If you were to build a (realistic) power computer, what specs would you build it on? What parts would you use? What brands? etc.

Gizmo's Default List (list of standards):
Case: Aspire X-Super Alien
Ram: PDP SYSTEMS DDR400 Memory
DVD/RW (Dual Layer): NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Beige, Model ND-3500A

I enjoy the Aspire X-Super Alien, it has side loading bays, comes with a front side USB/Firewire port, frontside headphones/mic, temperature readout, 2 fan adjusters, and has a lockable front (when you have to prepaire for nosie children you will understand).

The ram is quite affordable (1GB sticks for under $400) and reliable.

AMD Athlon 64:
Motherboard: SOYO "SY-CK8 DRAGON Plus"
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3700+, Socket 754, 1MB L2 Cache 64-bit Processor

I chose the Soyo SY-CK8 DRAGON Plus because I love Soyo motherboards, I use them in all of the PC's that I build and I've yet to have any large issues.

I chose the 3700 processor because it is the max supported processor available on that motherboard (the soyo spec page sais it's the 3400 but if you look at the test page they list the 3700).

Total RAM would be 2GB DDR400 as it's the max supported.

This barebone would run the user about $1500 (case, mobo, ram, processor). All they'd have to do is decide what the required storage would be and get a video card; I left both out due to it being a variable that'd be best determined by the end user.

AMD Athlon XP:
Motherboard: SOYO "SY-KT880 DRAGON 2"
Processor: AMD Athlon XP 3200+ "Barton"

NOTE: This is actually a system that I am presantly building.

I chose the motherboard for a few reasons actually:
1. Support for 4GB DDR400 ram!
2. Onboard 8 channel audio
3. Onboard 10/100/1000 Ethernet
4. 8x AGP Video port
5. Onboard RAID for both EIDE and SATA
6. 4 Channel EIDE and 4 channel SATA (12 available onboard disk possibility)

I chose the processor because it was the maximum that the Motherboard supported.

I chose the max amount of ram of 4GB for this computer as well (See my list in the first post for a link to the NewEgg product list).

Gizzy, your grammar sucks.

/me points at "where" instead of "were"

picky bitch

Apple PowerMac Dual 2.5 Ghz G5

ahh heh, I just want a G4; too bad your mom is a cunt who doens't trust me to do payments