Originally posted by: Ilikepiedoyou
thanks for the info. How much looking to sped for a single vs a dual core mobo. Is there the possibleity of getting a dual core mobo and buying only one dual or single core processor right now, and have the option to ungrade later?
Yes, it is possible to buy a SMP dual socket motherboard and run it with one CPU, with the option of adding a second CPU later.
I don't know the exact price differences between dual socket and single socket mobos, however, generally, Dual processor boards cost MORE than double what a single socket board costs. Also, IIRC, you need to buy more expensive CPU's that are rated to run in multiple CPU systems.
Also, be aware that "quad core" single socket CPU's are on the horizon, so it might make more sense to go single socket, buy a nice dual core CPU, then in a year or so, swap the CPU out to a new quad core model.
As far as video cards go,
Fullmetal Chocobo pretty much explained things perfectly. One other thing worth mentioning, is that you can get a card with up to 4 DVI outputs, however, the cost vs a dual DVI card may not be worthwhile to you.
Another thing, why a large number of 19inch LCDs? Have you considered maybe just going with dual larger LCDs instead? A pair of 24inch LCDs would yield 3840x1200 pixels of area to work with (2,304,000 pixels per monitor), most 19inch LCDs are 1280x1024, (1,310,720 pixels per monitor)
It would take four 19inch LCDs to equate to similar screen real estate in terms of pixels to just two 24inch LCDs. That being said, four 19inch LCDs would probably cost about $300 or so less than a pair of 24inch LCDs, however, the difference in price in video cards to support dual 24s vs four 19s may cost more than the difference in the panels.
Just something to think about ....