Okay, so it only took about three weeks, but Dell has finally agreed to giving me a complete refund. :) Yay!!!

I have about $2800 to work with and would really rather stay out of CC debt (I just got out of it). I started looking at a Mac, but am now also considering a DAW. I'm not going to buy a major brand name computer anymore due to my terrible experience with Dell.

A computer I'm very interested is here:

Neato Computer

HUSH-Qx Extreme from Sonicalabs

System Specifications

CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme 64 Bit Quad Core QX6700 2.66GHz 8MB L2
Chipset: 1066MHz FSB Intel 965 chipset
RAM: 2GB DDR-2 RAM 667 Dual Channel - Matched Pair 8GB max
System Drive: 160GB 7200RPM Ultra 300 SATA II with 16 MB buffer
Audio Drive: 320GB 7200RPM Ultra 300 SATA II with 16 MB buffer
Samples Drive: 320GB 7200RPM Ultra 300 SATA II with 16 MB buffer
Optical Drive: Dual Layer 18x DVD+-RW/CD-RW Combo Optical Drive
USB Ports: 10 USB 2.0 (6 Rear/2 Front/2 Internal)
1394 IEEE: 2 FireWire Ports (1 Rear/1Front) Texas Instruments
Video: Nvidia GeForce 7300 PCI-E 256MB DDR2 DVI VGA HDTV
PCI Slots: 3 Open Slots UAD-1 and TC-Powercore Ready
PCIe Slots: 3 Open Slots UAD-1 and TC-Powrcore Ready
Drive Expansion Bays: 2 3.5" Open for Hard Disks
LAN: (10/100/1000 Mbits/sec) Intel 82566DC Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Legacy I/O: 1-serial, 1-parallel and 2-PS/2 ports
Audio: Intel High Definition 6-channel (5.1) audio subsystem
PSU: 550 watt silent power supply
Quiet Technology: Intel Precision Cooling Technology
Operating System: Windows XP Audio Tuned
Other Software: Samplitude SE V8, NERO Suite, System Recovery
Input: RF Wireless Keyboard and Wireless Optical Mouse
Dimensions: 16.9" X 7" X 20.5" 4U Rack Mount
Support: Unlimited Phone / Email Technical Support
Warraty: Two Year Parts and Labor

Here is my thinking- for a little more (about 200 bucks) than my budget I can get a computer that has most of the things I need (i.e. several drives, good ram, and is tuned for audio production). With a Mac, I'll have to spend at least $1,000 to get this. Plus, I have a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Plat. which (for the most part) has been an okay sound card. What do you all think of that sound card?

I want to maximize my purchase and be able to work with my samples and programs on a fast, steady computer. So- any suggestions on particular models you recommend would really help. (ps- I have thought about just making my own computer, but am not very experienced in that field. I do have some friends that could possibly help me though...but I might be better off leaving it to the pros).

Thanks guys!

Nathan

Just a couple quick notes...

First, You mention that you have 2 gigs of spare memory lying around, but just to make sure you're aware, the Mac Pro uses DDR2 FB-DIMMs, FB-DIMMS are not the same as the DDR2 thats common in Desktop PCs. It's more commonly found in server and some workstation-class hardware. Be sure the DIMMs you have are indeed Fully Buffered, and get some more RAM if they're not. Two gigs is really the minimum for this kind of work, and any more than 4 is probably overkill for you if your audio work isn't what's paying your bills.

Secondly, consider raid 5 for performance and protection. failing that, Have some system in place for regular archival of your samples and in-progress work such as an external hard drive or network backup unit.