Alternatively, you could opt for a quad-core chip such as the Quad Q6600.
This potentially offers around 50 to 100 percent extra performance, but only in applications and games that are programmed to take advantage of the extra cores included within each chip.
Don't expect multicore applications to flood in, but we could see a dramatic shift in sfotware landscape over the next couple of years. The higher the number of cores, the more impressive future performance is likely to be.
Memory: No sooner had we welcomed the age of the 2GB PC than the 4GB machines started appearing.
If you want your PC to cope easily with programs in 2008 and beyond, 4GB is the key - 2GB remains a decent option if you want to save money. For the best performance, buy from a high-quality memory maker such as Corsair.
Storage: Unbelieveably, anything less than 500GB is now considered a small amount of storage - most PCs in the +�1,001 chart come in 500GB to 600GB of hardware space. A few machines offer more than this but, unless you specialise in a particularly gigabyte-hungry pastime such as videos, 500GB should be more than enough. Make sure you get a serial ATA cabling for rapid transfer rates.
Display: You should be careful when choosing the size of your screen. Some 22in flat-panels produce poor colours and produce fuzzy images, which may cause more than a few problems for those with sensitive eyes. If in doubt, 20in screens are safer bets, but you'll have to accept inferior resolution support.
Graphics cards: At this price point, you should be able to get something rather startling. The GeForce 8800 Ultra is undoubtedly the most prized acquisition.
Its support for DirectX 10.0 means Vista adopters can look forward to some impressive game titles in the future. The Ultra also has bags of performance and sizzling features. The 8800 GTX is nearly as good and, as stocks dwindle, could be available at a juicy price.
However, you shouldn't overlook their slightly less exciting sibling, the 8800 GTS, nor the brand-new ATI HD 2900 XT. The latter can't keep up with the Ultra and GTX, but will eclipse even the 640MB version of the 8800 GTS.
Sound card and speakers: Onboard or integrated sound has come on in leaps and bound, with support for 7.1 channel sound - but it's still no match for a decent sound card or, better still, one from the excellent X-Fi range. If you only want 2.1-channel speakers, make sure they're high quality. Most manufacturers are bundlind 5.1-channel speakers. Strangely 7.1 speakers are becoming less common but, if you want audio experience, you'd be best off holding out for a set of these.