I'm planning to build a new system -- my last one was homebuilt by my brother in lawabout 5-6 years ago, so it's time for something new. This new system will be my first time building one on my own. I need some advice, so I don't waste money, or underspend:
Part I: I would like to know what I can get for around $500 (not including OS or monitor). Basically, given this budget, where should I put my money for the best possible performance. For detail on my typical usage, see below.
Part II: Next, I'm wondering if it would be worth spending more -- up to about $750 or $800 approximately. Given the above ($500) system recommendations, what would change if you now had an $800 budget? And, what would I notice different about this machine on a day to day basis?
Here are my usage considerations:
-- I don't usually play games but would like the ability to do so. I wouldn't need the best gaming machine, just something that can handle a game well (so it's fun, not a hassle) if desired.
-- multiple programs and applications simultaneously (including firefox, Word, Excel, iTunes, Vegas Movie Studio, Picture Project, etc.)
-- storage for a lot of pictures and video...I have a 10 MP dSLR camera, so the pictures can get fairly large; I have kids, so I take a lot of photos.
-- would like to be able to edit and create DVDs from my home video footage.
Part I: I would like to know what I can get for around $500 (not including OS or monitor). Basically, given this budget, where should I put my money for the best possible performance. For detail on my typical usage, see below.
Part II: Next, I'm wondering if it would be worth spending more -- up to about $750 or $800 approximately. Given the above ($500) system recommendations, what would change if you now had an $800 budget? And, what would I notice different about this machine on a day to day basis?
Here are my usage considerations:
-- I don't usually play games but would like the ability to do so. I wouldn't need the best gaming machine, just something that can handle a game well (so it's fun, not a hassle) if desired.
-- multiple programs and applications simultaneously (including firefox, Word, Excel, iTunes, Vegas Movie Studio, Picture Project, etc.)
-- storage for a lot of pictures and video...I have a 10 MP dSLR camera, so the pictures can get fairly large; I have kids, so I take a lot of photos.
-- would like to be able to edit and create DVDs from my home video footage.