Curiosity Killed the Cat

I hope Shiina Mark II is more robust than her predecessor.

I've been saying I'll get a new desktop for years. And now, I've replaced my laptop before I've replaced my desktop.
On the other hand, I now have a shiny new laptop named Shiina! Which was a good thing as ol' Shipon would freeze about two minutes after booting, if you could get her to boot up at all.

Okay, this time I REALLY MEAN IT. I'm going to get a new computer, and being hardware incompetent, am looking at you, esteemed friendslist, for help, advice, and, uh, whatever else you care to give.
Purpose: Graphics workhorse
Things I want:
-Lots of RAM
-A very good processor
-CDRW and/or DVDRW drive. Possibly 2 ROM drives. [Why not?]
-A graphics card that can handle dual display (I plan to get a second monitor... coming home from work to my 17" is such a disappointment)

What sort of stuff should I be looking at? Should I get it built? Should I get a name brand? Should I be looking at a Mac? (Actually, no. I don't have software for a Mac.) What do you think the price range would be?

Anyone want to help me build it?