I simply HAVE to agree with hunter, I just have to.
$550 or so could get you an
amd 64 3200+, a gig 'o mem, a decent mother board, a geforce 6600GT, 80 gig hard drive, a dvd rom drive, and a decent case.
other than not getting a monitor, this beats buying a $500 dell or compaq, no contest.
but do as you wish. I prefer customizing everything about my computer.
I can't stand those crappy cases brand computers give you, they look like crap.
brand computers are just too lacking in terms of upgradability, too, the company would prefer you buy a new computer, since money is the whole point to it.
so in the end, CUSTOM ALL THE WAY!