so the systemex is looking the best option then? i think this is the best price for a computer with a quad-core. ima save up and go for that one then. Is it a good idea if i sell my pc to help pay for the new one, or should i try to keep it and use it as a slave with the new one and add even more power to it? thanks alot everyone !

I would keep the old one as a backup....

I don't know what your needs are-- but building might be a better option-- when I added (without going nuts) my options to that basic systemax-- it went up to over 1400.00.
Depends on your level of tech skill-- and patience.

tech skill, none. I can do decent if i have internet access . i have solved many problems myself. i thought that if i bought the motherboard and quad-core processor combo for like 400 bucks, i would just have to buy the case, a HD and power supply. am i missing something ? i says it comes with usb ports, and other connections on it. i can use the same video card and my usb audio interface that i already have i think. is there something else i would need? the luxury of having customer service hasnt really mattered before, only when i first had a computer and every little problem confused me, but like in 4 years i havent had a problem that i could go online, and investigate . so if the total of building myself with that combo i like is as much as the systamex, then ill just get the systamex. but if i can save more that a hundred bucks, then ill build myself. I just need a quad-core (so my computer wont ever complain again) ,decent ram (oh yeah i forgot to put RAm on list) and decent HD. as my need grow i will buy more RAM and more HD's etc. for now 160 GB's will be more than enough . 2 GB of RAM also sounds like it should do for now. so after i find out what i need to build it, i will compare prices and see if the savings are worth the cons of building myself

How about the operating system???

Well that depends on what Video card you are using now-- and you have to be certain that motherboard can use the old RAM--All of this stuff is changing constantly-- I had added on a couple of DVD /CD burners- a digital card-reader for a camera/second harddrives.

My point is that you have to GO SLOW -- check and REcheck every piece of gear for compatiblility BEFORE you order anything. Many electronic parts are NON-returnable once you have broken the factory seal.

We are more than willing to help you configure your system so it fits you exactly-- but you don't rush into it-- if you do you'll be sorry.