An Idea of a New Computer

[Kennie]

So, if everything goes like it should, I will be getting a new computer next autumn. I know it is a long time until then, but since I wanted to get to know all I need, information-wise, I have been planning already.

I don't have any definite choices, except for a few, the rest are things I am still searching to find the best to me.

I reckon I would be able to spend up to/around 1200€ on this build, so I'm looking for quality while still not the most expensive things.

So, if we begin the list:

Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 965 BE 3.4GHz C3 125W. This is rather definite. Intel i7? Well, the 920 is more expensive, although a tad better, but to be frank, I don't like Intel that much. :P The lower i7's and i5's are beaten by the AMD 965 in my eyes, too.

Motherboard: This one is still open. I don't have too much experience on what brands may be good, but Gigabyte seems to be really good. Their new GA-790 series with USB 3 and SATA 3 (6 Gbps) seems quite nice. If not the highest GA-790FXTA-UD5, then the GA-790XTA-UD4, if I was to choose from this brand.

Memory: This is open as well. From what I have gathered, certain frequency ratios between CPU and RAM provide the best results, i.e. 1600MHz for RAM. Looking on something like 4GB, so 2x2GB.

Graphics Card: ATI Radeon HD 5800-series. Open to a certain point, as prices may change until next autumn. The 5850 is what I have been looking at.

Harddrives: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 7200RPM 500GB x2, in raid 0, plus the two I have got right now, that is a 120GB 7200 RPM one, and a Maxtor 250 GB one. I am not looking at a SSD drive, as to me, those seem too expensive and small to be worth paying for.

Power Supply: Corsair HX750W, modular. This is rather definite as well. Corsair seem to make great PSUs, and modular seems to be better than non-modular. It also has 80Plus Silver, so >89% efficiency, which seems good.

Case: This is a big one. I am still trying to find the right one, there are many good ones but all have some issue that I don't like.
Basically, what I look for, is:
- Cooling: Positive air pressure seems to be king, so I'm looking for a case with many places to put fans, preferably as intake fans. I don't mind if the case doesn't come with too many fans on its own, as Noctua's fans seems to be great, I would like to put those in there, while not having to replace fans.
- Bottom-mounted PSU: Well, this is rather minor, but it seems logical to me to have the PSU on the bottom, rather than on the top.
- Front-panel connectivity: I don't mind the firewire or e-SATA ports, or a plethora of leds. What I mainly look for are USB-ports, preferably more than 2, although this is also a minor thing.
- Front-panel door: No please, I rather have a plain flat surface with options for 2 120mm fans or something like that, than a funky door. And I don't like having to open a door every time I want to change a DVD, it is just in the way.
- Expansion Cards' length: Well, it seems smart to buy a case which can take longer cards, although I might settle for the 9.5" 5850.
- Price: I would gladly pay for up to around 100€ for a case which fits all criterion. Might go over by 10-20€, but rather not higher than so.
- Window: Again, no please. A window usually costs extra, and frankly, I have no need for aesthetics.

I don't care if the case is ugly or not, what I mainly focus on are cooling and connectivity.

CPU-Cooler: I still have my eyes on the Noctua NH-U12P SE2, although the Zalman CNPS10X Extreme might do as well. This is open to that extent of which CPU-Cooler a) the case has room for and b) does not block motherboard utilities. This should also be taken into consideration when choosing the RAM, as on AM3 boards, the both coolers chosen here go over the memory. With RAM without high-profile heatsinks, it should not be a problem, in theory at least.

DVD-Drive: Frankly, I think just about any will do. Even the budget ones are better than the one I have right now, although I have had no issues with my current one. I don't need a blu-ray drive either, so it is between keeping my current one or spending 20€ on a new one.

Screen: If I would buy one, it would be the Samsung Syncmaster P2370HD. This, because it would save me from having to buy a new TV as well, as my current one is a CRT one, as is my computer screen. Would increase the budget to 1500€, though.

The rest of the externals are nothing I want to include in the package, if I buy new ones it will be separately, as I am satisfied with those I have now.

Now, how far off am I in my plans? As far as my knowledge goes, I should have taken most things into consideration.
The case is still the largest clue to me, as I have no idea, and the actual performance is hard to estimate as most reviews I have found test them with their included fans, not with all spots filled.
I forgot to add that yes, I intend to overclock it, and as far as I am concerned, noise is nothing I care that much about, and watercooling with budget equipment isn't that effective, yet expensive.

One of the options would be to buy a budget case and mod it, but to be frank I have no idea or experience of it, so that is a really far-fetched idea.

So if anybody would be that kind to give comments or ideas, I would be really happy.

tl;dr; Want computer. Make me.

Edit: Added newegg links, although they don't ship to europe, but for reference.

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I've reached some sort of hypothetical build:

Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 965 BE 3.4GHz C3 125W.

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-790FXTA-UD5 AM3

Memory: OCZ Platinum Dual Channel 4GB Kit 2x2GB DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz CL7

Graphics Card: XFX Radeon HD 5850 1GB GDDR5

Harddrives: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 7200RPM 500GB x2, in raid 0, plus the two I have got right now, that is a 120GB 7200 RPM one, and a Maxtor 250 GB 7200 RPM one.

Power Supply: Corsair HX750W, modular.

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 922

CPU-Cooler: Noctua NH-U12P SE2

Case Fans: 2x Noctua NF-P12-1300 120mm, 1x Noctua NF-P14 FLX 140mm

Total price: 1231.80 €