Star Wars Battlefront: PS4 vs Budget PC - Frame-Rate Test

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Star Wars Battlefront: Gaming on a Budget PC

In this article, we will explore how Star Wars Battlefront fares on a budget gaming PC. With the game's final release and a series of performance updates, we wondered if it was now possible to achieve a console-grade experience on a relatively low-end PC. To find out, we compared the performance of our Intel I3 4130 processor and GTX 750 TI graphics card to the equivalent scenes on the PS4. We matched the PS4 settings as closely as possible, including scaling to 900p and setting everything to high. However, there were a few exceptions, such as shadows being dialed back to medium and effects set to low to closely match the PS4 visuals.

Performance Updates in the Game

Star Wars Battlefront has received several performance updates since its beta build, specifically targeting Nvidia and AMD cards. These updates aimed to improve the overall experience and optimize the game for various hardware configurations. With these updates in mind, we wanted to see if our budget PC could handle the game's demands and provide a comparable experience to console gaming.

Console Grade Experience on a Budget PC

The main objective of our test was to determine if a budget PC could deliver a console-grade experience in terms of visuals and frame rates. Our Intel I3 4130 processor and GTX 750 TI graphics card have served us well this generation, providing visuals and frame rates comparable to or better than consoles. However, console optimizations can make a significant difference, as seen in Star Wars Battlefront.

Comparison with PS4 Settings

To achieve a fair comparison, we set our PC settings to match the PS4 as closely as possible. This included scaling the resolution to 900p and setting all graphics options to high, with the exception of shadows set to medium and effects set to low. These settings allowed us to get very close to the console visuals in terms of mesh quality, lighting, and textures. However, achieving a perfect lock at 60 frames per Second proved to be a challenge with the GTX 750 TI.

Testing the Performance with an Indoor Race Mission

We began our tests with the indoor race mission, as it provided a great initial test for effects. Unfortunately, even with a 200 MHz overclock to its core and a 400 boost to its memory, the GTX 750 TI couldn't hold a locked 60 FPS at console settings. We experienced drops to the mid-50 frames per second range, highlighting the limitations of this graphics card.

Performance in the TNE Survival Mission

Moving on to the TNE survival mission, we found that the performance issues we faced in the indoor race mission were not as noticeable. The GTX 750 TI seemed to handle the demands of this mission quite well. However, it still fell short of achieving perfect parity with the PS4.

Performance in the Overpower Mission with ATAT

In the overpower mission, where we used an ATAT, we noticed that even the PS4 experienced drops below 60 frames per second. Surprisingly, the GTX 750 TI remained unaffected by these drops, giving it a slight advantage in this particular mission. However, overall, it still fell short of providing a complete Package comparable to the PS4.

Dropping the Resolution for Better Performance

To improve performance on the GTX 750 TI, we decided to further drop the resolution to around 75% on the game's internal Scale, resulting in a resolution of 1440 by 810. This compromise for performance allowed us to achieve the locked 60 FPS target. However, it came at the cost of image quality, which may not be preferable for some players.

Upgrading the Graphics Card for a Perfect Experience

Based on our tests, it became clear that the GTX 750 TI was barely able to keep up with console settings. To achieve a perfectly locked 60 FPS at 900p and with all settings ramped up to console specification, we recommend upgrading to a GTX 950, which comes at an additional cost of around $40. With this graphics card, our budget PC was able to deliver a console-like experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, playing Star Wars Battlefront on a budget PC is certainly viable. While the GTX 750 TI can provide decent performance, occasional drops and compromises in image quality may be experienced. However, upgrading to a GTX 950 can offer a perfect locked 60 FPS experience, matching the visuals and performance of consoles. It is evident that Star Wars Battlefront has been optimized tightly for console gaming, but with the right hardware, a budget PC can still deliver an enjoyable gaming experience.

Highlights

Star Wars Battlefront can be played on a budget PC, but it requires careful optimization and may involve compromises in performance and image quality.
The GTX 750 TI, while capable, struggles to maintain a locked 60 FPS at console settings.
Upgrading to a GTX 950 significantly improves performance, providing a perfect console-like experience on a budget PC.

FAQ

Q: Can I play Star Wars Battlefront on a low-end PC? A: Yes, with the right optimizations and hardware, you can play Star Wars Battlefront on a low-end PC. However, it is recommended to upgrade to a more capable graphics card for a smoother experience.

Q: Why does the GTX 750 TI struggle to maintain a locked 60 FPS? A: The GTX 750 TI is a budget graphics card that may not have sufficient power to handle the demands of Star Wars Battlefront at console settings. The game's optimizations for consoles also play a role in this performance disparity.

Q: Is it worth upgrading to a GTX 950 for Star Wars Battlefront? A: If you are looking for a perfect console-like experience with locked 60 FPS and high settings, upgrading to a GTX 950 is recommended. However, if you are satisfied with the performance of the GTX 750 TI, it may not be necessary.

Q: Are there any other hardware requirements for playing Star Wars Battlefront on a budget PC? A: While the graphics card is crucial for performance, it is also important to ensure that your CPU and RAM meet the minimum requirements of the game. Additionally, optimizing other system settings and drivers can further enhance the gaming experience.