Topic: I want a new PC

[kskreider]

I want a new one.  I have been using recycled p.o.s.'s for too long, but I don't have a lot of loot. 

Should I build my own?

What mobo should I aim for?

Too many questions rolling around in my head.

Any ideas?

[mirth]

If you have all the software you want/need & have a monitor, you should be able to build a decent box for $500ish.
If you like that warm fuzzy feeling that comes with not using unlicensed software then keep an eye @ slickdeals.net. Every couple weeks or so Dell has some pretty nice deals on systems and/or package deals.

[thoman8r]

I want a new one.  I have been using recycled p.o.s.'s for too long, but I don't have a lot of loot. 

Should I build my own?

It depends on your needs.  If you just need something for internet and word processing, just buy a system from Dell for < 400 bucks.

If you are looking for a more top of the line computer that you can play all the latest games on and use as a Digital Audio Workstation, then I'd build it if I were you.

What mobo should I aim for?

Gigabyte or Asus.  Do NOT skimp on the mainboard, it's easy to do but it's a big mistake.

As far as everything else goes, RAM and storage space is cheap so buy lots of both.  For a processor, I'm an AMD guy myself but it seems Intel has a step up on them now with the hyper-threading technology in their processors.  Always buy a couple of speeds down from the fastest processor, that's where you start to see a good price/performance ratio.  Stay away from Celerons/Durons.  Buy a video card based on your gaming needs.  If you aren't going to play games then don't go nuts, just buy a decent one.  Buy a cheap sb live sound card unless you need something for transfers.  Most other things you should be able to reuse from your old pc.