I agree with Jenny. Sounds like a good one for adventure gaming. Can't wait to hear how you like it!

"Everyone should keep in mind that the Intel HD 2000 graphics is not "on board" as we are used to thinking about it being integrated into the motherboard. The Intel HD 2000 is the graphics that is integrated into the 2nd Generation CPUs (or Sandy Bridge processors). Although it's supposed to be far superior than motherboard graphics, I am not convinced of its usefulness in gaming. Look at what it touts in the specs... seamless images, videos, and graphic effects. Not exactly what we want to see in gaming. "

I think I said this before Drac, as far as graphics go it's pretty lame.

Did I tell you my story of the flooded out town in Sims 2 with Sandy Bridge graphics?

Don't expect great gaming results with it.

I bought an E-College PC with sandy bridge graphics and no video card. The reasoning is because my I had ordered a video card for my older pc from New Egg. The PC died and I was waiting delivery of the the card when I ordered the E-College PC.

I checked the graphics without putting the card in. Absolutely horrible for gaming. Like I said above a town in Sims2 was underwater because the Sandy Bridge graphics could not render the demanding Sims 2. (Demanding Sims 2 is a sarcasm) If it cannot handle sims2 it can't handle much.

I threw in the video card (less than an hour after the pc arrived) Suddenly my town looked perfect almost as if FEMA did something right.

Thanks Drac for the recommendation of E-College. since then I bought a system for my better half and another for my daughter. The next question is does Ecollege give frequent buyer awards?

I'm finally getting more and more feedback on those Sandy Bridge graphics and if you do more than email, web surfing and a bit of casual gaming, they are pretty awful.

Sounds like eCollegePc SHOULD give you a frequent buyer award! I think as long as they keep up with their excellent customer service, they will be quite successful.

Draclvr,

What would suggest instead of Sandy Bridge? The components are ready to assemble but I can always ask for a change.

Oh, you should definitely get the Sandy Bridge processor - they are excellent. Just be sure to get a good stand alone video card. We're talking about the graphics integrated into the processor, not the processor itself.

Here's what Jenny said about your video card.

Thanks for the clearification I was a little scared for a minute. I can always up grade my viddeo card but I only play adventure games not RPG. Since we are on the subject of a video card what would you suggest instead of the GT520, how about a GTX 550 ti?

The GTX 550 TI is certainly a more capable card than the GT 520.
You can see a comparison here
http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=647&card2=650

Are you wanting to stick with Nvidia or would ATI be OK?

At this point I am planning to stick with Nvidia. Thanks for the comparison chart it really helped. I priced both cards and it appears that the GTX 550ti is almost twice as expensive as the GT520 and I can see the reason. In your opinion should I be able to play my adventure games w/o an up grade to the GTX 550 ti at this point.

Yes, though there may be some upcoming adventure games that have higher video card requirements than current games. For those, you'd need you to reduce graphics enhancements in the game menu in order for the game to play smoothly. The upcoming Sherlock Holmes game may be one of these. The question is whether you want to pay more not to have to turn down the graphics enhancements in some (not all) games.

Thanks Jenny100,

I think I will pay more now than later...the GTX550ti it is.

I think you'll be happy with it, Lexxy.
For myself, I prefer getting a little more power than I think I need, and I've never regretted it.

Good move, lexxy!