I'm looking for a new computer...

[johndabomb002]

So, I've got about $1,500 to spend and I've been browsing around the web looking for a system to build.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Gaming, primarily. Some photo editing, maybe a bit of 3d rendering.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
NO MORE THAN $1,500 (after shipping/tax/all fees).

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
United States

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc, etc, etc, you get the picture.
AMD/nVidia preferred, XFX is good (I think) and... Erm... Stuff?

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
No parts to start with.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
Nothing that specifically relates to my questions.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Maybe factory overclocking, I don't want to break anything.

8. WHEN do you plan to build it?
I don't want to build, looking for a company to build it for me...




Now for the links...

I found this one... I like the price on the configuration... Anyone know how legit the site is, though?
AM2+: http://www.piranhapc.com/CATACLYSM
AM3: http://www.piranhapc.com/ANARCHY

I like 'em, but anyone have any ideas?
Different builder to go with?
(I won't buy from iBuyPower or CyberPower... Too many of my friends have been 'burned' by these companies.)


Thanks in advance!

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

If you're a gamer, then your best bet would probably be to get something on sale for $500 or so, then buy a video card from Newegg for $200 or so and install it yourself. Then you get a gaming PC for about $700, with the remainder to spend on other goodies. Otherwise you'll probably end up spending well over $1000, not counting the display.

Fry's has a good deal on a Lenovo system for $400+tax, with an E5200, 4GB RAM and a 500GB hard disk.

As for the display, Newegg has a nice 22" Acer which fluctuates between $150 and $170, depending on the day.

If you don't even want to break open a system just to install a graphics card, then you don't have a lot of options. You're pretty much going to have to choose between HP/Compaq or Dell. They have websites where you can custom configure your system for your own needs. The HP Pavilion Elite m9600t series seems to be the sort of thing you're looking for.