Most impressive PC build ever

[Colgate sandwich]

I have done searches to see what is the most impressive build that has either been posted on this board or what has been built by you or a friend. I couldnt find a thread so here I am posting. Reason why I am asking this is that I have been around computers my whole life but its always been a prebuilt. With Dell, when going off to college 5 years ago, it was the first real time for me to get into the hardware side of things.

I am interested into building a new computer rather than going through DELL. Currently I can get a 12% discount, through my job, on top of whatever sell that Dell is having. However I live in the Austin area so that discount is smothered by the state sales tax. Rather me posting what I think would be cool, I would like to see what some seasoned builders have been impressed by. The new XPS system is pretty nice and I would like to get a similiar build myself. Mainly a computer for First Person Shooters is what I am aiming for. I wouldnt mind spending between $1500 to $2250 and keeping it for another good 3-5 years like I am doing with my current computer.

Thanks

[Alaron]

Do you have preference for AMD or Intel? Both make fine gaming machines.

Do you need any extras like a monitor, keyboard, speakers, etc, or just the computer itself?

[glc]

I would wait a couple of months for the Core 2 Duos - and for AMD to sort out the memory issues with AM2.

[Cricket]

And honestly it's impossible for any computer to be the most impressive ever since newer, better, faster parts are always coming out. The computer I'm typing this on was pretty impressive when it was new 6 years ago (PIII 800MHz) but now it's considered a dinosaur.

Think about what you need the computer to do and pick the parts accordingly. Since you're a gamer you're going to want the best video card you can afford, lots of RAM, a pretty fast processor and maybe a fairly big hard drive to store the games on.

:) Cricket

[Colgate sandwich]

Good input ideas. Like I said before I am new to the hardware side of computers. I know all the parts and what they can do.

Well maybe not the most impressive out there but one that you have viewed to be a great build at a good price. More in likely I will go with an intel. For a monitor, how bout a 56" hd dlp? :p

My current computer is a Dell Dimension 8200. It can handle current games to an extent but my college room mate made a build a few years back and already he wants to upgrade because of the dual technology currently out.

I was interested in seeing a computer that I could keep for a good while and allow the gaming industry average catch up over the next 5 years. I just got out of college and I am getting married, so expenses are at an all time high. If I see something that has impressed ya'll then I wouldnt mind adding another item to my expenses:D


Do you have preference for AMD or Intel? Both make fine gaming machines.

Do you need any extras like a monitor, keyboard, speakers, etc, or just the computer itself?

I currently have 2 speakers and a subwoofer but getting 5.1 wouldnt be bad. My fiance would probably take my old computer so she can do her work email and myspace crap. The flat screen monitor is still good but it fades to a light purple every blue moon for a few seconds. The aesthetics of the extras arent that important but if you have seen a great combo, ie case and keyboard, post it up if it impressed you.

[glc]

If you want Intel, then I'd definitely wait for the Core 2 Duo. It's going to be a major improvement from their current Netburst architecture. It's due out the end of this month, and it's best to wait another month to see what issues show up out of the box and give the motherboard manufacturers time to sort them out.