Computer debate.

[theDreamer]

I would like to get some opinions on what the differences are between these computers.(All of these are self built.)

Budget for the first one is $1500
Budget for the second one is $2000
For the third one is $2500

Basics, use Intel Core 2 Duo, ATi/nVidia card, no monitor, no keyboard, no mouse(or mousepad). Basically the tower & what is inside it. Use will be gaming, and watching movies/tv. If it can fit in the budget a TV tuner card would be a nice addition.

What differences in performance will I get in each level, obviously the more I spend the better the performance, but does spending 2500 over 2000 get me "that" much more for the price?

I don't want to hear debate between the DX10 cards, or wait for quad cores. I know about those, but I want to hear ideas on systems that could be built today right now.

Also, will any of these computers be able to hold up strong for 2+ years?

Thanks.

 

[drewin]

You bring up a good question in this thread... I also asked myself the same thing last month when I was in the market to buy a (2x) new computers. What I ended up doing was looking at several of the benchmarks for computers in each of these ranges. It is obvious that the more you are willing to spend on computer components results in better preformance, however the rule of "deminishing returns" definitely takes effect.

I ended up spending ~$1750 for a system which has a higher quality video card and a lower to mid range core 2 duo processor. If OCing is important to you make sure your mobo will allow you to OC. I think when it comes down to it a couple more FPS don't really make that much difference.