If you’re on a budget, look at some of the refurbished “off lease” computers that are available. I wouldn’t spend an exorbitant amount of money, unless you’re into the latest games that require a special video card and a huge amount of memory. There was a time when you saved money by building your own. With the exception of very high end systems, those days are gone. Complete off lease computers with an i5 processor are now readily available for under $300. Even the under $150 dual core off lease computers will serve most needs. Most of them will also have a 30 day warranty. One year warranties are not uncommon either. Laptops and smart phones have largely taken over the desktop market. Therefor you're getting the most bang for the buck in a desktop, that is if you don't mind the lack of portability.