Went through the wifey computer thing a few years ago. She needed more computer for her SIM's games. So I built her a good one. So if your wife plays a game like SIM's; You'll need a good video card. (I SLI'd two 7950s) If you use a big video card, you'll probably need more PSU. Quad may be the CPU of the future, but the future seems to be moving slowing towards multi-CPUs. Go Dual core rather than Quad. Unless you do video etc. Look at picking up two HD's to Raid. 2 in raid are almost as fast as single Raptor. 7.2s are cheap.
Look at some of the Mobo/CPU combo's; you can go cheaper since its not a major game machine.
Show your wife the Antec 900. Probably the best mid size case made right now.
