Building 2nd, Main Gaming System

Notes: I am building my second computer. For the most part, for my new computer, I will be upgrading the CPU/Mobo/Ram/Video Card and putting that into the case of my current computer, then take the leftover parts, and turn that into a general/family/kids computer.

My current specs for my current computer are as follows (this was built 06/2005):
AMD X2 4400+ Dual Core
nVidia GeForce 7800GTX
2GB Dual Channel Ram OCZ Platinum DDR 400 (PC 3200)
600W Enermax Noisetaker 12v
DFI LANPARTY nF4 SLI-DR 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX

So for the New Computer:

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 1-2 Months (Waiting on Windows7 64-bit, Either Professional or Ultimate) BUDGET RANGE: Not too worried, but would like to keep the main CPU/RAM/Mobo/VC around $1000 or under if possible After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, FTP Server, Home Theater**, Torrenting (might delegate to second computer though):whistle: , Word Processing/Web Development/Internet Surfing.

I should note, that when I say Home Theater, I am getting a Popcorn Hour Home Network Media, which just plays my video collection from my computer to the TV using my wireless network, though, I might have it use the second computer be used for it instead of this computer

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: (e.g.: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, hard drives, OS, case*?, PSU**?)

*Case I currently have which will where the new computer will be is: Thermaltake Kandalf*
**PSU I currently have is 600W Enermax Noisetaker 12v. but not sure if I need to upgrade or if I can still use it? **

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com, eBay. I say eBay because I can use bing.com cashback program using eBay (8%, but pricing doesn't need to reflect it, so can just use newegg to price things out) COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA, Nevada

PARTS PREFERENCES: None really, but would like to use nVidia/Intel for VC/CPU. For Mobo, RAM, the normal Name Brands will work.

OVERCLOCKING: Doubtful, though possible (i7 is OC friendly if I so choose?) SLI OR CROSSFIRE: More likely not.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I don't do heavy gaming, such as Far Cry, etc. My main game atm is WoW (don't laugh), some FPS (CoD, etc), RTS (Starcrat2 when it comes out, etc), etc. I do utilize duel flat screen monitors (1x22" widescreen and 1x19" )

If 2 Months out is too far in terms of buying parts, let me know. I am mainly waiting until windows 7 to be released before building the computer.

Parts:

Memory
OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) If I go 6GB
or, if I want to spend a little more than $1000 total:
OCZ Platinum 12GB (6 x 2GB) SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)If I go 12GB (or get PC 12800??)

CPU
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz

Video Card
BFG Tech BFGEGTX2851024OCBE GeForce GTX 285 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail <-- was cheapest 285 on newegg at $325. are the 280's all that much different?

Mobo
EVGA E758-A LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX <-- friend got one of these and just referred me to this. But reading some reviews, alot of DoA ?

Edit: CPU Cooling:
Noctua NH-C12P

Any suggestions or comments?

+1 on the ASRock X58 Extreme Mobo. I just build a new home system using one and I have nothing but praise for it.

I used this cooler to go with it:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233029
XIGMATEK Intel Core i7 compatible Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail - $44.98 w/free shipping

I used this thermal compound:
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM - $6.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835100007

My tech skills for computer assembly are definately novice level, but installing the mobo, cpu, and fan was easy enough that I would recommend these parts to everyone else.

For your buying schedule, 2 months out can result in large deltas in price. The place with the most volatility is the memory. You'd think it would go down, but if you look at memory prices 2 months ago, DDR3 PC12800 memory are now 50% higher.

What should be going down in price is the video card since a new generation of cards is around the corner.

The processor prices should go down since Intel just introduce new processors, but who knows if they'll change much.

Lastly, when I was buying my parts, I found that Newegg sold out of that mobo quite a few times. You shouldn't have a problem in 2 months, but I thought I'd mention it.


-b

nice. thank you. Glad I posted. I will be getting the ASRock mobo.

has anyone had experience with the ASRock and the Scythe HS/Fan? with the fan on the side, and from readin a couple reviews, i am wondering if i will have problems mounting it and fitting it over the memory?

i have only built my current machine, but i had a little bit of help from DFI (i sent them my mobo so they could update my BIOS because Dual Core was just being released, and I had no way of updating the BIOS myself at the time). so when i got it back, i just had to plug everything in and go. So I am looking to just get these parts with minimal setup or hassle if possible.

is the memory performance jump from DDR3 1333 to DDR3 1600 small?

I found:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820226034
mushkin 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 998659 - Retail

for same price ?

is there any issue from going from 6GB to 12GB (just buying 2 sets of those 3x2=6GB sticks) ?

another thing, for the PSU. is the 600W I have currently ok for my new rig or should I upgrade it?

ya, figure i just go with cheapest 285 that i chose?

is Dx11 something I should wait for? Though, it would probably come in their latest cards, and I'm not sure I want to spend $600 on the card?

I was looking at the Scythe original since quiet fans are very important to me. I read the same things as you and had the same concerns with it over fitting over the memory sticks. That's why I ended up choosing to go with the Xigmatek fan since I knew that it wouldn't be an issue with that cooler.


-b