Actually, dave, you can build a really kewl system for under 500 bucks on ebay. I don't know how computer hardware savvy you are, maybe a bare bones system would be good to start with if you're not used to building. I hate those cuz I'm kinda picky about the components and manufacturers I buy. Asus ATI Match the ram mfgr if you use multiple sticks AMD decent power supply I'm on my fifth asus/amd system. Thinking about building another after the first of the year. Might go dual processor (and of course, matched amd chips). I spent 6k on my 486 back in '95. Watched purple flame blow out the back on Diamond Speedstar card, etc. Blew up and fought incompatability like crazy. IMHO, the only way to go is tried and true components and NO junkware that comes with storebought brands.