rip and burn stuff will definitely do better with a multi-core processor. This is getting over my head, but aren't more programs trying to dump more graphics-intensive stuff onto graphics cards? If you're just ripping and burning its no big deal, but if your converting video files see how your GPU stacks up. Lastly, don't overlook your HD speed. If you are really nit-picking speed than certainly stay away from 5400rpm HDs. 7200rpm is pretty standard, but you can also find 10,000rpm for a price. Not sure how much of a difference that will make. I'm a bit out of my league there as well.