Best desktop to get for under $500?

[Playadlc]

My computer blew up yesterday and I am looking for a new one. I already have a monitor (Samsung 204B) and some speakers so all I need is a tower.

I am thinking about going with a Dell, but that is still up in the air.

With my price range around $400-$500, what is my best option? I do a little bit of gaming, but mostly I just surf and play online poker.

[paintmered]

Ever think about building your own?

You can build a decent system by shopping around at newegg.

[Playadlc]

Well, I'd rather just build one through Dell.

Here is one I am thinking about...

Dell Small Business has the Dimension 9200 w/ E6300 Core 2 Duo for $529 w/ free shipping. .

Select the options:
Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor E6300 (1.86GHz, 1066 FSB) [add $50]
Video Ready w/o Monitor [subtract $200]

Specs:
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6300 (1.86GHz, 1066 FSB)
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
FREE UPGRADE! 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz- 2DIMMs
256MB nVidia Geforce 7300LE TurboCache
80GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
FREE Upgrade! Single Drive: 48x CD-RW / DVD-ROM Combo Drive
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio


http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=04&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=dim92min&s=bsd

[KronoRed]

Ever think about building your own?

You can build a decent system by shopping around at newegg.

Newegg = :luvu:

[Nugget]

Really depends on what you are going to need your tower for and the support you need. Sure you can build your own but you don't usually get the best after sales but then Dell aren't that great anyway.

If your just going to be using it to surf the net, play a few games and the odd bit of home computing (ie the odd letter) then what you have specified is fine.

If your going to do more and if its for business then the first thing I would do is upgrade the operating system. FWIW XP Home is not going to cut it for business use. The next upgrade you will probably need to look for is getting a DVD writer as that is the standard these days. Then and only then, if your into playing really hard core games or are going to run cutting edge applications upgrade the processor.

I don't know how much they are in the US but in OZ you can get a pretty decent HP Pavillion for that price especially as you don't need a monitor or speakers.

[Heath]

try saveateagle.com

They sell refurbs. I have had the last 3 computers in the past 7 years be refurbs. I only upgrade if I want a new toy. :D

newegg.com RAWKS!

I know three people who had a Dell. 2 of them got their money back.

[Playadlc]

The only thing with going through newegg or saveateagle is that I have absolutely no idea what I am doing when it comes to putting together a computer.

It probably would be the best way to go.

[lo ryder]

Even though im in the minority, I've had good luck with 2 Dell desktops and one laptop. Just look for the offers on the internet, not the mall kiosks.

[REDREAD]

Well, I'd rather just build one through Dell.

Here is one I am thinking about...


I hoped you jumped on that. I was considering it. I think the deal ended today or yesterday. That was a great deal, IMO, but I'm sure more will come if you missed it.