TechSpot's PC Buying Guide - April 2009 update

Whether you are a first time builder seeking guidance or a seasoned enthusiast lacking the time it takes to compare the seemingly endless pit of hardware available, we've got you covered. TechSpot's PC Buying Guide provides an in-depth list of today's best hardware, ranging between three unique and yet typical budgets.

The Entry-Level Box ( $500 / <$800 )
This box should prove to be an excellent companion for running general applications and a sufficient solution for even the newest games on the market, albeit with a bit of its eye-candy tuned down. In addition to our standard Entry-Level Box, this month we’re going to mesh in some secondary budget components to ease up on your wallet a little more and target the ultra-low $500 budget.

Mid-range Enthusiast's PC ( $1,500 )
Our Enthusiast's PC incorporates a flavorful blend of both the Budget Box and Luxury System, making this the most harmonious of builds. Our intent is to keep this system within the grasp of the average computer enthusiast, essentially offering a fully-loaded PC minus some of the unnecessary bells and whistles that will set you back an additional grand or two.

High-end Luxury System
Here we have a screaming edge system lacking any virtual price cap - a dream PC that is down to earth both in terms of price and configuration. Every component in the Luxury System guide was thoughtfully scrutinized in order to offer you the most for your greenback. If the additional money didn't bring about a justifiable performance leap, it didn't make the cut.