Need some Desktop Feedback

[zemaster]

So I have a $1000 gift card from both FS and Best Buy and I need a new Desktop. I would consider myself an intermediate PC user as I know how to install components (hard drive, ram etc) into laptops and desktops but I've never actually built a pc from scratch.
I did some comparisons on tomshardware (dunno if that site is still considered good? lol) and it seems that this is the best deal I can find on Best Buy and Future shop
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=BDL10003647&catid=
for $699 comes with monitor without a 20in monitor the desktop is $599.

What are your thoughts? The key feature i was looking at was the Core 2 Quad 8200 as I figured ram and video card was going to have to be upgraded in the near future anyways (with vid card I probably need to grab a $100-150 off CComputers as its integrated right now)

My other option would be to just find components via PriceCanada then pay a local store like $50 to install it but I would only do that if its at least $100 cheaper due to having to sell off my gift cards.

Thanks for your time.

P.s. The most stress ill put on it is just for COD 4 (and if SCII / Diablo ever comes out then that too) but I figure thats mostly video card and the core 2 should do a good enough job right?

[willy]

I personally would try to sell those GCs ... You will have much better choices with cash.

[jetway1212]

I'm second with willy.

However i dont recommend you to build one. You wouldnt want surprise and have down time while trouble shooting it.

So with cash you can have deals from Staples, Dell, ...etc

With the Back to school sales coming, i would say there will be good deals on desktops.

I generally find Dell sales give you the best bang for bucks.

Also, if you dont do heavy gaming then you can save a lot.

[zemaster]

I'm second with willy.

However i dont recommend you to build one. You wouldnt want surprise and have down time while trouble shooting it.

So with cash you can have deals from Staples, Dell, ...etc

With the Back to school sales coming, i would say there will be good deals on desktops.

I generally find Dell sales give you the best bang for bucks.

Also, if you dont do heavy gaming then you can save a lot.

Thanks for the responses. How much cheaper do u think a staples or dell would be though? I thought the link I provided above was pretty good already.

[willy]

The Acer from Futureshop comes with a 300W powersupply only. When you add a video card to your system in the near future, don't forget to factor the cost to replace that OEM powersupply ...

[Firestorm]

The problem with PCs from Future Shop and other stores is that the motherboard and power supply don't make it easy to upgrade. As a happy medium, going the install route is best I think.

Listed some options here (will change with NCIX's new sale): http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=760568

You could use the gift card for the monitor, then sell off the rest. I believe people will pay as low as 8% less for Future Shop gift cards. You could probably get $690 cash after spending ~$250 on a monitor.

Future Shop will be having a sale on Monday the 24th where you should be able to negotiate with them.