[john_the_ultimate]

Three things are important for modelling/rendering/animation..........cpu,ram and HDD space. So going with quad core and atleast 4gb ram (64-bit OS is required) would help a lot.

No point in getting ultra, just get 8800gt/9600gt if you want gaming.

Above all get a decent PSU(corsair HX620) and roomy cabby like CM690.

For graphic tablet, there is nothing better than wacom but the size/active area would depend upon your budget.

If you could give us your budget, it would help.

And what about display/monitor???