Well, here's what I've settled on, tentatively.

Already have:
-Full Tower
-2 Raptors

(Will be running Vista 32 Ultimate)

CPU: Intel Xeon E3110 - $248.51 (shipping included)

MOBO: DFI BloodIron P35-T2RL LGA 775 Motherboard - $119.99

RAM: Mushkin 4GB (2 X 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Redline - 124.99

GPU: EVGA GeForce 9800GX2 - $569.99 (after rebate)

PSU: Thermaltake Toughpower W0172RU (850W) - $209.99 (after reading countless threads on the power needed for the 9800GX2, I decided to play it a little safe... might not need this much wattage, but it was one of the cheapest and most highly recommended PSUs with both the 6 and 8 pin connectors, thus its inclusion).

HS: TRUE-120, lapped - $87.59 (shipping included)

FAN: (thought I’d give the fan some all-caps love, since it so seldom receives any): Scyth S-FLEX SFF21F 120mm Case Fan - $24.99

Additional Shipping - $14.43

TOTAL - $1400.48



Before you ridicule me for choosing the 9800GX2 (the card everyone loves to hate), let me first say that I know it's not the most price efficient graphics solution out there, and I would likely be better served with a set of 8800GTS's in SLI (and save $ to boot).

I have my reasons, none of which are very good, but they are reasons, nonetheless. Let's just leave it at that.

I chose the DFI Motherboard on the basis of some solid reviews, as well as this: http://www.fransatech.com/whats-ne [...] h-air.html and because I won't be going for quad SLI, as much as that kind of wasteful extravagance pulls at my short hairs.

And yeah, I plan to overclock, just for ****s and giggles. Overkill, yeup. But it should be fun. So I went with the Mushkin Redline set, which, for the price, was the most overclockable 2 X 2GB kit I could find (going w/4GB because I plan to upgrade to Vista 64 in the next year (and I wouldn't mind a little extra headroom (and it also fits in with the whole overkill motif I've got going with the rest of the rig))). Mushkin seems to have a great reputation when it comes to product quality and service.

If, however, you know of some cheaper RAM (of comparable quality and size) that would respond better to overclocking, feel free to chime in.

Hmm. Guess that's about it.

Comments?... Questions?... Violent Objections?... Critique away!

-B

I don't like Thermaltake power supplies. I'd consider the SeaSonic M12 SS-700HM 700 watt modular power supply. It's really quite and high quality with a 5 year warranty. It has 1 6+2 pin PCI-E and 4 6 pin PCI-E connectors.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817151031

Thanks, I'll look into that.

Install vista ultimate 64 bit. will help u use the ram better. saves u a headache should u decide u need more ram.

Price is high for Xeon 3110. Check this:

http://www.thenerds.net/INTEL.Inte [...] -6469100-2