Hello,
I already have a rockin DAW that I built for a home studio but now I am in the market for a home system that I will be using mostly for internet and photoshop. I won't be doing much recording so I don't need a super powerful machine and I'm on a much stricter budget this time around (under $400 not including monitor).
I guess I'm wondering if a bare bones package is really the way to go or if I should go ahead and build a system from scratch. I have to admit that I'm feeling a bit lazier this time around and would rather buy a system that's at least partially put together before hand. I also haven't had much luck finding a barebones package that looked any good online.
I have less of a clue about what mobo/processor/video card combos to shoot for in a budget machine. Any thoughts on this would definitely help me to narrow things down a bit.
thanks,
kobuk
Comments
Mark, thanks for the links. I see the benefit in going ready
Mark,
thanks for the links. I see the benefit in going ready built. My next question is, If I want to add more RAM or switch out other parts am I stuck with buying directly from the manufacturer (Dell, Compaq etc.) or can I swap with parts that have the same specs that I buy at an online retailer like newegg?
For instance, at dealnews.com there is a Dell dimension for $399 after rebate (celeron 2.4 128mb and 40g drive). If I upgrade the RAM at the time of purchase adding 128mb will cost an extra $70.
kobuk
kobuk
A PC under $400 to run photoshop? Good luck. In that scenario, I
A PC under $400 to run photoshop? Good luck. In that scenario, I'd suggest buying a ready built machine and swapping, for example, the video card with a better model, and adding a ton of RAM and a fast second HDD.
At under $400 you're looking at a celeron or a Athlon 2400 at the most.
Try here:
http://clearance.cnet.com/5/
http://www.dealnews.com
http://pricewatch.com