Challenge the cheapest computer to run PR on max

[Sinbe]

A PC like mine can run all maxed out on 1920x1200 and I built it in 2008! (but spent ?60 on a new GPU last month).

Only things you actually need:

ATI4850 or higher.
Any Dual Core CPU capable of about 2.8Ghz in each core.
4GB 1200mhz RAM.
Entry level PSU.

Everything else could be bog standard and you would be able to max out PR.

That's strange, 'cause I have HD4850 and 3GHz Core2Duo and I run at 20fps (1280x960) on some maps at some spots and about 30fps with dynamic shadows diabled. Even an Intel i5 2500k won't run PR on max on every map at all times, the code is that bad. Yeah, you can max out the settings, but you won't hit even 60fps limiter (vsync+triple buffering is a must) all the time, let alone 100-120fps that old CRTs or gaming LCDs can display.

If I were to upgrade my system now, I'd go for Intel i5 2500k, ASRock P67 Pro3 (or something similar), 8Gb of RAM, HD6870 and a good quality 400-500W PSU. Won't be cheap (thus haven't I upgraded yet), but you'll be able to play PR on max without too many frame drops. However GPU means nothing in PR, it's all about the CPU, so you can use the old one if you play BF2 only.

[Pesticide]

aa 8* enabled ? supersampled ?

[Spush]

Take a look at this article How to build a $480 gaming PC to take on Battlefield 3 -Destructoid

[TheComedian]

Spush;1636992']Take a look at this article How to build a $480 gaming PC to take on Battlefield 3 -Destructoid

Lol with $480 you can run everything maxed out not only BF3

[Sinbe]

Spush;1636992']Take a look at this article How to build a $480 gaming PC to take on Battlefield 3 -Destructoid

I have to comment on this. That has got to be the worst possible advice ever on what to buy for a gaming PC. I mean it recommends a GPU that runs BC2 at about 20fps, the CPU is far worse than Core i5 2500k you get for the same money. 4Gb of memory is just about enough for BF2 so I guess it'll be enough for BF3, but I would get 8Gb just in case you ever need it.

It also recommends a 600W or bigger power supply when the actual consumption of that system would be something like 200-250W while gaming. Just get a good quality 430W or something like that and you'll be fine and far safer than with a neverheard PSU that will self-destruct within a few years and kill the rest of the components aswell.

When it comes to what components you should buy, use your favorite search engine to find some reviews and tests to see how fast they actually are. Specs mean nothing because they can be made to look like anything.

If you are on a tight budget, used components are easy to find. While enthusiasts constantly upgrade to the newest and fastest hardware, their older stuff is still usually better and cheaper to buy than the new budget models. For example that HD6670 costs about 60EUR and for the same money you can get an used HD4870 which is over 50% faster.

[puppetmaster532]

"It also recommends a 600W or bigger power supply when the actual consumption of that system would be something like 200-250W while gaming. Just get a good quality 430W or something like that and you'll be fine and far safer than with a neverheard PSU that will self-destruct within a few years and kill the rest of the components aswell."

well seeming how most graphics cards now require a 500W power supply so going with a 430W you wouldn't be able to use your graphics card at all. i have a Radeon 6870 oc and it needs a 500W power supply i had a 400W before and i needed to upgrade it to run my GPU

[Psyrus]

"It also recommends a 600W or bigger power supply when the actual consumption of that system would be something like 200-250W while gaming. Just get a good quality 430W or something like that and you'll be fine and far safer than with a neverheard PSU that will self-destruct within a few years and kill the rest of the components aswell."

well seeming how most graphics cards now require a 500W power supply so going with a 430W you wouldn't be able to use your graphics card at all. i have a Radeon 6870 oc and it needs a 500W power supply i had a 400W before and i needed to upgrade it to run my GPU

Uh no... most graphics cards recommend you run a 500w powersupply, but during gaming virtually no systems even draw that. You need multiple GPUs, overclocked stuff and some pretty gnarly setups before you hit 500W draw.

Radeon HD 6950 Power Consumption and Thermals | bit-tech.net

[billysmall44]

Just got a new motherboard and graphics card. FOR FREE. from my computer programmer friend. He said i would need more then 430w to power it. anyway. im going shopping for something to house this monster. So far my quest to build a computer that can run PR on max settings is going well since i havent spent a penny.

[FOX_11_GUY]

You never have to go Intel. Go here to check how much PSU output you need.

[Spartan463]

do we have to buy a computer and/or parts, what if we have a 10 year old PC that can just run PR

[CC-Marley]

My
dell 8250
P4 2.53
BFG AGP 6800 GTOC
1G PC1066 RDRAM
380w Antec
Does not run it well at all even everything low/off 800x600

Good thing thats my 3rd pc, My 730x runs it fine maxed out.