Comprehensive advice needed 4 new comp.

[sire011886]

I'm in the market for a new computer.

It'll be running AutoCAD (an architecture program with which to draw complicated renderings) and hopefully a few games.

So it needs to be powerful. From what I've learned through research, I can get a pretty good desktop - I don't want a notebook - for the $1500 I am willing to spend. I'm looking at a variety of different suppliers - Best Buy, Alienware, Cyber Power, Dell, Staples - for the best offer.

I've concluded the following: 3.0 dual core Intel processor, 1GB RAM, 80GB to 100GB Hard Drive, 256MB video card, at least a 15" monitor, and I want XP Pro 64X.

Honestly, I want that 64 edition just because it's the latest - and greatest? The rest of it is pretty much set in stone.

Now the question is: who is the best to go to and who makes the best parts?

I went to Best Buy today and they had an HP that met most of the requirements except the OS, it was a media center, for $1300 before $300 in rebates.

I really want to get my money's worth, so any help would be greatly appreciated...

 

[Its a Me Mario]

If I were you Id seriously consider building your own computer. Its not diffucult at all, comparable to building a set of legos. Plus the feeling you get is great and once you accomplish it you'll never buy another pre-built computer again.

You asked to get your moneys worth and this is the best way to do it.

 

[Hacp]

Monarch makes computers and are cheaper than Alienware.

 

[sire011886]

the thing with building my own is that I don't want to mess it up and if something goes wrong, I have nop system restoration to fall back nor a warranty. I did think about it, but ruled it out pretty quickly because I didn't see more than a few hundred dollars worth to save.

 

[Hacp]

I think Monarch has a warrenty for its computers. Pricing isn't that bad, and you can make a better machine at monarch than at dell.

 

[sire011886]

which processors are dual core? and what fans do I need?

 

[Abercrombie]

Its not hard at all to build a computer If I can do it anyone can all you need is an online guide which you can probally find on google its super easy to build a computer.

 

[Sprooty]

im 15 and i have allready build 3 computers. It is not that hard, especially with these guys here to help you out if something gose wrong.

 

[Nitestick]

yeah, then you get to look at your friends and think of how superior you are than them because you built a computer. building your own computer provided you have a rough idea of what you are doing is easy, cheaper than buying a prebuild and it will perform better