Help me choose the best parts to build a computer build?

Q. Lately I have been thinking about building a computer rig. I decided to use a forum post to do so.


1. What is the purpose of the computer? (Note: If you are planning to say multimedia, you will have to be more specific as all types of systems are capable of doing that)
Programming. - Visual Studio 2012, Microsoft Office 2012, Compiling, Graphics, Adobe Master's Collection ( Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Fireworks ). Very very little gaming will be done. This rig is not intended to be a gaming rig.

2. Are you open to alternate ideas/products giving similar better performance but offering more VFM / sellers? If not- why?
Yes

3. What is your MAX budget?
3000 dollars

4. Planning to overclock?
Maybe. I heard that overclocking on processors wear them down. Don't know if it's good to overclock.

5. Which OS are you planning to use?
Windows 7 Professional

6. How much hard drive space is needed?
2 TB

7. What resolution will the screen run at & whats the size of the screen you want?
If you already want have one and want to use it, mention its resolution and size.
Screen resolution: 2560 x 1440 WQHD, 27 inch

8. How would you rate your hardware knowledge from the count of 1-10? (1 being the lowest, 5 being you are somewhat in sync with the current performers and 10 being the highest)
8

9. Have you ever built a desktop before or will this be done by an assembler?
Done by an assembler

10. When are you planning to buy the system?
3 week

11. Are you one of the types looking out for "future proof" configurations?
No

12. Are there going to be any components that you don't want to include in this new rig? If yes, do mention.
i3 and i5 processors

13. Which city do you live in and are you open to buying from shops from other city/states?
USA and want to buy parts in the USA

A. $3000 is beyond overkill for such a machine. However, it sounds like this is a business machine and therefore I suggest you buy a business class workstation from a Tier 1 manufacturer because you don't want to be troubleshooting stuff by yourself while your money-making computer is down. you want to call someone and have them send the replacement part overnight.

If you insist on building, i'd suggest nix327's build from here

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/toms-hardware-bestconfigs-build-a-pc,3453-3.html

but replace the i3 with an i7-3770 (not the K version since you won't be overclocking) and upgrade the 64GB SSD to the 256GB Samsung 840 in the other build. You'll still be well below $1000 so invest in a nice monitor, maybe one of the 27" 1440p models since I know developers like their real estate space. The onboard GPU in the i7 is more than enough to power that resolution for software development and the occasional flash based game.

Original Question

How much computer stuff would I need to play Rome Total War 2 for optimum performance and graphics?

Q. Need a new computer. Not really a tech junkie so keep the explanation simple. What kind of computer would be good? How many graphics or Sound cards would I need? How much will it cost me to play this game. Im such a fan I must know

A. Well it's not released yet, so nobody is 100% certain right now. However, it's going to have a new engine and people expect it will have similar requirements to Total War: Shogun 2.

http://diaryofdennis.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/total-war-rome-2-estimated-system-requirements-and-release-date-probably-2013/

So basically, that means a desktop computer around $800-$900. The bottom-line specs you'll want:

1 - Core i5 processor (2nd or 3rd generation)

2 - At least 4GB of RAM (almost all new systems come with 8GB anyway)

3 - A graphics card around $125-$150, at least a Radeon HD 7770 or GeForce GTX 560 SE. Get a $170 card like a GeForce GTX 560 or Radeon HD 6870 and you'll be way in the clear.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5541/amd-radeon-hd-7750-radeon-hd-7770-ghz-edition-review/14

Building from scratch is the best option, as pre-built systems typically don't have good graphics cards. You could always buy a $600 computer from Best Buy and upgrade the graphics card and power supply yourself, or pay a tech to install 'em for you. You could also look into getting a custom-built system from CyberpowerPC or Ibuypower's websites, but that costs more.

Here are some stock computers that would work:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229335
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227412
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227435

But you'd be better off buying this:
http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-DX-Series-DX4860-UR14P-Desktop/dp/B007W11590/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1349292447&sr=1-2&keywords=gateway+desktop+i5

Then adding these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130661

If you're planning to play on a full HD monitor (1920x1080 resolution) then you should get a 2GB graphics card. But the card model is more important than the memory. Don't think for a second that a $60 card with 2GB would work. You'll need a gaming-level card, like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129230

Anyway, upgrading a starting computer might save you $100-$150 compared to looking for a pre-built system with the specs you want.

Original Question

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