[krimson]

The best way to do this is to not do it online. Find a local computer shop, one that is small enough to not just have "mass produced" computers, but one that is big enough to stick around and service your pc.

Most "computer parts" stores will allow you to custom build machines that they will put together themselves. Find a store with some nice sales support who will talk to you about what you need the computer for and they will pick out the parts.

Since you are paying for the parts going into the computer they are less inclined to try and "build it cheaply" to save a few bucks, and you will be able to get better quality parts and they will give you room to upgrade later on and what not.