Well, I purchased my current computer nearly 3-4 months ago. And market has gone up and down, new technologies have come and what not. But for an average user like me who spend most of the time doing no major computing intensive job, this development serves only one purpose i.e. lowering the cost of currently bleeding edge components so people like me can afford it.
Also since middle income group people like me can't afford to upgrade or buy a new machine, it is essential to buy something which would be able to perform the job few years down the line too.
One of the mos common mistakes I have seen people making is that they go for latest processors while compromising on other components. Now this is really bad as you will not get the full performance and moreover you will be spending hard-earned money unwisely. So based on my experience and understanding I have compiled a more-or-less balanced system to give an optimum performance. I will not go into the cost details as it may change on weekly basis or even more promptly.
So here are my recommendation:-
1. Processor - With Intel leading the race right now with 45nm fabrication and cooler processor this is the way to go. If you are in gaming Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 will be the best value for money while people using more of a/v editing may also opt for Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 to utilize the functionality and power of multiple cores.
2. Motherboard - Being the control centre and nerve of whole computer it is always better to buy a good sturdy motherboard, if you are an overclocker then you know what to buy, but who don't want to go into tweaking and want to enjoy a stable performance; my suggestion is Asus P5 KPL-CM or may be MSI P35 NEO-F if you can spend a bit more.
3. Hard Disk - Nothing beats here Seagate SATA II 7200 rpm HDD with capacities exceeding 320 GB to avail the higher cache of the HDD.
4. RAM - DDR3 RAMs are becoming cheaper but is still out of reach of common man. I will stick will Corsair 1GB DDR2 800 MHz * 2 Twin pack RAM or may be Kingston (cheaper) or G-skill (costlier)
5. Cabinet & PSU - Zebronics Bijli with 450 VA Zebronics PSU is my choice but may not be available outside India. So better option may be from Cooler Master with lots and lots of fans.
6. Keyboard and Mouse - Logitech is well reputed to provided long lasting keyboard and mouse so go and get one.
7. UPS - No choices here, atleast 600VA APC UPS will do the job
8. Optical Drive - SAMSUNG / LG SATA DVD-Writer are known well to perform pretty well even after few years of usage and write at pretty fast speed. Blu-ray drives are really cool but will burn away a big hole in pocket, it has to be avoided for next couple of years.
9. Monitor - With monitors cost spiralling down at an unprecedent speed, it the right to go for a 19" Widescreen TFT solution from AOC or Dell or may be 24" to enjoy HD content (if you have some). Other options include Samsung to provide good product. You need to personally evaluate the models of your choice and budget to finalize one.
Well I hope this works as a good guide for people who are interested to buy a new PC in next few weeks.