new computer on the horizon

[Thep0pe]

Hello one and all,

I have been looking to upgrade for quite a while now, I currently have a Dell 1.8ghz Northwood with an FX5200 PCI graphics. It is really slow and going on
about 4 years old. Needless to say I am pretty sure that the PSU is starting to fail and the graphics just can't keep up with todays standards.

I have never built my own computer and fear that it would be more trouble than it's worth and it would be more expensive. Although I am not opposed to building my own if some cheap suggestions can be made. I am looking at a 700-800$ budget. I have looked at circuitcity and found this I know it doesn't have a video card but I can buy one in a couple months when I have more money.

If any one has any better configurations or a parts list that is comparable to the hp in the link it would be greatly appreciated. I would really like to have a computer that had multimedia abilities, such as a tv tuner with tivo-like functions. Other than that, I would like to game but I am pretty limited right now. But other than gaming and recording tv I am pretty much open to anything.

Thanks for your help.

 

[PC eye]

Without help from someone with some experience in putting a case together you will be at a loss when getting things going with a custom build unless you are willing to learn a few things first. You can buy a number of complete systems in retail stores these days by the dozens. But for building a gaming system on a tight budget you will need to learn each step. The prices on Socket 939 boards are low enough to get a good model main board for under $100 if not a little higher. The two things that generally see the higher price are the cpu(central processing unit) and memory. A fairly decent video PCI-Express 16x type can be found for under $100 for the older not latest "bells and whistles" and still see good performance. For a basic system without OCing the lower model not FX model cpu like the AMD64 Atholon 3000+ through 3700+ models are below $200. A good power supply will generally run from $60-99 to add to the list. Time to do some shopping.
For a look at cpus(AMD), Newegg.com - Once You Know, You Newegg
Intel, Newegg.com - Once You Know, You Newegg
For memory(2x512mb for dual channel mode), Newegg.com - Once You Know, You Newegg And the last but important item will depend on which make cpu you decide to go with? Buy Motherboards, Motherboard Accessories, Server Motherboards at Newegg.com
For a toss up between NVidia and ATI video cards, Newegg.com - Once You Know, You Newegg

Note these links are from one vendor alone to give you a chance to browse the various makes and models for each type. Look over each item to make a list and then decide whether to buy a complete or learn to build a case where you choose the hardware one step at a time.