Need Help - Buying Budget Desktop (Music PC)

HELP!!! I am desperately seeking a solution to replace my 7 year old custom music studio pc that just crapped out on me.



There was a FP deal awhile back on this computer. This is just a little more expensive, but still in my price range.

http://www.macmall.com/p/6842390


I feel like soon after purchasing it, adding an ultra fast sata hard drive or a SSD to this for a great music studio pc for my needs...
(if anyone knows or cares, I just run Acid Pro + Reason + VSTs).

Question:

I need a system up and running within 2 weeks. Do you think (for around 400-450 dollars), I should custom build a PC (using that great case in today's FP as a base) or purchase a pre assembled PC like the one I posted? I really don't think I can get those quality of components at that sort of price (yes yes, I know it's a refurb). At least within the next 1-2 weeks....

(Yes, BF will have some great deals on PC components, but I do not have time to wait until Black Friday to have a working music PC in order)

To answer your question before you ask, no application will be run really except for music. I don't have time for games. I loved them when I was younger, but I have to support my future family.

I need answers quickly! Reps will be given fast and orderly!

You guys have no idea how much this would mean to me. I love this website, and this forum. God bless all of you, those who help me and those who don't


EDIT: Basically, I need a system with a solid new fast processor (Intel Core processor/phenom x6) and a cheap solution (like eyefinity) so I can have a 3 monitor setup (albeit through a video card, adapters e.t.c.). No games will be played so I don't need graphics. Bonus for a 7200rpm or greater SATA hard drive.

You wouldn't be able to build that computer for less than $380...if you live near a Microcenter, you'd have $170 in the 1055T + motherboard, $45 for the case on the front page, $40-$50 in an 8GB kit, ~$50 for a 1TB hard drive, $20 for an optical drive, leaving you about $45 for a power supply, card reader, operating system, and any other accessories you may need.

That said, 16GB of memory is likely overkill.

Some of these DAWs and VSTs used in home studios can be extremely taxing on the system.

I believe that one instance of Nexus alone can swallow up 1 gig of RAM by itself.

I suppose I probably should put more value on the hard drive. Just 8 gigs is really my requisite for this, but I would like the OPTION of 4 sticks because I don't want to be stuck with 8 gigs of RAM forever (or be forced to buy a 8 gig sticks).

But I suppose it's not a deal killer thank you sir


PS - I live nowhere near a Microcenter so it's not an option ;(


EDIT: YES you're right it might be slightly overkill lol. 8gb is fine!

Do you live near a Fry's?

unfortunately no but heck, if there's a good enough deal I can take a quick trip through connections this weekend to austin (where there is a Fry's) to "visit my sister"

If you can get around having to buy a copy of windows here is an option: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Com...mbo.739448 add another 4GB stick and multi card reader and you have a very similar brand new system compared to the refurb you linked. The case and PSU might not be very quality but I don't think they can be much worse than the stuff in the refurb.

that's an excellent option. I will probably go with this unless anybody else chimes in. thank you SO much!!! repped!!

also, if anybody knows the cheapest PCI card (or any option) that will get me a three monitor output, it would be HIGHLY appreciated!!!

This is the cheapest Eyefinity card I see on newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...6814102875 HD 5570
If you are gonna use a gpu and want a better case & psu can try these with the above card:
Case/PSU/1055T combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Com...mbo.750216
8GB G.skill 1333 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...6820231424
Biostar A770E3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...6813138179
Seagate 1TB 7200rpm http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...6822148697
Lite On DVD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...6827106289

$460 shipped and you get a much better case and psu and a little faster cpu but loose a wireless card

Quote from OneSlickDeal : Do you live near a Fry's?

I actually might take a free trip to Austin this weekend to buy some components at Fry's, if it's really worth it. So if you have any ideas do tell!! (I see a Wednesday Sale with a great deal on RAM I might post on FP)




As far as a three monitor setup... I am clueless on this. Is Eyefinity really the best way to go? (even if I never run any sort of games and video on the extra 2 screens??)



Also as far as the case goes... I think I may just run with the Antec Solo, since due to my needs I might just prefer to get myself a case that is quiet!! (For recording purposes). If anyone knows anywhere to get a low price, solid computer case that has a "quiet" reputation, that would be highly appreciated as well!!!


THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!! THIS IS INVALUABLE INFORMATION!!!