PC buyers' guide

If you're planning to build a new PC or upgrade an existing one, our PC Buyers' Guide should be your first port of call. We've compiled a list of PC components split into three separate systems covering entry-level, mid-range and high-end. These are our picks of quality hardware and the approximate price you should be paying. We'll update this list with new prices and hardware each issue
Ifyour budget stretches to around the $2,500 mark, you can buy yourself a rather powerful machine that’ll excel at gaming, watching movies (in full 5.1 surround sound) and other high-end tasks just as well as it’ll handle Facebook.
So you live at home and your dad is a high­flying lawyer who keeps your trust fund topped up, or perhaps your student loan is about to take a massive hit — whatever the reason, if you’ve cash to burn then this is the PC for you.
Extreme
Budget
This system costs well under $1,000 and offers plenty of power for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, basic photo and video editing and, if you add in a cheap video card (this system uses onboard graphics), you’ll have a decent gaming system.
Hardware and pricing sourced from New Zealand retail stores and correct at the time of goi ng to print. Prices include GST. The cost of shipping has not been included in the price. Stores include: playtech.co.nz, ifocus.co.nz, computer- lounge.co.nz, ascent.co.nz, alphacity.co.nz and pbtech.co.nz.