New PC: What, Where, How Much?

[Fangio]

I know and have known that I would need a new PC to play this game. Currently I have a desktop gaming PC that was decent when I purchased it in 2006... but its pretty dang ancient now.

I have an I7 HP Pavilion laptop with ATI mobility HD5650 1GB and 6GB or RAM... but for starters it only has 3 USB ports, not enough for my controllers!

So, I am fine with getting a new system specifically aimed at CLOD. This is not an unlimited budget exercise (no Alienware $5K system coming my way) but I can drop $2500 or so.

I love using my Samsung 46" LED TV as a monitor. Its 1080p, runs at 60Hz (claims 120... but baloney marketing, some gizmo software to make it "seem like" its running at 120 but its really still 60). I get great video on this HDTV with IL2 - 1946 and other games like Aces High so I hope it will be ok with this game too.

I am in no way, shape for form a techie. I read about all the system specs and its all pretty much gobbledygook to me.

I have gathered that a solid state HDD is a smart idea, but what size? I assume I would load the game on the SSD but also have a regular HDD to load everything else on?

I was leaning toward an I7 whatever.... ???? and 12GB 1600 RAM. Windows 7 64 system.

Also... seems a GeForce GTX 580 card with 3GB VRAM is the way to go?

Where should I purchase such a system? What else should I look at?

Any help is hugely appreciated. I want to purchase ASAP... because I know its going to take time for it to be built and shipped. I want a system that will play this on very high settings for a long time to come, meaning upgradable I guess.

Thanks again for all tips and help.


Terry