Budget Graphics Workstation

[tobiusnc]

I'm looking for a graphics workstation for my neice. I'm trying to stay in a budget of around $450, so I'm looking at used systems on eBay. She wants XP Pro, not Vista. My thoughts for a system are as follows:

4GB RAM
300-500GB SATA II HD
NVIDIA Quadro graphics (256MB FX3400)
DVD-RW
I'm torn on processor. From what I've seen, in this price range I can either get a dual 2.8GHz Xeon (HT, no dual/quad) or a singe quad-core like an AMD Phenom @2.3GHz. Which would you suggest? Also, will this be a capable system for doing work in Illustrator, 3d Studio, Dreamweaver, etc. or should she save up and spend more to get a more capable system.

Thanks!

 

[pinaplex]

she should save up, and get a core2quad system. you should be able to get a very decent system for not much more money.

 

[rewindlabs]

She either needs to start liking vista 64-bit( ) or run windows 7 64-bit....so you can actually use all of the ram