Help/advise needed for proper p2pool configuration

[Prelude]

I've just decided to run my ant miners using p2pool as I like the idea of keeping bitcoin decentralized. I've got a few questions, though. First off, here is my current setup:

Win 7 x64
3930k
16GB RAM
bitcoin and p2pool software on an SSD
175Mbps/175Mbps Fiber optic connection (extremely low latency)
added to bitcoin.conf:
blockmaxsize=1000000
mintxfee=0.00001
minrelaytxfee=0.00001

I've given both bitcoin and run_p2pool.exe realtime priority across all 12 threads. I'm currently using my main wallet, but I've read that this is not a good idea. How dangerous is this? If this setup is not ideal, I could slap a dedicated rig together using the following spare parts:

i3 3220 (2 core / 4 threads) Is this CPU good enough? Or would I be better served with an i5 or i7?
2, 4, or 6GB of ram (suggestion?)
Spare 64GB SSD

If I'm going with a dedicated machine for p2pool, I'd like to run some flavor of Linux on it, but I'm a total noob with Linux. Are there any particularly good guides in regards to installing all required software? Which distro would be best? I'd like a GUI if possible. (ubuntu?)

Thanks in advance! Currently running 2 ants with 3 more coming and 26 USB block errupters.

Does this seem to suggest that I'm properly setup right now?

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[HellDiverUK]

If you'd opened your eyes and looked before posting, you'd have seen https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=62842.0 - it was no more than 5 posts down. 

[Prelude]

If you'd opened your eyes and looked before posting, you'd have seen https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=62842.0 - it was no more than 5 posts down. 

Right, sorry. Thanks for the link anyhow. I've been busy trying to understand everything here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=153232.0

[Prelude]

36 views and no comments?

[Sonny]

36 views and no comments?

What kind of comments do you need?
I guess HellDiverUK has already solved your problem....

[Prelude]

36 views and no comments?

What kind of comments do you need?
I guess HellDiverUK has already solved your problem....

Hardware suggestions would be nice instead of useless posts like yours.

[HellDiverUK]

i3-3220 with 4GB RAM and a 64GB SSD is fine, though with the rate the Blockchain is increasing, it might be worth going with a 120GB SSD. 

Personally, I use Debian on my linux machines, basically because it's available on all of them (RasPi, BeagleBone Black and x86).  Saves me having to remember different commands for different distros. 

[Prelude]

i3-3220 with 4GB RAM and a 64GB SSD is fine, though with the rate the Blockchain is increasing, it might be worth going with a 120GB SSD. 

Personally, I use Debian on my linux machines, basically because it's available on all of them (RasPi, BeagleBone Black and x86).  Saves me having to remember different commands for different distros. 

Great, thanks for the info! I already have the 64GB SSD as a spare so I'll use that for now, and clone to a bigger SSD when needed.