BF2S Forums Will the ATi 3850... (handle BF2/BF2142 & HL2 Series at 1680x1050)?

Well, so far my machine is a really balanced machine just trying to pick out a video card and monitor combination that will work for me. 

P.S. Is there like an invisible forum ninja that changes topic titles or something?  Am I really that bad at creating them or something. lol

Brizzzer wrote:

I am looking at getting the ATi 3850 the only games I really want to play are BF2/BF2142 and HL2 series.  Will this vid card handle those games on high at 1680x1050?  The machines as a 3.2GHz dual core w/ 2GBs of RAM and PCI-E 2.0.  I'm trying to get the most with my money.  Thanks!

I read that the HD 3850 does not perform anywhere near as well as the 8800GT at higher resolutions (the review used 1920x1200).  They recommended getting an HD3870 for 8800GT for high resolutions.

On comparable systems, these were the benchmark results (on Windows XP)

Benchmark at 1920x1200, in fps (ATI 3850HD / nVidia 8800GT) wrote:

3DMark06 Game 1: 14.4     30.0
3DMark06 Game 2: 16.7     22.9
World in Conflict:    14.0     32.0
Lost Planet:            16.2     34.3

Last edited by SenorToenails (2008-01-12 17:11:02)

Brizzzer wrote:

I've put in at least 25hours over the past 3 weeks doing research on many different aspects of building a new computer.  But one thing I really can't find is real world FPS that people get.  I find plenty of benchmarks but no user specific FPS scores.   Well with the exception of 8800GT since it seems to be all the rage...

Here's a pretty useful chart for comparing: http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_ … ;chart=318

SenorToenails wrote:

I read that the HD 3850 does not perform anywhere near as well as the 8800GT at higher resolutions (the review used 1920x1200).  They recommended getting an HD3870 for 8800GT for high resolutions.

That's because it has 256mb memory compared to 8800GT and 3870's 512mb. But the price is significantly lower.

Last edited by DeathUnlimited (2008-01-12 17:15:00)

DeathUnlimited wrote:

Brizzzer wrote:

I've put in at least 25hours over the past 3 weeks doing research on many different aspects of building a new computer.  But one thing I really can't find is real world FPS that people get.  I find plenty of benchmarks but no user specific FPS scores.   Well with the exception of 8800GT since it seems to be all the rage...

Here's a pretty useful chart for comparing: http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_ … ;chart=318

SenorToenails wrote:

I read that the HD 3850 does not perform anywhere near as well as the 8800GT at higher resolutions (the review used 1920x1200).  They recommended getting an HD3870 for 8800GT for high resolutions.

That's because it has 256mb memory compared to 8800GT and 3870's 512mb. But the price is significantly lower.

True, but if you want higher resolution gaming, then one should get the larger framebuffer.  If $90 more will get you twice the framerates, then it might not be a bad idea.

Brizzzer wrote:

You guys do know they make 512MB versions of 3850.  I have chosen one of those to do that job.  Plus I want to run just a little AA like 2X.  And as for the toms hardware i've already been there and done that.(That site rules too.)  I'm looking for people with the card that run those games.

Oh of course the 512mb version. Then definately yes, it will be enough.

Brizzzer wrote:

Well i'm going to spend an extra $40 and get the 3870 and get a 5ms monitor instead a 2ms monitor.($50 difference).

yay. 3870 is good.

=[AUT]-[phoenix]= wrote:

ok guys here are some 3dMark benchmarks:

http://www.computerbase.de/artikel/hard … t_3dmark06

its in german but i think the u understand the graphics...

and some Crysis benchmarks:

http://www.computerbase.de/artikel/hard … itt_crysis

Have fun!

damn those are old. not even HD 38x0 cards included... And a side note that HD 3870 crossfire = 8800GT SLi even tho one GT is a bit faster than one HD.

I have a 512mb X1900XT, and that runs HL2 at its maximum settings (including HDR and FSAA) at 1440x900, and not once does it slow down. So yes, a 3850 would be have then enough power.
You say you mainly play BF and Source games, but do you also occasionally play games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. or Crysis? if so, maybe a 3870 or 8800GT may be more appropriate, if you can fit it into your budget.