I will 2nd Alienware.com

Here is a very solid model component wise

There are a few changes I would suggest though:
-Switch to XP Professional
-Switch to the DVD Burner for an extra $60
-Speed difference is very noticable if you switch to the 74MB 10,000 RPM drive. If you need more space then this pick up the extra drive for $105
-Very highly suggest Power Protection. Cant go wrong investing money here, most technical problems in a desktop are caused from power outages/surges (a normal, everyday surge protector is NOT enough IMO).


Other 'Optional' considerations
-If sound is important to you, switch the sound card away from Integrated
-Go with Basic Mouse/Keyboard and buy these locally where you can test/feel them. These are a big personal preference item
-On sound again, very highly suggest Klipsch brand speakers




It should be noted that the main seperation between companies such as Dell and those such as Alienware is the BIG difference in component stability/integrety. Dell is cheap from using cheap parts that are prone to being less reliable and breaking down much sooner. Alienware (and a few other similar companies) have made a name for themselves from using top of the line components strictly for gaming/stability. They do cost a bit more, but I would be able to sleep much better at night.