$500 for a new system

[PrintCity]

Wifeys giving me $500 for a new PC but im clueless on what I should get. My current unit is at least 3yrs old. AMD2500,512ram,80gigHD built in video. I need my new machine for converting xvids, burning cds/dvds & need it to have a nice size HD so I can store my videos. Now the thing is like I said above im clueless on what to get but I do know I wanna catch up to all the new stuff out. Im also not sure on if I should custom build one buy a Dell or just get a nice laptop thats on sale, Plz help me out here guys. I might need a new moniter also so if you can include that also that'll be good.

 

[DSF]

What size monitor would you be looking at, and should that fit inside your $500 budget? (I assume it should.)

 

[AFurryReptile]

I'm assuming you will be using the same Operating System?

 

[PrintCity]

17-19". Also yes I aready have the OS.

P.S. I already have a moniter so if I can get a much better system by keeping the moniter I might just do that.

 

[JustaGeek]

The HP computers are the easiest to upgrade/change components, since they use quality off-the-shelf components.

And their support website is top-notch, with the detailed specifications, drivers and software easily available.

They even have a Repair Manual for my laptop, with instructions how to take it apart and replace the CPU etc!

 

[AFurryReptile]

Alternatively, you may be able to find a nice refurb from somewhere like Tigerdirect or Newegg.

 

[Capitalizt]

here ya go bud:

http://configure.us.dell.com/d...BF&cid=7421&lid=197378

$399 shipped for a very fast computer PLUS monitor. You can easily Ebay the monitor for $100, bringing the total to $300 for the computer.

I recommend you upgrade to 2 gigs of RAM. The Dell option is too expensive in my opinion. You are better off searching Newegg for a deal. There are plenty of 1GB DDR667 sticks for around $25-30 after rebate.

then pop this card in there, update the drivers, and you should be golden!

http://www.directron.com/256p2n436lx.html

PC = $399
1GB Ram = $30
Graphics card = $50

Total = $480 shipped

Sell the LCD to make it $380 total, and buy your wife a nice Christmas gift.

 

[JWade]

i'd get a better vid card than the 7300GS though

 

[dealmaster00]

Originally posted by: JWade
i'd get a better vid card than the 7300GS though

Why? It's not like he's going to be playing the latest games or something...

 

[PrintCity]

Originally posted by: Capitalizt
here ya go bud:

http://configure.us.dell.com/d...BF&cid=7421&lid=197378

$399 shipped for a very fast computer PLUS monitor. You can easily Ebay the monitor for $100, bringing the total to $300 for the computer.

I recommend you upgrade to 2 gigs of RAM. The Dell option is too expensive in my opinion. You are better off searching Newegg for a deal. There are plenty of 1GB DDR667 sticks for around $25-30 after rebate.

then pop this card in there, update the drivers, and you should be golden!

http://www.directron.com/256p2n436lx.html

PC = $399
1GB Ram = $30
Graphics card = $50

Total = $480 shipped

Sell the LCD to make it $380 total, and buy your wife a nice Christmas gift.

I think i'll be buying this system tomorrow. The only thing I don't have a clue on which memory to get. Anybody have a link to some good memory to buy. Also im gonna hold out on the video card for right now as i'll like to get a 2nd HDD. I wanna at least go with a 360-500gb one. Any cheap prices on those ?