Maximum PC

Hi guys,

I am a graphic designer (using mainly Adobe CS6), musician (Reaper with lots of vst plugins).

My computer died a couple of days ago (apparently the power supplied died and somehow damaged the motherboard... I changed the power supply, but can't load Windows...)

I've started looking for a new computer, but I have been out of the loop for some time and I am clueless as what to get.

I will be reusing parts of the old computer (hard drive, keyboard, mouse, tablet, monitors) and my budget is $500-550.

I've considered getting a Mac Mini (2011), but I am concerned I might not be able to use it for recording... I also do not want to purchase any new software, so I will need a PC, fast enough for graphic design and recording projects.

Your help and ideas for building/buying one will be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

What Kleinkinstein recommended is pretty much all you need to replace if you're going to recycle much of the computer.