so I saw Suvega's brain dump thread (Suvega's Brain dump thread. (Will be updated alot, just need a place to post all of this))

And in it he mentions that you can build a relatively powerful computer for around 500 bucks..... ok i'm intrigued by this..

I've got $1k coming to me but don't want to spend all of it building a new computer (ok actually I do.. my wife however has other ideas)

So what i'm looking for is a "relatively" powerful PC that i can build up for around 500...

any input would be appreciated..