So looking around bensbargains.net I realized I could put together a very decent machine, for less than or very similar price to, the “brand name” junk we are all accustomed to.

Here it is:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz Core Processor	$152		CompUSA.com
PNY Geforce 9600 GSO 768MB PCI-E Video Card	$50		Frys.com
WD Caviar WD10EADS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s HDD	$90		NewEgg.com
Asus P5Q-E Green Motherboard	$131		Buy.com
Thermal Take VJ70001N2Z Steel Mid Tower Case	$42		ZipZoomFly.com
OCZ Technology ModXStream Pro 500W PS	$44		ZipZoomFly.com
Corsair 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2 Memory Kit	$20		NewEgg.com
LG GH22NS30 Black 22X DVD+-RW Drive	$23		NewEgg.com
Total Cost	$552

Indicates a rebate.  All prices used include shipping.

Just over $550 for a QUAD Core based rig, is not bad at all… add memory at will if you want more than 4GB.  1TB HD should be enough for all the junk we tend to accumulate, and even accounts for the “green” factor.

I assume you still have your old keyboard and mouse and a decent monitor laying around.

I don’t think these deals will be around too long, as we all know they come and go but this is gearing up to be a weekend project!