I'm a complete newbie as far as specing a machine goes... I've been trying to spec this for a while.. Sorry for the long post.. Function: graphic design creating large files using Photoshop CS2 and Illustrator. Got a P4 2.8, 2GB, 64mb AGP, 120GB 7200RPM. This is way to slow for the work. File sizes currently can go up to 300MB, but plan to do some A0 size (concert posters) so files could be up to 1GB. So, want to order a new machine for this work. I would appreciate some advice as I've been looking at various options, Overclockers, DELL etc and basically haven't a clue what to get! Build your own seems to be the best bet money wise though. Speed is my number one priority. I've about €3000/$3500 to spend. I think these are the questions I need answered - feel free to correct me, I could be way off the mark: Should I go for AMD, Intel, Dual Core or Dual CPU? Thinking Dual Zeon, but these are mad money. 4GB memory? As I'll be doing 2D work only I think I won't need a very expensive graphics card? Won't be gaming on this machine. What would be good? Thinking of getting RAID5 - 3x250gb SATA 7200RPM - 500BG storage. Does this sound good? SCSI is too expensive. What are the best SATA drives? Which motherboard? I'd like to future-proof as much as is possible so should I go SLI for the board/graphics? Case? PSU? TFT? Have I left anything out? I know I've asked a lot of question here, but any advice greatly appreciated!! Cheers....

The best thing to do here is do an internet search on graphics programs. Find the most expensive, complicated graphics program you can and have a look at its requirements. This will give you a good idea at what you need.

If you have that much to spend, look at the Apple G5 QUAD model. As high end as graphics machines go. If you stay with PC, build something from the ground up with overclocking in mind. It can be sorta inexpensive, lol.