About that $7000 computer...
Assuming the benchmarks here: http://it-review.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1483&Itemid=91
HD2900XT Crossfire is very similar in performance to 8800GTX SLI but at a much lower price. ($998 vs $778)
Q6700 (exactly like QX6700 if you're not overclocking) $554
2x HD2900XT $778
4GB DDR2-800 $171
EVGA nForce 680i SLI (Socket 775-LGA and Quad-core) $160
Vista Ultimate OEM $190
Water cooling - for what? You're not overclocking anything that hard (Graphics cards can't be pushed that much anyway) so top be honest stock coolers will be fine.
1x 750GB 7200rpm HDD $200
1x 300GB 10000rpm HDD - Well I can't find one but say $150
750W PSU - hard to choose but say $160
DVD-RW / CD-RW Drive - $20 even?
Case: Um... get a cheap one? $30 max? It gives no advantage
Total: $2413. Even with water cooling, a retail OS, better case/optical drive/psu/hdds it's not going to exceed $3500.
Ubuntu. Linux for human beings.
If you are interested in trying Ubuntu or Linux in general, PM me and I will answer your questions and help you install it if you wish.
