AstaLaVista

Well, when you said "Configuring", I thought you wanted to build your own system and I was about to tell you that, with that kind of money, you can build a better system than the one you'll buy form Dell but, if you can use those gift certificates towards an upgrade or towards the purchase, more power to you.

I would try to get a 22" instead of a 19 LCD but that's just for better gaming display than anything else.

I have heard people stating that for gaming, a dual core is better than a quad, they stated various reasons and others said no and also stated various reasons that, if you read between the lines, will probably mean nothing to you and me.

Quad Cores will probably be the way of the future just like x64 but, how long before everybody takes advantage of it for gaming? that is the Million dollar question, isn't it? your system will probably be ok for a year or so, by then, everything or, at least, some of those components will have to be upgraded.

You didn't say what kind of Motherboard Dell is giving you, most people tend to forget that this is a better and important part of having a good gaming rig and where Dell usually decides to go the cheap route.

I have heard nothing but good things from Dell owners but, the majority I know use their Dells for work and not gaming. I am not trying to discourage you, just do your homework and research that a bit more.