New System Build Soon

I’ve been planning a new custom PC for a while and it finally seems to be the right time to build it. The quad core Intel Q6600 has dropped significantly in price and has become a great value considering the performance you’re getting from a sub-$300 CPU (that’s also highly overclockable). While a majority of programs and games are not multi-threaded, the quad is great for multi-tasking and content creation. I multi-task a lot and I use Photoshop everyday (which IS multi-threaded) so I’ve decided to get the Q6600. More programs will become multi-threaded so the quad will hold strong for quite a while.

High Quality Parts

I’ve done a lot of homework on all the individual parts I’m putting into the system and it’s going to be a relatively high end PC. I’m a very heavy user on both the professional and personal fronts so I’m not skimping. I’ll post specs later when I actually buy up all the parts and finish building it (I’m still deciding on a few of the components).

Monitor Upgrade

I’m also getting new monitors. I currently have a 19″ LCD which I’ve outgrown - I really feel I’d be more productive if I could have a quick view of 2 or more applications at once. I was really torn between getting one big LCD (27″ or 30″) or dual 24″ LCD’s. Mainly because I like looking straight ahead at the screen, aligning my keyboard stance with my view. With 2 screens I’ll either be looking towards the left or right but I guess I’ll adapt. I might set up the monitors asymetrically and have one straight ahead and other one off on the right, but I’ll decide that when the time comes.