PC Specifics (for new computer to play S2TW)

[easytarget]

I just bought S2:TW and sadly cannot run it on my PC. I was fearing it would be the case, but wanted to try it anyway.

This is good news, in a way, because it means I get to buy a new gaming computer.

What are your recommendations for a bare bones PC able to run S2:TW at minimum settings? Specifically, where I can get the parts (online, physical store, piece it together, etc), and rough cost in USD?

What are your same recommendations for being able to run it at the suggested settings?

Thanks!

the reason you're not getting better response rate on this is because the heavy lifting of researching, picking our parts and building the system resides with you - you've got internet, use it.

5 seconds searching "build your own pc" produces pages of help on the subject

bottom line, here are the key components to worry about most:

i5 or i7 proc (yeah, you can go amd too, i don't)
fx card that costs at least 250 bucks (whatever currently wins the speed race, only got two choices here, the number of sites reporting on who's winning is stupidly large)
MB: asus is my choice, if you're going to o/c, this choice matters quite a bit, if not, then it probably doesn't, although my reco would be that it be SLI capable
cooling: again, if you're o/c'ing, not stock air, read up at HardOCP forums for what's currently the best, if not o/c'ing, then don't worry it

[HopAlongBunny]

I have a pretty lean sys that runs STW2

Intel Core2 Duo E8500
2GB RAM
NVidia 9600 or Raedon 4850 (both are PCI Express I swap them:p)

Its a relic :) but it does everything I want it to do therefore I will drive it til it drops.
The parts were cheap when I put it together, likely much cheaper now (if available)

I doubt my graphics are the prettiest, but that has never concerned me; games play smoothly at default and it all looks ok to me :)

[econ21]

I'll move this thread to the hard ware sub-forum, to see if anyone there has an opinion.