Saving for Something: What Should I Buy First?

[PlayStation 2]

I've been thinking about saving for one of a few things, but I'm not really sure what I should strike for first.

Should I buy:

1) A used R9 Fury X? It's a card I've always wanted to purchase, and even if they're still $200-250, it's always intrigued the hell out of me.

2) A low-end DSLR? I really want to get into photography some time, as I'd love to do a ton of cover art pictures.

3) A new (used) monitor? I'm genuinely considering a 2560x1600 monitor here and I'm wondering if I should spring for one for however much they go for.

4) A new desk? I'll put it simply: my current desk is falling apart. I need a new one, and I might just look for one.

[kelvinhall05]

From what I can tell, the desk is the only thing you need, so I'd rank the things you listed in this order, with 1 being the most important and 4 being the least:

1. Desk

2. Fury X

3. DSLR, but I'd save at least $250 for a good body

4. New monitor

 

I agree, I really fucking want a Fury X (or a Vega FE), but I I think for you a desk would be more important.

[Syntaxvgm]

I consider your desk and chair to be the most important parts of your setup. 
If you want to save money, consider DIY for desk. I used a laminate counter top and 4x4 lumber held together with 8 inch lag bolts for my most recent desk build, turned out great and I'm pretty sure it could stop a train and cost less than 100$. Keep in mind 4x4 is hard to cut, you need to cut flip cut or have a large miter, and the lag bolts needed an impact driver. But you could use a regular drill and circular saw to make all of it if you needed and just used less overkill wood and smaller screws, and this is a way to do it with minimal effort/skill and still end up with a very solid desk

 

Most places also sell end caps for these to cover that exposed area on the sides

Oh, um forgot the counter top sits on top of a thick high density fiber board workbench top I cut down, it's like 75 pounds and cost like 15$. It really help the top be solid, and the counter top can be replaced cheaply if it starts to look bad. 

[aezakmi]

the desk

 

avoid the IKEA kind of stuff tho, one hit because of a dipshit team on csgo and you'll break it in two

sauce: experience

[PlayStation 2]

8 minutes ago, Syntaxvgm said:

I consider your desk and chair to be the most important parts of your setup. 
If you want to save money, consider DIY for desk. I used a laminate counter top and 4x4 lumber held together with 8 inch lag bolts for my most recent desk build, turned out great and I'm pretty sure it could stop a train and cost less than 100$. Keep in mind 4x4 is hard to cut, you need to cut flip cut or have a large miter, and the lag bolts needed an impact driver. But you could use a regular drill and circular saw to make all of it if you needed and just used less overkill wood, and this is a way to do it with minimal effort/skill and still end up with a very solid desk

 

Most places also sell end caps for these to cover that exposed area on the sides

Oh, um forgot the counter top sits on top of a thick high density fiber board workbench top I cut down, it's like 75 pounds and cost like 15$

I wouldn't be opposed to basically building my own desk, but I'd genuinely have to see if I have the tools to do so.

I definitely wouldn't be against purchasing a desk first, though. My current one has seen hell and I could always use a bigger desk.

[Syntaxvgm]

11 minutes ago, handymanshandle said:

I wouldn't be opposed to basically building my own desk, but I'd genuinely have to see if I have the tools to do so.

I definitely wouldn't be against purchasing a desk first, though. My current one has seen hell and I could always use a bigger desk.

well if you need help on this let me know what tools you have or can borrow, and I'll help you pick the right stuff to make it easy. Circular saw or something to cut legs is needed along with a drill, other tools including an impact driver give you more options like heavier bolts or cutting a custom size top. Legs kits for work benches can work and pretty much remove the need for anything but a drill, but it may end up too tall that way and definitely not as rock solid.