PC source comparable to Envision

[volunteer]

A friends old PIII got zapped by lightning this a.m and he called for recommendations. Other than telling him no Dell, no HP, no Gateway, no Compaq, I don't know of any company other than Envision Computers. For comparing are there equally reliable sources for pc's in the 500-700 dollar range (home pc, no games)

[michaels39]

AVAdirect is a very well rated builder with the best prices,plus great customer support,and a wide range of choices for systems.Velocity Micro costs a bit more,but also gets good ratings.The same goes for KC Computers.

[volunteer]

I looked at some of the bargain systems that AVA sells and they are interesting. I am not familiar though with the motherboard manufacturers. Abit, Gigabyte, and Asus have always been my favorites. Of the less expensive boards offered, what is the reliability? (Biostar ECS, etc)

[michaels39]

I'm not all that familiar with the less expensive brands,motherboards are the one area I don't skimp on,since it's the foundation of the whole system.I believe ASROCK is the budget division of ASUS.Since your friend isn't looking for a high end gaming machine,though,the major brands all carry less expensive models.