[astyanax]

The prices I listed were to build a current (here referred to as “next-gen”) machine with high-end (intel, nvidia) off the shelf parts (i7 processor, mobo with 6gb/s SATA and USB 3.0, etc.)
As for where, mainly Microcenter when they have good deals ($150 GTX 460) and Newegg. I do game so I have way more horsepower than I need. But every couple of years or so when I build the next one, my current unit gets handed down to one of the kids and is good for several additional years. (Daughter has an i3, 9 year old son is using a core 2 duo, and 5 year old is stuck with a p4 and agp card, but it's more than enough for what he uses it for.)

[AFreeBird]

Okay, now machine yourself a case from a solid block of aluminum, and don’t forget the ultra - so damn quiet you never hear them - cooling fans, and stuff all those pieces and parts into an all-in-one case. Dont forget to add in your wireless keyboard and magic mouse.

Other than the noise, you know what I don’t miss about my old DiY computer?

The rats nests of cables.

Around this time last year, the UPS man left this box at my door. Upon opening it, I pulled out another box by it’s handle, opened it up, pulled out the beautiful 21” display with stand, put it on my desk, plugged the power cord into it, put batteries in the keyboard and mouse, and turned it on.

About 2 minutes later I was up and running surfing the net.

The damn thing just works, and it looks great sitting on my old antique desk.