Best desktop for the Money?

Question

I have allotted $500 to purchase a new computer. I have a monitor and everything else, so all I need is the computer itself. I was wondering if anyone could help figure out what would be the best desktop computer to buy.

Answer 1

check newegg.com;  it has the best price to performance ratio; I like this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...

but there are 31 others to choose from in your price range ;)  

Answer 2

You are always better off buying parts and building your own.  It's more cost-effective because buying a PC from Dell, HP, etc they are going to bundle labor into the cost.  Plus buying parts will allow you to have the components pretty much exactly as you want them, and your machine will more than likely be more high-end than one you will get for $500 from a retailer.  If you don't want to build your own, my suggestion is to stay away from Emachines or Gateway PCs.  Dell or HP will be best bets.