Ok, so I'm getting a new computer

[Melchiades]

Problem is I really have no clue what I need. My comp is 4 years old, so I'm guesing whatever I get will be a huge step up for me. I've been looking around a bit on some hardware forums, but I'm not sure those die hard enthusiasts really understand my needs. So I figure I would post here, since most of you guys probably use the computer to the same stuff I do.

I use my computer to play poker, play music, watch movies, and surf the web. That is basicly it. I don't play any games really.

What I am looking for in a computer:

-Need to be able to have two monitors.
-Need to be able to have a lots of applications/scripts/databases/etc running at once without any problems. Pokertracker not taking forever to compact a database would be a major plus.
-Firewire
-DVD-burner
-I would really prefer a Shuttle style SFF computer

I can build it myself, but it would be a major hassle. Specially hate working on those small shuttle chassis. So I would definitly prefer ordering something that is built by others.

So what do you guys reccomend? I'm guessing I need a bit of RAM and processor power to run multiple applications. Will most onboard graphic cards be enough for me to have two screens and play movies and stuff?

[Melchiades]

Ok. After looking at some old threads (thanks _dave_) I have a couple of questions. I'm only a midstake player, so I can't do the whole "Money is no object"-approach. Is the Western Digital Raptor really worth it? I can afford it, but will it make a real difference for PT usage?

I see people seem to think AMD Athlon64 X2 is the way to go. I'm on a budget so I was looking at a 3800+. Still a kick ass processor even though it isn't top of the line? What mainboard should I get for that procesor? Socket 939? I'm reading some conflicting info on socket 939 and socket AM2.

Still wondering if I need a graphic card or can do with the onboard graphic for dual monitors.

[Gugel]

Melchiades,
First of all, a Shuttle case is probably a bad idea. I couldn't find any that didn't come with an inferior motherboard and powersupply in a barebones bundle. Since you want something small, I would recommend this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811180030

Someone gave you bad advice on which type of processor you should buy.

Look at this performance chart (the Pentium D 820 and Athlon 64 3800+ are highlighted in red):
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.ht...amp;model2=203

Athlon 3800+: $143
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103531

Pentium D 820: $100 + $25 Fan
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...amp;CatId=1970

Yes, the 10,000RPM Western Digital Raptor drives will provide a significant boost to a harddrive intensive program like PT.

I don't believe an onboard graphics card is going to work out. You'll probably need to invest in a card with dual DVI outputs. For $100, the XFX GeForce 6800 XTreme PCI-E is a good option: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150130

[lastchance]

Assuming you don't want to upgrade for a while (and can wait a few weeks), the brand-new Conroe E6600/E6400 should be an absolutely excellent investment, being signifigantly more powerful, quieter and more energy-effecient than the Athlon 64x2 or the Pentium D's. You should wait a few weeks anyway to see what AMD does with price cuts, Athlon 64x2's should halve their current prices.

For now, I don't think you'll be seeing a ton of real world benefit from the Conroe, but over time, as software grows more demanding, the extra $100 or so should be well worth it.

And Dual-core owns single-core (or at least it will).

And I know nothing about dual monitor cards, sorry.