The PC Hardware Section of About.com has some great tips on selecting that perfect PC.

It’s reasonable enough to get the most powerful computer your budget allows, or the cheapest one on the block. But there are some considerations that need to be kept in mind. So you really get to maximize the money you spend. Continue to see the five tips from about.com listed below, along with our own explanations.

1. Buying the Least Expensive System. Ah yes, all those hard-to-get rebates and steep discounts make prices seem low. But watch out! We all know how hard it can be to avail or rebates, and those promos have a way of getting us to spend more than we planned. And as about.com says: “Always price compare and look at the individual components to be sure that it really is a good deal and not last years tech at low low prices.”
2. Not Budgeting for Peripherals and Software. Oops, forgot to put money aside for a mouse and headphones? Don’t forget to save some cash for office software! And what’s the use of purchasing that good-looking laptop if you can’t afford to buy some protection for it?
3. Extended Warranties. “Consumers tend to end up on the short side though as most failures will happen long after the warranty periods and by the time they do, the items in question are outdated. The money can be better saved for future replacement costs. Even organizations such as Consumer Reports recommend against purchasing such warranties.” Couldn’t have said it any better.
4. Waiting for Something Better Later. Let’s face it, computers tomorrow will always be more efficient and do things better. So why not accept that fact, buy something that fits your current computing needs, and actually get things done? You can always upgrade or buy a new computer down the road, especially if you use your new purchase to make money.
5. Unbalance System Components. Here’s a good reason why to get branded. Companies like Dell (usually) make sure that provide you with specs that complement each other. Certain kinds of processors work best with certain kinds of motherboards and memory, and vice-versa. If you insist on paying for individual components and having them assembled, make sure you know that each item will maximize each others’ capabilities!

Check out the full article at about.com.