System building on a budget

ARSTechnica has a series of Ars System Guides up on building the best machine for your needs based on budget.
It features 3 different systems spec'd on performance vs cost and provides explicit parts recommendations.

The Budget Box
The Hot Rod
The God Box

Take a look at http://arstechnica.com/guides/buyer/system-guide-200601.ars/2

There's also a new article on The Ultimate Budget Box http://arstechnica.com/guides/buyer/system-guide-200602.ars


Some good reading in all the above. Enjoy.