Eddie.
that's a nice pic of your rig.
re budget // 'meh'
then i would definitely look at a company that specialises in turnkey music production pc's at that spend level….
on gearspace ive read soo many threads from studio owners very happy with this option. in fact ive seen comments like ' its boring.. this pc just keeps on going year in/out, on recording sessions'.
before making a decision i would give thought to this option. or start a thread on gearspace like 'what custom builder of music production laptops do you like' and get references.
the beauty of this approach is they install everything including music software and interface etc etc if the user wishes, and all you do is just press the power button and away you go into song production land.
yes this option is more expensive
but ive seen posts on gearspace about the years of service this option has given to a studio..
if you want a list of a few companies in building studio pc's..just go on gearspace. heres two of many vendors…
https://www.adkproaudio.com/and another..of many.
https://pcaudiolabs.com/rok-box-daw-pro-audio-computers/(in case your wondering i have nothing to do with any company at all. )
(i guess another option is apple. but i guess you dont wish to go this route.
for the first time i'm very very excited about what apple is doing cos of their new M series processors. )
happiness.
om
ps heres a laugh for you. one frustrated pc user / friend of mine….. i suggested he pay a few hundred buks for a 'refurb beast' …a desktop tho'.
he phones me next day lol…yelling 'blinkin heck' 'best pc ive ever had' he was yelling n' screaming how happy he was. made my day/week. lol.