It's not much of a help in current games, but it is a big help to everything else. For me personally having used a dual CPU system for a year, I wouldn't buy a desktop system without it now, but it's not needed per se.

Hey, you're doing better than some of the people on here :D

Anyway, enjoy your new system. I've had no issues with my 8400, and the 9100 seems like it's better built, what with the BTX design.

Good deal. If you can justify the cost, going with a dual core system is a nice boost, as the second CPU really helps for general Windows usage.

If you want to get a card better than a 6800, buy it with the X300 (or X600 I think is standard now) and purchase a 7800GT or 7800GTX (seeing you are unwilling to buy a X850).

I suggest you get (at least) the 19" UltraSharp monitor. If money is an issue, go with 1GB ram--I doubt you'll notice any difference.

lol i have no problem with the screen. 17 is perfect. sorry mate no use of getting the x300 since i don't know how to input a new graphics card. tho i will learn by time. i know it's as easy as changing a lightbulb but lightbulbs can sometimes blew , just like it would with my computer :P tho that will of course be my first thought when i learn how to input a new graphics card! :)

Just make sure you get a fast 17" Dell LCD, or you will be experiencing ghosting with the slower units.  Look at the refresh rates on the monitor specs for the MS rating.  The lower the better.

 

Sean

 

Just so you know that the 173FP is a slow LCD with a 25ms refresh.  You will more than likely get a lot of ghosting on the screen when playing games with a lot of action.

My opinion would be to order the system without the 17" LCD from Dell, and go to one of the computer superstores in your area, and look at a Samsung 17".  You could probably find one that meets your financial needs, and be good for gaming.

Sean