I do exactly what mbreuer does:

"I use Newegg but pick and choose components. I've rarely seen barebone packages that have components I'd choose at the given price point. Seems they usually bury something crappy in the package."

Although I agree with him, I would not tell someone to assemble their own PC from componets down to the motherboard level. It is too hard unless you have done it before, or you just enjoy taking on a technical challenge.

I am not in love with the TigerDirect barebones either. Again, I can get the same effect cheaper with better components and going piece-by-piece catching deals at Newegg. (Example: Antec 300 case + 450w PS + optical drive for about $60 shipped after a $15 rebate) (OK, that is an EXCEPTIONAL deal, and nobody is going to do that good on all of the components bought at the same time.

(The TigerDirect system is also unsatisfactory for recent 3D games because of the 350w PS and the integrated Intel graphics)

If you have not assembled a PC before from a motherboard and up, you probably should just buy a complete PC. (If you install Windows from a previous install, won't it fail the "Geniuine Microsoft" check? -- and keep you from getting valuable add-ons from Microsoft Download Service?)