Configurations
Under $1000
If your budget is under $1000, you are probably looking for a simple computer. You wouldn't be able to play too many games or multi task to a great extent. However, you can still build quite a decent computer for this price but it will only be able to be used for simple tasks like using Office or surfing on the internet. While some older games probably will work, the newer ones will struggle. Using Photoshop or other programs similar to it will also be quite difficult due to lack of processing power. If you just want a simple computer, this is the price range you should be looking at. $1000 is about the threshold for the minimum amount to spend on a computer. Anything less and you will be getting a computer which won't last very long and is very inflexible. The prices do not include any optical drives. DVD burners are around AU$65 now due to a shortage of parts for drives.
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R - $172.00
Video Card: Gigabyte 512MB HD 4550 - $54.00
CPU: Intel E7400 2.8GHz 3MB cache - $165.00
HDD: Seagate 500GB, 7200RPM ST3500418AS - $73.00
RAM: Kingston (2x1GB) DDR2-800 CL6 - $43.00
Case and PSU: Coolermaster Elite 334 with 420W PSU - $90.00
Monitor: Acer 18.5" Widescreen LCD 1366x768 - $152.00
Keyboard and Mouse: Logitech Deluxe 250 - $35.00
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium $140.00
Total - $924.00
Please note that you can replace the monitor and keyboard with whatever you prefer. If your budget is allowed to stretch a bit, you can consider upgrading the motherboard or processor. Maybe getting CL4 RAM instead of CL6 or maybe getting a bigger monitor. Remember, you can always get better prices than these. Don't be afraid to ask!
Under $1500
At $1500 you can build a very decent computer. This can be used to play many of the latest games and photo editing. At this price you have quite a bit of flexibility and lots of choice in parts.
Gaming
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP43-UD3P - $195.00
Video Card: Gigabyte 1GB Nvidia GTS250 - $217.00
CPU: Intel E8400 3.0GHz 6MB cache - $235.00
HDD: Seagate 1TB, 7200RPM ST31000528AS - $120.00
RAM: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800C5 - $71.00
Case: Antec Mini P180 - $190.00
PSU: Antec Truepower 550W, 4x12V rails - $145.00
Monitor: Acer 18.5" Widescreen LCD 1366x768 - $152.00
Keyboard and Mouse: Logitech Deluxe 250 - $35.00
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium $140.00
Total - $1500.00
Graphics Work
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP43-UD3P - $195.00
Video Card: Gigabyte 1GB Nvidia GTS250 - $217.00
CPU: Intel Q8400 2.66GHz 4MB cache - $220.00
HDD: Seagate 1TB, 7200RPM ST31000528AS - $120.00
RAM: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800C5 - $71.00
Case: Antec Mini P180 - $190.00
PSU: Antec Truepower 550W, 4x12V rails - $145.00
Monitor: Acer 18.5" Widescreen LCD 1366x768 - $152.00
Keyboard and Mouse: Logitech Deluxe 250 - $35.00
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium $140.00
Total - $1485.00
Under $3000
At $3000, this is one of the best computers. It will take you through anything and should last a long time without being outdated. Due to the Core i7 processors, both gamers and graphics workers will be able to use the same computer with great benefits.
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD4P - $330.00
Video Card: Gigabyte 896MB Nvidia GTX 275 - $290.00
CPU: Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz 8MB cache- $790.00
HDD: Seagate 1.5TB, 7200RPM ST31000528AS - $175.00
RAM: Corsair 12GB (6x2GB) 1333MHz 9-9-9-24 - $320.00
Case: Antec P183 - $225.00
PSU: Corsair Truepower 550W, 4x12V rails - $145.00
Monitor: Samsung 2243BW 1680x1050 - $250.00
Keyboard and Mouse: Logitech Deluxe 250 - $35.00
Operating System: Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit $180.00
Total - $2740.00
Unlimited
This computer is for those who have spare money just lying around. Most people will not be able to justify paying for a computer like this but, it's still fun to dream! On top of this system you might need a watercooling system but it is not a must unless overclocking. I haven't included it in the price as it is upto the user what parts need to be cooled and what type of system to buy.
Motherboard: eVGA Classified X58 - $640.00
Video Card: 2x eVGA GTX 295 1792MB (The only reason there aren't three is because cooling is a huge problem - $1530.00
CPU: Intel Core i7 975 3.33GHz 8MB cache - $1595.00
HDD: 4x Seagate 1TB, 7200RPM ST31000528AS - $480.00
RAM: Corsair 12GB (6x2GB) 1600MHz 9-9-9-24 - $345.00
Case: Lian-Li Armorsuit X edition - $890.00
PSU: Corsair 1000HX 1kW - $358.00
Monitor: 2x Samsung 2443BW+ 24" 1920x1200 - $850.00
Keyboard and Mouse: Logitech DiNovo Edge keyboard + Logitech G9X mouse - $380.00
Operating System: Windows Vista ultimate 64-bit $180.00
Total - $7248.00