~$1300 HD4870 build, need final advice please

[Enix Dark]

So, after being out of the loop for the past few years, I've decided that I finally need a new computer, and now seems like a pretty good time to build one.

What I already have/ordered:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254026
Monitor: Hanns·G HG-281DPB Black 28" 3ms Widescreen LCD

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043
Case: Antec Twelve Hundred

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
Power Supply: Corsair CMPSU-750TX 750W

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116204
OS: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit


What I'm planning on ordering:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128336
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-X48-DS4

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731
RAM: mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...0549+106792627+1067940678&name=Radeon+HD+4870
GPU: Radeon HD 4870

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135156
Optical: ASUS Black DVD Burner

Accessories:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233019
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020
Heatsink: Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler, with retention bracket, and Arctic Cooling MX-2

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116015
TV Tuner: Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 1800 MCE Kit

Now, for my questions:

1. The one thing I'm really unsure about is the motherboard. I'm thinking that in the future I may want to get another 4870 and Crossfire them, and I know X48 would be the way to go, but just unsure if this motherboard is the one I should get. Also, I would like to try overclocking the CPU, RAM, maybe video card, and not sure what the best mobo for that is, either. And if Crossfire in the future is a bad idea, is there a P45 board I should look into?

2. For the RAM, I just chose 4GB of DDR 800 that had the lowest timings at standard voltage (5-4-4-12 at 1.8V). Is there a different brand that would overclock better, and possibly give me better performance overall?

3. For this computer, loudness isn't an issue (notice the Antec has six fans). I play games with earbuds, and can't hear my computer at all. I also want to get the computer as cool as possible. Are there any case fans I should be getting that will really help with cooling?


I think that's all my current concerns. If you can help, I'd be really thankful.

 

[pcgamer12]

Good motherboard you pick. I suggest staying with it. Your RAM is good, make sure it's on the motherboards list of compatible RAM first to be sure. I honestly can't tolerate loud computers, and don't recommend buying more fan than the case comes with. If it comes with intake fans as well as outtake, that's plenty.

 

[aevm]

No idea about that tuner. I have an older Hauppauge model (PVR-150) for regular TV and it's great.

The rest of the build is excellent.

Yes, the GA-X48-DS4 is a good choice. It can bring the E8400 to 4.2 GHz for example. It's also perfect for HD 4870CF. You should consider CF with that monitor, it's a good idea. Your PSU and MB and case are fine for it.

Fans: SFF21F sounds best for you. 30dB/1600rpm.

Good RAM. There may be better choices, I don't know, but the one you picked is good and has a very nice price.

 

[dirtmountain]

May as well pick up the e8500-OEM Since you're going with a HSF and it's only $30.00 more.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115048
That's a great motherboard for overclocking and Crossfire and with a monitor of that size you may need Crossfire in the future to optimise performance.
I really like these high CFM Scythe fans
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185006
nice build btw, i'm jealous

 

[Guest]

you seem to keep your systems for a long time... i'd recommend upgrading to a quad core because it will last longer even if it doesn't have immediate advantages today (it does though)

 

[kad]

With this nice setup I think you need 8GB of better memory like 2 sets of this one
Mushkin ASCENT XP2 4GB (2x2GB) XP2-8500