Computer people - need to build/buy a desktop under $500

WashburnBasser · #1 11-28-2011, 03:14 PM

Here's the deal. I got screwed over in warranty dealings with Micro Center over a busted laptop and it looks like I'm going to end up with a $430 gift certificate and my old laptop's hard drive. I already have a new laptop I'm extremely happy with, so I'm considering getting a new desktop to replace my old Pentium 4 dell.

I could use some help picking out a new desktop, since I haven't dealt with desktops in a long time. If you guys think it would be cheaper to build my own I'm all for it. I already have a nice screen and I can get Windows 7 for free from my school.

Any ideas on what I should look for in a cheap desktop? I don't know much about these new processors, I stopped paying attention around Core 2 Duo. I'd want to use the computer mostly for browsing, and perhaps some gaming, but I don't need to be able to run games at high settings. Some sort of semi-decent videocard is a must though.

Any help at all with this is greatly appreciated.

Arranger · #2 11-28-2011, 03:57 PM

Core2 will still do you very well. NewEgg has some great processors in the $120 range. A half decent mobo for $50, you've got a drive, graphics card for another $50? Case $40 or less, Power supply $70, mem sticks $55? Where are we - $330? Still need a backup drive - $40, DVD drive $20, You're good to go.

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more! Go nowhere else.

WashburnBasser · #3 11-28-2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arranger

Core2 will still do you very well. NewEgg has some great processors in the $120 range. A half decent mobo for $50, you've got a drive, graphics card for another $50? Case $40 or less, Power supply $70, mem sticks $55? Where are we - $330? Still need a backup drive - $40, DVD drive $20, You're good to go.

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more! Go nowhere else.

I would buy from newegg but I have to buy from MicroCenter. Thanks for the ideas though, that sounds like a decent solution.