash, an SSD would increase general system performance, so an excellent nice to have...

mmm, mayhap time for a dedicated gaming SSD..... dang these komputa thingzees can potentially cozt more than BOTH kidneys!