Best home computer for $595

[SmilinJimFission]

I'm looking to buy a desktop or laptop PC for managing home movies/photos, spreadsheets, Quicken, surfin' the net, and viewing YouTube videos. What are some good options?

 

[abekl]

DVD Burner http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118040 $19
Case w/power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129089 $85
CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115077 $140
Hard drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136794 $60
Keyboard/Mouse http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109078 $28
Memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277 $33
Monitor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236089 $150
Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128486 $90
Video card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125366 $80
Total: 685

I really tried hard to meet the 595 goals, but it's just not possible and expect to have a reasonably performing machine.

 

[abekl]

Alienware M11x (spring 2011)
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/alienware-m11x-spring-2011/4505-3121_7-34813348.html

What? How does this address the OP's request for a 595 system?

 

[Derbixrace]

 

[henydiah]

What? How does this address the OP's request for a 595 system?

OP need dekstop or LAPTOP for movie etc ..

 

[Derbixrace]

OP need dekstop or LAPTOP for movie etc ..

OP needs a desktop OR laptop, not both

EDIT: oh you edited it, nvm then

 

[henydiah]

wow my post too expensive ... i'm sorry

 

[Charlemagne_3]

Do you know how to build a desktop from base components?

 

[henydiah]

Did you mean you want assembling self not manucaturer with you budget ?
Get Sandybridge

 

[SmilinJimFission]

Did you mean you want assembling self not manucaturer with you budget ?
 Get Sandybridge

Assemble or off-the-shelf; either way is fine.  If I go with a desktop, I can use the LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse, and printer I have already. Basically, I have 2 old Compaq Presarios: an SR2011WM and an SR1838NC, nether working right now.

 

[SmilinJimFission]

Do you know how to build a desktop from base components?

Yes.

 

[SmilinJimFission]

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/1719/llanobuild.jpg

Wow! Very detailed! Thanks!

 

[sugarcraft]

I'm looking to buy a desktop or laptop PC for managing home movies/photos, spreadsheets, Quicken, surfin' the net, and viewing YouTube videos. What are some good options?

I'd go with an Intel core i5 2300. MORE than enough for you, and you can easily keep the build under $595.
If you don't plan on doing any upgrades in the future (you can still add a video card) get an LGA 1555 H61 mobo (asus makes
'em well).
For memory you don't need more than 4 GB.
The rest of the components will be standard - 500W PSU, Western Digital/Seagate 500GB(or whatever) HDD @7200RPM (3.0 GB/s I think is what the H61 board offers), generic case or if you want a cool looking one get a lower end NZXT with the cool LED fans.

If you can afford more I wouldn't bother upgrading the processor. Upgrading to H67 or P67 will help only if you need it, so look into that. You could always get a nice monitor or an SSD with extra cash.

 

[SmilinJimFission]

DVD Burner http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118040 $19
Case w/power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129089 $85
CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115077 $140
Hard drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136794 $60
Keyboard/Mouse http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109078 $28
Memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277 $33
Monitor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236089 $150
Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128486 $90
Video card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125366 $80
Total: 685

I really tried hard to meet the 595 goals, but it's just not possible and expect to have a reasonably performing machine.

You're fine. I can use my existing monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Thanks!

 

[SmilinJimFission]

I'd go with an Intel core i5 2300. MORE than enough for you, and you can easily keep the build under $595.
If you don't plan on doing any upgrades in the future (you can still add a video card) get an LGA 1555 H61 mobo (asus makes
'em well).
For memory you don't need more than 4 GB.
The rest of the components will be standard - 500W PSU, Western Digital/Seagate 500GB(or whatever) HDD @7200RPM (3.0 GB/s I think is what the H61 board offers), generic case or if you want a cool looking one get a lower end NZXT with the cool LED fans.

If you can afford more I wouldn't bother upgrading the processor. Upgrading to H67 or P67 will help only if you need it, so look into that. You could always get a nice monitor or an SSD with extra cash.

I appreciate your help in giving me some options. Thanks!