I would unconditionally recommend the ATi HD48x0 series. I just got a 4850, and it's taken everything I've thrown at it at 1680x1050. Fantastic cards. I think 4 GB of RAM might be a better plan than 3 GB. Definitely go with a C2D or a C2Q.
I haven't played Spore, but as far as I know, it doesn't have huge graphics demands.
And like an idiot, I responded before re-reading the post. One of the new iMacs should be fine, but I'd really wait until Macworld to purchase that. Of course, if you don't want to wait, the top line 3.06GHz would be the best choice (mainly because of the video card; an 8800GS is a fairly large step up from a 2600XT. Which is crap.
Last edited by kcarlile; 11/16/08 06:38 PM.
