Ask HN: I need a new development machine. What do you recommend?

After having my HP laptop's hard drive fail for the third time (this time I'm not covered by a warranty), I've decided I need a new (more reliable) machine that will be wonderful to develop on. I have virtually no knowledge of how to build a computer, as I've never done it before. However, I think this would be a fun project and I hear that you generally save a few bucks over buying a pre-built computer from a manufacturer such as Dell or HP.

I'm certainly no IT-guru, so a lot of the popular acronyms will be lost on me. I simply need a machine that works and I would like to learn a little about how computers work in the process. Here are my requirements:

* The main function of this machine will be development. As a computer science student and hobbyist programmer (soon to be professional) I constantly have a million things open, especially APIs, VIM, and the terminal. Because of this, I need a decent sized monitor. The machine that I'm writing this on uses a Samsung SyncMaster BX2440 24” monitor and working with it recently has just been amazing, something similar is preferable.

* The machine will (most likely) be dual-booted with Windows 7 and Gentoo Linux. This shouldn't affect the hardware decisions, should it?

* I enjoy playing video games. During my free time I load up Runescape or Diablo and have some fun, so the computer should be able to run both of these games, at the very least. Diablo III is being released on May 15th (I probably won't buy my new machine before then), so being able to run D3 is also a requirement

* I read blogs and sites like HN. When I read, I require silence; I just can't concentrate with a hoopla of noise, so the machine should be fairly quiet. This is more of a nice-to-have than a requirement.

* My budget is limited. I'd prefer to get the full set-up (monitor included) for around $600, and I certainly can not afford to go over $1000.

I'm also open to recommendations from other developers about what they find useful in a development machine. Furthermore, I am also looking to buy a new desk and chair, so recommendations on these fronts is also welcome.

Let's hear what you have to say.

EDIT: I'm thinking a barebone kit from TigerDirect might be the way to go, seeing as this is my first time building my own computer. This will ensure that the parts all work together and will allow me to upgrade once I can afford it.

EDIT: Thoughts on this? http://bit.ly/Hwsj1W