HELP - Need recommendation to build or buy the new system.

[Tanker135]

It's been awhile I have visited the board and have not kept up with the computer lately. I want to go back to the old day by building the new system or buying a new one. I got 2K-2.5K to spend on computer system. The system is mainly for game and surf the net with occasionally doing CAD work.

As a minimum a 19" monitor is a must. DVD is not required. I can either build it myself or can buy the new one off the shelf. Actually I prefer to build, but please give me the other option too. PLEASE HELP me to spend the money. Thanks

 

[AIRREAK]

It is always easier to get what you want if you build it yourself. I have three systems currently and have built all of them. Plus a couple I sold to family and friends.

 

[Moltnrok]

Tanker 135

Build it yourself...I myself am in the process of building a computer, using the best parts I can get. For $2000 I could build a system bigger/better/faster than anything else out there for sale as a system.
For example: the system I am building has only cost me $615 so far and all I need to buy still is the mobo, processor, cd-burner, (maybe a DVD), and a video card. Included in this price is a $200 cable modem, so I've only spen a bit over $400 to date. Here's what I've got for reference and expected final cost.
InWin q500 case-95 shipped
Sony 1.44" floppy drive-13 shipped
256K Crucial Cas2 pc133 sdram-95 shipped
Samsung 17" flat screen monitor-145 shipped (after rebate)
Microsoft internet pro keyboard-microsoft optical mouse (combo for 50)
best data cable modem-165 (after rebates)
*IWill KK266 mobo (130 shipped)
*AMD t-bird 1.2gh w/ 266 bus (210 shipped)
*Radeon 64mg vid card-170 shipped
*Plextor 12x10x32 or better cd-rw-$200 shipped

*denotes expected prices
I have also bought supplies to build this with and have been included in the price I've paid to date. (paint, grounding strap, etc.)
I expect to have this "Supercomputer" built for less than $1300
Surely you can build exactly what you want for the money you have, and have plenty left over for whatever.