More advice needed..

[marceggers]

I recently received a Dell Gift Card as the result of a promotional sales drive at work. It's for $2000. I want to use it to buy a system that I will use solely for desktop video editing, particularly putting VHS onto DVD.
The more I read and research the more questions I have. So let me ask a few and give me all the feedback you can.

To start with, the processor: I think I've gotten the impression that dual core processors are great if you plan to multi-task a lot. I don't think I'll be doing much of that so should I get the fastest single core processor I can afford?

Next, I know I need a lot of RAM, like 2 gigs, but Dell sells both 533MHz and 667 MHz dual channel RAM. Do I need the faster and more expensive (667 MHz) or will the 533 be sufficient?
Third, I want a good video card with at least 256 MB video memory but Dell offers two different ones: 1)- 256MB PCI Express™ x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) nVidia GeForce 6800, and 2)-256MB Nvidia GeForce 7800 GTX at $400 extra! Do I need it?
And finally, about my harddrives (plural), should I spring for RAID or will the serial ATA variety be good enough.
I know I'm asking a lot, but I don't want to make bad choices or spend much beyond my $2000 freebie. Thanks for whatever you can share.

[junkmalle]

I want to use it to buy a system that I will use solely for desktop video editing, particularly putting VHS onto DVD... the processor: I think I've gotten the impression that dual core processors are great if you plan to multi-task a lot. I don't think I'll be doing much of that so should I get the fastest single core processor I can afford?

I think most MPEG encoders are multithreaded now so they run much faster with two cores. Check the encoder(s) you'll be using. This is definitely the most time consuming part of the whole DVD creation process (unless you're using a hardware MPEG encoder) so make sure you get it right.

Next, I know I need a lot of RAM, like 2 gigs, but Dell sells both 533MHz and 667 MHz dual channel RAM. Do I need the faster and more expensive (667 MHz) or will the 533 be sufficient?

You don't really need a lot of RAM. 1 GB will do. But memory isn't all that expensive so 2 GB is OK. Oh wait, we're talking about Dell. They overcharge for memory upgrades. Actually, they overcharge for all upgrades! If you go dual core you'll want the faster memory since the two cores will be fighting over memory bandwidth. I don't think you'll have a choice of memory speed with the dual core motherboards.

Third, I want a good video card with at least 256 MB video memory

Why? All that memory is only used by 3D games. Windows Vista will use it once it's available though.

And finally, about my harddrives (plural), should I spring for RAID or will the serial ATA variety be good enough.

ATA is enough.

[Soopafresh]

Consider spending more on the monitor and less on the PC. This 20" Wide Screen from Dell is an Outstanding Deal at $545 and it is even cheaper if you get it as part of the whole system.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/ProductDetail.aspx?sku=320-4111&c=us&cat=snp&catego...ctlisting.aspx

Just get the Nvidia 6800. While the 7800 is cool, it'll be oldskool within a year (like all computer products).

That XPS 400 looks like a good deal. I'd go for the following:

Dual TV Tuner + Remote Control
1GB RAM (junkmalle is quite right on this. Dell overcharges on RAM)
250GB SATA Drive
Dual Drives: 48x CD-RW Drive + 16x DVD+/-RW w/ double layer write capable
20 inch UltraSharp™ 2005FPW Widescreen Digital Flat Panel
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
IEEE 1394 (Firewire)Adapter

Total:
$1,949

Dude ! Yer Gittin a a Dell !!!!

[harley2ride]

I agree with the above poster, except for the following.
Get 1 160gb sata drive for your os and software apps, and a second 250gb sata drive for your data storage. Everything else listed above I agree with.