Trying to get good audio out of a PC can be a little frustrating at times, not just because the audio drivers tend to move options and settings around with sadistic glee, but also because of the sheer amount of output choices.  If you really do want to send a 5.1 signal over a single cable and are having difficulties, try this thread out for some help.

If security is something that weighs more heavily on your mind, especially erasing any data you have on a hard drive, you can pick up a few good tips from this thread.  It is always better to be safe than sorry.

For all you serial upgraders out there, Ryan has just updated the Hardware Leaderboard, the mid range now sports a Core i7 920, the high end system now has pair of GTX 295s and the low end is now built around a Phenom II X3 720.  See how they compare to your dream builds.