Hi there, up the top I noticed you are asking about a $500-$600 build, in your last post $400-$500. We are talking about a $200 range in difference here. However, I have listed below a number of parts that would build you a new computer (tower only). If you were wanting to have a complete system (monitor, keyboard and mouse, speakers included) for this price, it would be rather pitiful. Have a look carefully at the specifications and prices, and let us know what you think. This would be, of course, ordering all of the parts listed below and building the machine yourself.
This system pretty much won't play 3D games (it's onboard video), but should be decent for what you want. It includes Vista, because it's new and you're building a new system. I personally wouldn't go putting an old OS on a new computer, but you could if you wanted to... Titles are clickable links so you can check out the information further.
Cooler Master case $49.99 ($29.99 after rebates)
OCZ 600W power supply $89.99 ($74.99 after rebates)
MSI motherboard $68.99
Intel Core 2 Duo processor $149.99
2GB Patriot RAM $76.99 ($36.99 after rebates)
Seagate 250GB hard drive $69.99
LG DVD Burner $28.99
Vista Home Premium 32-bit $104.99
Grand total of
$639.92 and once all your rebates are back, your total is going to be
$564.92.
This is reasonably cheap for a system and should give you decent performance. It's not the "latest and greatest" technology, but it should last you a while. Going any less than this will give a noticeable performance loss (unless anyone else can find a better deal on similar parts - if so, post here!).
And your current system - if it doesn't power up, then I would suspect the PSU. If it powered up and gave errors, then you could look at other parts, but if there's nothing at all, it sounds more than likely a new PSU will help. Let us know how it goes