looking for a new computer

[Matt]

It is difficult-to-impossible to assemble a computer from components and come close to the price that Dell can ship one to you. You may be able to get a nicer case, a mobo that can be overclocked, or a video card that kicks, but it won't be cheaper. Now, if you already have a case, keyboard, mouse, power supply, hard drive, and you're just looking to upgrade mobo, processor, & memory, then you can probably do that a bit cheaper than buying new. For example, a decent motherboard is $100 & up. A processor is running you $200 & up. Memory: $70 & up. Case & power supply: $50 & up. Windows XP: $150 & up. We're up to over $400 and we haven't really upgraded anything beyond "very basic".

Compare to: Dell, $250 + shipping ($79). (this is their most basic "1100" model on sale at the moment).

I don't necessarily advocate for Dell over other major brands, but you can't argue: they cost less than roll-your-own. You also get the benefit in a "brand" box of knowing that the components have been assembled in that configuration on that OS a million times.