Benchmark Reviews

Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested

Battlefield 3 Beta: Hardware Requirements Tested

Very recently, EA and Dice released an open beta for Battlefield 3. Preceding this release was the announcement of minimum and recommended system requirements. Since the beta is now open to the public, Benchmark Reviews uses high-end PC hardware to take a closer look at what gamers should expect to be real-world computer system hardware requirements for their CPU and RAM components.

Here are the minimum and recommended computer system requirements for the upcoming Battlefield 3 video game, as published by Electronic Arts:

Minimum System Requirements

  • OS: WINDOWS VISTA (SERVICE PACK 2) 32-BIT
    • Note: Microsoft offers a free DirectX 11 update for Windows Vista, but your video card must support the API
  • PROCESSOR: 2 GHZ DUAL CORE (CORE 2 DUO 2.4 GHZ OR ATHLON X2 2.7 GHZ)
  • MEMORY: 2 GB
    • Note: Sufficient to run the Operating System and game, but 2GB is not enough for add-on applications such as Team Speak and FRAPS.
  • HARD DRIVE: 20 GB
  • GRAPHICS CARD (AMD): DIRECTX 10.1 COMPATIBLE WITH 512 MB RAM (ATI RADEON 3000, 4000, 5000 OR 6000 SERIES, WITH ATI RADEON
  • 3870 OR HIGHER PERFORMANCE)
  • GRAPHICS CARD (NVIDIA): DIRECTX 10.0 COMPATIBLE WITH 512 MB RAM (NVIDIA GEFORCE 8, 9, 200, 300, 400 OR 500 SERIES WITH NVIDIA
  • GEFORCE 8800 GT OR HIGHER PERFORMANCE)
  • SOUND CARD: DIRECTX COMPATIBLE
  • KEYBOARD AND MOUSE
  • DVD ROM DRIVE
    • Note: Not required for PC download

Battlefield 3 Promo

Recommended System Requirements

  • OS: WINDOWS 7 64-BIT
    • Note: 32-Bit will support up to 4GB of RAM, 64-bit allows beyond 4GB.
  • PROCESSOR: QUAD-CORE CPU
  • MEMORY: 4 GB
    • Note: BF3, Origin, and Battlelog consume nearly 2GB of RAM, so observe memory usage with other applications and OS.
  • HARD DRIVE: 20 GB
  • GRAPHICS CARD: DIRECTX 11 COMPATIBLE WITH 1024 MB RAM (NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 560 OR ATI RADEON 6950)
  • SOUND CARD: DIRECTX COMPATIBLE
  • KEYBOARD AND MOUSE
  • DVD ROM DRIVE
    • Note: Not required for PC download

Benchmark Reviews has tested memory consumption using the following computer system:

Intel X58-Express Test System

  • Motherboard: ASUS P6X58D-E (Intel X58/ICH10R/Marvell SE9128)
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-930 Nehalem 2.80 GHz Quad Core
  • System Memory: Kingston HyperX DDR3 KHX2000C8D3T1K3 (3x 2GB @ 1333 CL6-6-6-18)
  • Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 590 (772 MHz GPU/1544 MHz Shader/1002 MHz vRAM - Forceware 285.38 Beta)
  • Monitor: 26-Inch Widescreen LCD (up to 1920x1200@60Hz)
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Battlefield 3 Beta was configured with 'Ultra' video settings. Based on the high-end gaming system above, here are the processor and memory usage statistics we recorded:

  • Battlefield 3:
    • Memory = 1070-1680 MB
    • CPU Usage = 40-50% (38 Threads Avg)
    • CPU Cores = 8 Available/8 Used
  • Origin:
    • Memory = 69-74 MB
    • CPU Usage = 0-1% (37 Threads Avg)
    • CPU Cores = 8 Available/1 Used
  • Battlelog (Internet Explorer 9):
    • Memory = 81-84 MB
  • Battlelog (FireFox 7.01):
    • Memory = 115-145 MB
  • Battlelog (Chrome 14.0):
    • Memory = 55-65 + 26-29 MB (81-94 MB)

Considering our tests used the ultra-powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 590 video card, it's rather astonishing to find that so much CPU resources have been tapped by Battlefield 3. The Intel Core i7-930 processor is no slouch, it has four physical cores and eight virtual processor cores all running at 2.80 GHz. Yet, when simply spawning or in the middle of a fire-fight the CPU generally wavered between 40-50% usage across all eight cores. Memory usage was also quite high, requiring 1070 MB to simply open the game, and reaching nearly 1.7 GB during action play. If you're running a dual-core processor with a lower-end graphics card, don't expect to enjoy high-quality video settings unless you like slow frame rates.

Of course, there are also the support applications to take into consideration: EA's Origin interface, which then launches the web browser of choice for Battlelog. The CPU demand is almost non-existent for both applications, but memory usage piles on. In our testing Origin used up to 74 MB of RAM, while Battlelog's memory consumption reached over 100 MB with some browsers. Our testing did not use browser extensions, so your usage may actually be higher - especially if you have other browser tabs open.

In summary, while it's possible to play Battlefield 3 with maximum settings, but it's more likely your computer system will require some compromise to ensure fluid video frame rates. Gaming consoles, which offer DirectX 9 level graphics, will never reach the same graphics quality of PC, and beta performance for PS3 and XBOX360 has been rather disappointing thus far. If you want BF3 with all the bells and whistles, plan to upgrade that aging video card while adding some system memory.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For this article Benchmark Reviews did not go into detail regarding graphics performance, simply because the beta version of BF3 does not apply some video settings that will be activated in the final retail version. We've noticed that the difference between 'Low' and 'Ultra' video quality settings in BF3 beta with our GeForce GTX 590 were very small, leading us to suspect that anti-aliasing and other settings are not being applied once adjusted. The frame rates taken at several static spawn points were:

  • Low = 66-70
  • Med = 62-64
  • High = 58-59
  • Ultra = 58

Benchmark Reviews will test and publish GPU-based video graphics quality performance results when the retail version of Battlefield 3 becomes available, and all video graphics quality settings are activated. From our initial observations however, it appears that graphics card requirements are substantially more demanding then what is needed for Battlefield: Bad Company 2, so be prepared to upgrade.

UPDATE 03 October 2011: NVIDIA has recently published their own Battlefield 3 beta performance guide using a special beta release with full-version graphics. Read more here: https://www.geforce.com/Optimize/Guides/battlefield-3-beta-performance-guide

UPDATE 10 October 2011: EA Has ended the Battlefield 3 Beta program. The full version of the game will be released October 25th.

Are you playing Battlefield 3 beta? Share your thoughts on this article with your game name below.


Reader comments from the original article

58 comments were posted before commenting closed. They are preserved as written. Original avatars no longer resolve and are shown as a placeholder.

  1. Can i run battlefield 3 at medium Settings Kashif Permalink:

    Hi ur article was really helpfull. OK my system specs are: Win 7 32 bit Intel dual core @ 2.66 ghz 4 GB RAM. 1 GB Nvidia Geforce 9600 gt 460 Watt Cooler master power supply unit Now i m wondering can i run battlefield 3 at medium settings with good fps. Quick reply will be very much appreciated

  2. RE: Can i run battlefield 3 at medium Settings Olin Coles Permalink:

    You've got enough system memory, but your video card will be the weakest component followed by the processor. The NVIDIA Geforce 9600 GT is a DirectX 10 video card, so your best hope would be Low or custom settings. Since the beta isn't activating all video quality settings, we can't estimate the true impact. Still, I would consider looking into better video card.

  3. RE: Can i run battlefield 3 at medium Settings Kashif Permalink:

    thankyou very much. Yeah u might be right. But really till now i haven't got any problem running any game at medium and high settings. The fps are also always very much playable. And for me 30-35 are very much playable. Once again thankyou.

  4. what sort of settings would give me a comfortable frame rate? Justin Permalink:

    I have a i5 450m dual core with a hd5870 1gb ddr 5 and 4 gb of ddr 3 ram, what sort of settings could I run bf3 with and expect a consistantly good frame rate with? Great article btw.

  5. RE: RE: Can i run battlefield 3 at medium Settings Olin Coles Permalink:

    NVIDIA has recently published their own Battlefield 3 beta performance guide using a special beta release with full-version graphics: geforce.com/Optimize/Guides/battlefield-3-beta-performance-guide

  6. RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested Doug Dallam Permalink:

    Well, finally my 920 is beginning to be challenged. I'm sure my GTX295 can handle it, but I'll not be able to see DX11--sad. I wish I had around 1500.00USD laying around. pft.

  7. RE: RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested Feralshad0w Permalink:

    You and me both. I built my comp about 3 years ago. Phenom II 940 OCed to 3.6 gh, GTX 285 OC'd to 690 mh, and 4 gb ddr2. I really can run most games at 45-60 frames with maxed setting on my 1920x1200 monitor, but I am starting to see the slowdown with games that have come out this year.

  8. Not too bad.. Bob Permalink:

    Considering the preview drives both camps released and considering neither have had ample time as of yet to fully maximize potential with drivers, I think there is a lot of room for improvement. I think anyone with a quad-core and a GTX260 or HD4890 or better will suffice fine with graphics.

  9. RE: Not too bad.. Olin Coles Permalink:

    Most quad-core CPUs should be fine, but I'm not so sure a GTX 260 will reach more than low-med graphics with no AA at 1920x1200, and medium quality with 1680x1050.

  10. Well - Bob Permalink:

    I think it's down to being resolution dependent. At lower resolutions the GTX260 performs beautifully. It can handle BFBC2 on High with 16XAF no AA/HBAO and with Bloom On quite well. Even in DX10. In DX9 more so, and at 1680x1050. What I'm trying to say is - even though they are considered old cards by now, they have a lot of life left in anyone who has one should still feel fine with current games. Even if you need to reduce the eye-candy a bit!

  11. RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested Doug Dallam Permalink:

    I had a 260 and 285 before my current 295 and the 260 would not run the Far Cry benchmark too well on high at 1920x1200. And that was a bit ago.

  12. RE: RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested tim Permalink:

    i have an old gtx BFG max core and on my old dual core far cry run like crap but with my new i5 im able to scream threw games like bfbc2 max settings 1080 res. when upgraded to 570 i could finally enable bloom on bfbc 2 and explosions didt drop frames but really the 260 holds its own just in dx10...and the 260 was a way better OC than my new non refrence EVGA 570

  13. RE: RE: RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested Doug Dallam Permalink:

    I think I noticed that too, but it's been too long. Lower resolutions the card ran fine. If I had a 260 and could run in 1600, I'd probably keep it and wait for the 500 series cards to drop in price.

  14. RE: RE: RE: RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested Olin Coles Permalink:

    Graphics cards will always perform better with lower video resolution because their are fewer pixels to process. 1920x1200 requires 2,304,000 pixels to be processed, compared to 1,764,000 for 1680x1050... a 31% difference.

  15. RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested Doug Dallam Permalink:

    That's kind of obvious, isn't it Olin? Unless I'm missing something.

  16. RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested Olin Coles Permalink:

    As obvious as screws that secure a case bezel to the chassis, Doug. Not everyone knows that resolution impacts performance.

  17. RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested Doug Dallam Permalink:

    LOL. I see what you were doing now, making sure more information gets in for readers.

  18. Actually Mergatroid Permalink:

    You're right, not everyone. But anyone with enough knowledge to purchase a video card and not use on-board GPUs should know that. (that's basically anyone reading this thread)

  19. can i run BF3 with my system James Permalink:

    Hi i wanted to know if my system would be able to run BF3 win 7 64 bit intel core 2 quad cpu Q8300 2.50Ghz 4Gb ram Nvidia Geforce Gtx 460 1Gb ram Antec 850 watt psu

  20. RE: can i run BF3 with my system Feralshad0w Permalink:

    This is just a guess of course, but based on card benchmarks you should be good. Now if you are like me and run 1920x1200 resolution you will see the card start to struggle at max settings, but it will probably be playable at around 30 frames, DX11 allowing. My gtx 285 performs similarly to the gtx 460 so we are in the same categorie I think (other than the DirextX).

  21. RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested Alireza Permalink:

    Hi I wanted to know if my system would be able to run BF3 win 7 32 bit Intel core i5 760 2.8 GHz stock 2*2Gb of physical ram 1600 MHz Corsair XMS3 (4GB) Sapphire HD 5770 1GB (overclocked to 990 and 1330 stable in crysis and other games) Motherboard: MSI P55-GD80 Maximum resolution= 1600*900 Can I play with high settings? thanks.

  22. RE: RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested Feralshad0w Permalink:

    I think you got a great build... other than the graphics card. Based on other DX11 games like BF2 and AVP, you won't be playing at high setting on that resolution. You'll prob need to turn down the shaders, AA and etc. I think the game will still look good and be very playable, but you won't be getting all the eye candy.

  23. Radio Show Host Computer Ed Permalink:

    You know I am getting some great comedy materials from a lot of the tech sites and BF3. It seems everyone is publishing an article about performance and how to make it happen and what hardware does what. Folks this is a BETA! That means it is not done, not ready for prime time and thus not OPTIMIZED! To make it better the drivers being put out for it are BETA! Have I played BF3, sure. What do I think? It is an FPS what more is there to think? Sure it is fun but none of the sequels have captured the fun and innovations of the original 1942. They are but pale shadows. I also think trying to predict how hardware will perform on a final product with a beta is the signs of a slow news week.

  24. RE: Radio Show Host Olin Coles Permalink:

    Computer Ed, I presume you've noticed that this article doesn't talk about graphics performance at all. In fact, it talks about processor and memory performance, which do not use beta drivers and will likely remain consistent into the final retail product.

  25. RE: RE: Radio Show Host Computer Ed Permalink:

    I would argue about it remaining consistent, this is still a beta meaning there is a chance to see optimization which could help performance across all aspects of the game. I just think any testing of a beta with an effort to look at it's performance is just missing the boat. Will it remain consistent, possibly but that is a chance, not a fact. There is no way to give accurate performance information on any product without the final release version in hand.

  26. RE: RE: RE: Radio Show Host Doug Dallam Permalink:

    Computer Ed--Your argument is completely valid if, and only if, Olin's information is incorrect: that the beta will use the same drivers in the final. So sure, there is a chance, however, it may be very, very improbable.

  27. More CPUs Mergatroid Permalink:

    Come on guys. The subject of the email was "Battlefield 3 Beta Hardware Tested". It should have said "Battlefield 3 tested on one set of hardware". You should test it on different degrees of hardware. Just testing it on one computer is pretty much useless for people who don't share that same hardware. I don't think I'll have any problems as my system is GPU heavy with 2 x 2GB HD6970 in Crossfire, but my CPU (which will be upgraded this winter or spring) is a Core 2 Quad at 3.3GHz with 4G of RAM in Win 7 64. I would be interested in knowing how the Core 2 Quad would fare. I've heard there are some problems with Crossfire or SLI, how about something on that?

  28. RE: More CPUs Doug Dallam Permalink:

    How many different stations would make it a valid test? I'd be interested in how all processors play the game. Maybe other sites will review it also, and we can compare that way? My point is that no matter how many systems you test with, someone will want another. As always, we just have to make judgment calls based on hardware that is, in fact, being tested.

  29. Current Mergatroid Permalink:

    I'm just saying that testing it with one computer isn't much of a "PC Hardware Tested" which, IMAO, implies testing on more than one sets of hardware. Maybe it doesn't, but I was expecting a little more testing and was disappointed when I saw there was no page 2. Maybe I'm expecting too much.

  30. RE: Current Olin Coles Permalink:

    If it were more than a two-week long beta, perhaps. This article was simply meant to set general expectations, and we plan larger articles once the game goes to full retail.

  31. Stupid Bah Permalink:

    This is stupid just like the rest of 'Beta Performance' review. First off, did you have the server on your own? you can't do 1:1 always. What if someone crossed your path, or bunch of smoke coming out of a random explosion.. that would equate to higher onscreen polygon

  32. RE: Stupid Olin Coles Permalink:

    Your answer is yes, I had a server all to my own. I even spawned at the exact same location, and pointed at the exact same trash can every single time. Thanks for your otherwise ignorant statment, exaltedrat yahoo.com.

  33. RE: RE: Stupid Bah Permalink:

    your welcome, 'Olin Coles'.

  34. my AMD/Nvidia PC loves this game terracide Permalink:

    The game (or at least the Metro Level anyways) runs without any flaws on my box, and runs at very high framerates. Running a quad core AMD cpu (Phenom II x4 955BE) and Asus motherboard and gtx580 graphics card. I have to admit I'm actually a bit underwhewlmed by the games graphics, but will save my judgements until I have played some of the other levels after release and hopefully see some more DX11 eye candy and graphical options.. AMD Phenom II x4 955BE cpu Asus crosshair V Formula motherboard 2x Gskill PC3 2133 DDR3 dimms Asus Matrix GTX 580 Platinum graphics card

  35. AMD card wil handle which setting? TGen Permalink:

    Im on the fence on wheter to buy this for my xbox or for my desktop. Don't know all my PC's specs to well but i know i got an i7 quad core, 8 GB RAM, and I believe my video card is a ATI 6870 1G ddr5 ram. Will this allow me to run a decent amount of frames on a higher video setting (not ultra) or would the console version be safer. Side note I bought Rage for my PC and on high resolution it plays relatively well.

  36. RE: AMD card wil handle which setting? Olin Coles Permalink:

    It depends on how good you want the game to look. BF3 on console looks like trash, but even the low setting on PC looks better. With your hardware, you should be able to do Medium or better.

  37. RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested wonderdog1 Permalink:

    i bought a acer predator g5900 rig recently as my old setup was terrible. only problem is that my graphics cards isn't the best for bf3 from what ive been reading, and i wonder if ill need an upgrade. ive got i5 650 @ 3.20ghz 4gigs ram nvidia GT 340 1 gig

  38. RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested jameel Permalink:

    i use gateway laptop.. specs are core i5-430M 2.25 ghz ati radeon 5470HD, 512 mb 3 gb ram, Win 7 64 bit... can i run and play this game on my laptop??

  39. Yeah, it should be OK Mergatroid Permalink:

    You will have to turn some of the graphics down a bit, but I think your laptop should be OK. 512Mb is minimum video memory for BF3.

  40. Core 2 Quad doesn't cut it Mergatroid Permalink:

    I have picked up BF3. Sweet game, very well done. It automatically set all the graphics settings to their top levels. The game plays very well, but I have found that during the busiest graphical content, with lots of explosions and lots of soldiers on screen, one time, my CPU bottle-necked the entire system and it started chopping. The cores were all at 100%, while the video cards were only hitting close to 50%. This is the first game I've bought that tasks my CPU to the limit, and has me looking at Sandy Bridge. This is just for anyone with the same CPU wondering if their system will work OK on BF3. I'm basically using two HD6970 2Gb cards in crossfire which are hardly being taxed at all (50%). Time for the mobo/cpu/memory upgrade.

  41. systen reguirment for BF3 lukush Permalink:

    hi i want to know if my system is copatible or not win7 dualcore 3ghz 3gb ram graphic Gt430 nvidea please tell me can i run bf3 in low in this system

  42. Maybe on low settings Mergatroid Permalink:

    You should go to the BF3 website and read the minimum system requirements. Your system looks like it would need the graphics turned down....way down.

  43. please tell me about bf3 manipur Permalink:

    i like 2 know is my system can run battlefield3 or not my system has window 7 32bit dualcore 3ghz 3gb ram video graphic g-force nvidea gt430 please tell me can i run this game in low or medium mode please tell me i want to know this as soon as possible please

  44. RE: please tell me about bf3 Olin Coles Permalink:

    The GeForce GT 430 should be enough to play Battlefield 3 with LOW settings.

  45. system requirments 1337 Permalink:

    Win 7 32 bit Intel core 2 duo @ 2.33 ghz 4 GB RAM. 1 GB amd radeon hd4870 this will be enough to play on what settings? Thanks a lot

  46. RE: system requirments Olin Coles Permalink:

    Your video card would be best with custom settings. I think that medium settings for everything except shadows (low/off) and low post processing would work best.

  47. Rig zee Permalink:

    amd athlon x2 250 3.1ghz ati radeon 5450 1gb gddr3 4gb ddr3 memory

  48. RE: Rig Olin Coles Permalink:

    Zee: that hardware will allow low settings, but you might get a few to medium if you drop shadows, AA, and post processing down to their lowest. You can test your hardware here: geforce.com/GamesandApps/games/battlefield-3

  49. can i run it ? measusual Permalink:

    phenom 2 x 4 3.4 ghz 965 black edition 6850 1 gig 4 gb ddr3 corsair

  50. RE: can i run it ? Olin Coles Permalink:

    Test your hardware here: geforce.com/GamesandApps/games/battlefield-3

  51. can i run it??? Rahul Permalink:

    cpu: intel core2duo e7200 2.53 ghz gpu: amd radeon 6450hd 1gb ddr3 ram: 2gb os: window 7 32-bit

  52. What do I need to upgrade to run BF3 more smooth? Zar Permalink:

    UPDATED version: CPU Manufacturer:Genuine Intel Number of CPU: 1 (2 Core(s)/CPU, 1 Logical(s)/Core) CPU Type: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8600 @ 3.33GHz CPU Speed: 137.4 MHz Cache size: 6144KB O/S: Windows 7 (WIN64) Mother Board: P5Q-PRO Total RAM:4095.0 MB. Video settings: 1680x1050x32 ATI Radeon HD 4850 x 2 in Crossfire.

  53. RE: What do I need to upgrade to run BF3 more smooth? Olin Coles Permalink:

    With two ATI Radeon HD 4850 in Crossfire you should be able to play medium settings smoothly. I suggest using the latest AMD drivers with this game, as they've been optimized.

  54. All depends on settings Mergatroid Permalink:

    You didn't say what setting level you want for smooth play. Using max settings in 1080p my Core 2 Quad 3.3 GHz would choke with 2 x HD6970 in crossfire during the most intense, graphic hungry portions of B3. I upgraded my CPU to an i5 2500k 4.5 GHz and I can play everything maxed out with the two 6970 cards but B3 still taxes the cards. Skyrim gets my cards running warm at about 85% usage on both cards but I don't see a CPU bottleneck any more. It still depends on your settings. 1680 x 1050 is helping your video cards out right now so perhaps a cpu upgrade would be worth considering.

  55. RE: Battlefield 3 Beta: PC Hardware Tested Gigabyte Permalink:

    can i play bf3 in core 2Duo E7400 @2.8GHz with 4GB ram DDR2 and 1gb amd Radeon HD 4650 GDDR2 ??

  56. :) ???? Permalink:

    yeah yo got it in core 2Duo E7400 @2.8GHz with 4GB ram DDR2 and 1gb amd Radeon HD 4650 GDDR2

  57. Can I run battlefeild 3 with a playable fps Ivan penalizes Permalink:

    I use an hd radeon 4670 1gb card with a dual core processor and 4gv of ddr3 ram. Can I play with a decent fps?

  58. can i run that??? nedim Permalink:

    ok i have Intel Extreme Edition Core i7-990X Hexa Core Processor 3.46GHz, 12MB L3 Cache, 6x256KB L2 Cache, 3200 MHz Bus, Socket LGA 1366 - MPN: BX80613I7990X,,,,,two gpus nvidia gtx 490 and 8 gigs of ram with os 7 64 bit with lot of coolers and that #..