Longevity in the new build

Hello everyone.

I am interested in your valuable opinions about a new computer I am planing to build.

My last build is now more than six years old. It is Pentium 4 based and while a heavy facelift and some minor cosmetic changes had been made, it is still going strong. I would not get a new one for some time, but my current living arrangements require me to get a new computer right now. As you may guess, I have not been following the current technology for some time, so I might be uneducated about the current technologies.

I would like to build a sub $500 computer (not including the monitor) which will last at least another 6 years. My performance criterion is that in 2015 it should be able run whatever comes out of Total War series in 4 years at reasonable settings, and the next Windows (the one after Windows 7). It is not that I am deeply into Total War, it is just a yardstick and the type of gaming that I may do with this setup.

When planing for the 6 years cycle, I also assume sometime in 3-4 years I may do a substantive revision like adding more RAM or even getting a new CPU (if prices are really low at that time). So the motherboard should be flexible.

If it is possible it should be able to fit in a full size check-in luggage. Finding a good case and a power supply with reasonable prices is the hardest part of this setup. Your opinions will be very important in this area.

One last thing it should, for God's sake, be silent!

In short, I am aiming for Longevity, Reliability and Silence.

Many thanks in advance.

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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: In two days

BUDGET RANGE: Sub $500 (not including the monitor)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Productivity tools, data analysis applications, statistics, Matlab, video editing, maybe Linux, light gaming, internet, DVDs vs. This setup will handle sensitive data so reliability is very important.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I've already bought a monitor. A Dell 2209WA. It is an eIPS panel. I have not tried it yet, but I have high hopes.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS:newegg.com. I have been buying from them for years. They are just excellent in every sense. I hope they wont turn into some kind of monopoly.

PARTS PREFERENCES: After some research, I decided to build the setup around an Athlon II X4 620. The price point was just too attractive. It was a toss-up between that and Phenom II X2 550 BE. I decided to go with four cores, guessing maybe some future software may prefer four cores. I am not planning to go over $100 for the CPU.

OVERCLOCKING: No and maybe. I would only overclock, if I am already ready to get a new CPU. I may just try to see what happens. If I can get the performance of a new CPU by overclocking the old one, why not do it. If I fry it, so be it, I am about to get a new one anyway. This is pretty much my thinking.

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: I don't know what they are. Do I need them?

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Noise!!! I want it to be as silent as a worm skating on grease (well maybe this is not a good mental image but I guess you get the message). This is important for me, but not a $100 important. I would like to know silent mainstream alternatives over others, but I am not interested in some egzotic parts that cost your first born and lower the noise levels only a few dBs.