How Well would this Desktop handle TWR2?

[ahowl11]

Okay, Rome 2 works on my laptop. Specs:

Processor: intel i3-2310
RAM: 4GB
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
Graphics: Intel

The game only works on low settings. When I try and bump it up to medium, the game stops working.

So I played on low settings, and it's crap at about 20 FPS. I want to be able to experience the nice visuals and also play smoothly without lag and choppiness.

So Here are the specs of a desktop that SEEM to be able to run R2 efficiently enough where I can experience nice visuals as well as play smoothly.

OS: Windows 8 64bit
Processor: intel i5
RAM: 8GB
HDD: 1TB
GPU: Nvidia GTX 650ti
PSU: 500w

Now, I am only a student and I have payments to make already. I'd say my budget will max out at $700.
I have only found one computer that seems like it will make the cut and that's this one:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+D...specifications

It has everything I need, although it doesn't list the PSU. And the GPU is an Nvidia GT 640. Also it comes with 16GB RAM

Would this play the game well?

Are there any cheaper options available?

Building my own PC seems like a very good option as I can probably get what I am wanting for a very cheap price. BUT I have no clue on how to build a PC, the instructions and guides are confusing, and I don't know anyone or anywhere that could do it for me.

regards,

~ahowl11

[c.ryo]

In the current state of game optimisation it is hard to say how will it work. Will it work on that PC? Yes it will. My bet is medium to high settings, however we need to wait for couple of patches to see how the optimisation will work. + bug fixes and new Nvidia drivers.

[ahowl11]

Only Medium to High? I'm hoping I could play on high, maybe ultra. If anyone has knowledge on a good deal or bargain let me know. Also If anyone knows of a good way to build the PC that would be great as it's cheaper.

[♠ Thomas Cochrane ♠]

If you KNOW your budget, and cannot deviate from it, then you can use Newegg.com and/or Amazon to get your parts cheaply from. Also try Microcenter.com (I used all 3 three, plus others, even though I live in Sydney, because they're THAT much cheaper than here in AUS).

Go to Newegg first and make a list of all the parts and try to get them as close to your budget as possible. Otherwise post in the TWC Basement. You are unlikely to be able to play on Ultra with a budget of $700, but you could surely get close.
FYI, my new rig cost $1400, and it's about the minimum you'd need to spend to be able to play all settings ultra, with lots and lots of units.

EDIT: My new rig (see sig) includes everything BUT the Monitor(s), though they were only $200 and $650 respectively

[ahowl11]

Well, I hope to at least get to high settings. Here is another option from different parts:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1A94r

Cheaper and better GPU. May need more RAM though. I heard Core i3 3220 works well