Originally Posted by Tarmus

I'm doing a build in preparation for BF3, and I'd like some advice on a couple things from all you guys.

First, I've already picked out most of the components and purchased several. The big one that I'm waiting on is the graphics card(s). I'll most likely wait for EA to release the minimum and recommended specs for BF3 before ordering, but I'd still like some advice in he mean time. I'm on a fairly tight budget and I'd like to stay in the $450-500 range. I also want to go with nVidia. So, with all that said, what card(s) do you all recommend I get?


Secondly, I will most likely be stranded upstairs without a LAN connection in sight. I'm still living here in the nest, and I think we are overdue for a wireless upgrade anyhow. I guess this question kinda has two parts; 1) what's a nice router in terms of speed but also signal strength and reliability? Should I get one of those fancy simultaneous dual-band routers (we'll definitely need to keep the 'ol 2.4 GHz broadcasting for the older devices) so I can hog the 5GHz band? Please nothing too far over ~$120 for this. 2) What should I have on the other end? A wireless card, Access Point, ect. (this is where I really need the most help). I need something that won't bottleneck the speed but also keeps my connection stable (and also under $100).

Thanks in advance!!!

I'll be able to help more with the first question rather than the second, so I'll leave the other to someone else.

For your graphics card choice I would go a few routes at a $450-500 budget with Nvidia in mind:

1. 2x 560's > 1x 580

2. 2x 570's(used) > 2x 560's > 1x 580

3. 1x 580

Now, with that said I would either choose EVGA or MSI. EVGA has a lifetime warranty on some of their cards(AR model I believe they are) and if they crap out on you 5 years down the road, they will replace it with a newer model without hassle(i.e 580 craps out when 800 series is out, you may get a 850/860). Although, remember to register the card on EVGA's site within the time period required. Second, MSI's twin frozer series is one of the best, coolest, and overclockable dual slot cards that you can purchase. So it really depends on your preference.

Now with choosing what option I listed above. For me personally, I chose the single 580. Why did I do this you may ask? Because I plan on nabbing another 580 on the cheap when the 600 series comes out then sell them both for the 700 series. If you have noticed a trend lately, sorta like Intel... they seem to run on a "tick/tock" system(i.e the 500 series was leaps and bounds better than the 400 series in all areas). So again, it's really what performance you want now, and what you'll want in the future.

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As for the wireless, I will make one note. If you live above your modem, etc... then I would recommend drilling a hole and buying a long line of Cat5e/6 cable from monoprice and running it to it. It will only cost you a few bucks and it will give you the best performance throughout. Now if you NEED wireless, then again, I know of others that can steer you in a better direction.