After a couple of months of reading these forums and thinking about my build, here is my final plan. Plan to place order tomorrow. Have already purchased a few things.

CPU: Intel Q6600 OEM ($210) Newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115018

Xigmatek cooler + bracket ($45) Newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233003

Mobo: Gigabyte GA EP35 DS3R ($100 after rebate) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128086

GPU: One of these two quiet cards:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121077
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150258

Already purchased:
HDD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0 ($90 Directron)
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Tracer 2 x 1 GB ($4.00 after rebate from Newegg)
Case: an older Centurion model (53x.. something) ($35 Ebay)
Case fans: Scythe fans from Ebay
PSU : OCZ Stealth Stream 600 W unit ($45 after rebate)

That's all I guess..

My main questions are about the GPU and the Mobo.

1. Mobo -- Buying OEM can save me $25 or so AND the hassle of sending in a rebate form. What's wrong with OEM Mobos? Would I just need to buy SATA cables? Problems with the return policy from Newegg??

2. GPU -- Do NOT game but MUST run two large LCDs (22" inches at 1650 x 1050 each) PERFECTLY smoothly, no lags in rendering LARGE pdf files, switching back and forth between windows rapidly and scrolling through large files.. central purpose of this rig.

The entire computer being quiet is important as well..

is this meant to run Vista or XP?

1. I will be running Ubuntu or some other linux distro.. but might install Vista some day.
2. If you don't like the Crucial RAM, let me know. I got it for free and so will try it out and buy something else if it doesn't work. Has great reviews @ the Egg though.

Well, about the GPU...

GPUs are generally optimized for 3D performance. You'll want a card optimized for 2D performance. I've found a lot of the time that integrated video many times runs PDF files faster than a high-end video card. I think the reason is just the focus on the GPU. Workstations focus on 2D apps and gaming rigs focus on 3D apps, and yes you need optimizations for both types. Just because it's good in 3D doesn't make it stellar in 2D So with a good gaming card you might end up frowning on the performance of PDF files.

I will concede however that I don't know how well the cards you picked out work with what you need, but I'm sure it'll be good enough

For a motherboard I'm more of a fan of the DFI BloodIron
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813136038
I would go with the XFX Video card just because of the lifetime warranty if you register it in 30 days from purchase.
I'd pass on the Xigmatech and get a arctic cooler freezer pro 7, unless you go for the newer Xigmatech, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233017
Just make sure you get the right mounting bracket!

Thanks for the replies.

@leo, what you say is EXACTLY what I've been wondering about for a month now and trying to ask around in these forums but never good a decent answer. I guess most people here are gamers and video card discussions are usually meant for that..

Let's say integrated video is not an option. "Workstation cards" seem to cost enormous amounts.. at least $130 or so. Am I looking at the wrong category?

Or should I get a 3D card with largest possible memory or clock speed or something that'll be able to handle large PDFs just by raw power?

Is there one with a regular graphics card with a reputation for 2D performance?

@bobb, there seems to be almost unanimous agreement that the Xigmatech S1283 is better than the Artic Cooler Pro7.. why do you recommend otherwise?

Go with the Xiggy Rifle, I have a true 120 and the xiggy performs jsut as good for much less cost... i dont regret the 120, its just overkill. The Arctic 7 is a good cooler as well, aer you planning on exteme overclocks? i think the rifle would be best.

Note: the crucial ballistix ive heard have a reputation for short lifespan because of the high voltage required for them to run, i have not experienced this so dont take my word for it, maybe just some research. I bough Mushkin personally.