Thanks for all the replies. I would honestly agree with the 4850 issue but I have joined one server with about 20 players so far and it ran smooth as butter. Also, I had dropped the resolution down to 1280x1024 in a laggy game before and it ran just as terribly. I am honestly convinced it is not my GPU. I can run Crysis at all mids and highs. That means I should at LEAST be able to run this game at all lows and 1280 instead of 1920... Don't you think?
I ordered 8 GB of ram vs my 4 GB and will be installing Win 7 in a couple weeks to see if that helps. I know my RAM is definitely a weak spot along with that 4850.
I will play the SP campaign to see what it runs like later today. I was so eager to play MP I just jumped right into it after the first train level to get used to the playstyle.
The reason I think it's lag over FPS choppiness is because I will be running and 5 seconds later I will show up in the same spot I was in 5 seconds ago. I can shoot someone in the back 15 times and 3 seconds later I show up dead on the ground and they are spitting on my corpse... This happens OFTEN, and a lot more than it should. I agree the other types of choppiness do seem like slow response from my system, like when I go into ironsight/scope view in a gun it can be slow or choppy.
I'll look for an upgrade for my GPU as well... We all know that costs an arm and a leg though
I Agree With that , but if you WOULD like to Make an upgrade Without Spending too much you Could go with a "Not so Older" GPU.
For instance, on one of My PC's I'm running a 6950 W/ only 1Gb or Ram , and it's Currently set @ Stock Clock Setting's.
You Can pick them up @ Most eStores for a Low price, or on eBay (Not recommended by me) for a decent price Sometimes.(IF you only Can spend a little that is, or just spend the extra $150 or so and get a new 6xx, or 7xxx.)
I grabbed Mine for $180 , and it is Blazing Fast. I run BF3 ,Far Cry 3 , and MANY other @ Full Ultra , or Just Shy of it.(Minus the MXAA). The Major Downside though , is that this Will NOT be the case for TOO much longer(which I'm sure you know), but I feel that isn't a concern of yours if your still running a 4xxx.(Not that it isn't a good GPU, just Stating that because apparently you don't mind running hardware until it NEEDS to be replaced).
With that said, I posted some images of BF3 that I just Took after reading your OP. Hope this help's you make a decision that Work's out for you, both $$ wise, and Performance wise.(Even if the GPU isn't the Weak link). Although I DO agree with the earlier replies that State that it is, or is likely.
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I'm able to pull off the MXaa x 4 ,but I like to play above or @ no less than 50 FPS.
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I hope that these help your decision, Also I agree with those who mentioned switching up to either Win7-or 8 x64.