Who needs a mere 4 GHz of processing power these days? Why not double it up, with a dual-core device while you're at it? THG's do it yourself (DIY) project shows how you can build a dual-core CPU PC by buying parts from your friendly neighborhood or online PC component vendor. Here's an excerpt:

It is important to find a processor device with cores designed for a much faster clock than their nominal rating at a speed of up to 4 GHz without problems. With such a CPU and given the right combination of additional parts, you can truly build a high-end PC. And But won't such a project cost an arm and a leg? Think again: Using our select list of components, costs start at about $720 - including a quiet water cooling rig.

Those who want to build an optimum system might need to spend as much as $1,250 but will obtain a truly unique computing solution. However, by comparison with deals offered by big-name vendors such as Dell Computer, you can spend the same amount of money and wind up with much less PC for your money, not to mention greatly reduced performance.

Everybody known budget white box vendors such as eMachines (now part of Gateway), CyberPower, ZT Group and so forth have been struggling to stay afloat in a world in which prices drop on a daily basis. Even big-box vendors such as Dell and HP must struggle against this ever-downward spiral (and Dell stock has taken recent hits thanks to narrowing profit margins). The temptation by these vendors to lower prices even further by selecting middle-of-the-road or below-average system components is hard to withstand, especially for those being squeezed at the bottom of the market. That's why vendors keep marking down what they're willing to spend on what goes into their systems.