New Intel Rig from Old AMD Enthusiast

Hey guys,

I'm planning my new build, and have most of my orders on hold so far. I've been out of the loop for about 4 years, so I'm rusty around the edges on current technologies. I'll start by listing what I have in mind, and I'm hoping some of you can give me some insight. I'm a casual user... although I multitask a lot on a 37" 1080p monitor and 24" monitor; email's, HD movies, game from time to time, chatting, internet browsing, photoshoping. Longevity of a new system matters to me; but with current industry pace, it's not a well known term. I also plan to overclock my system, like i've done to all my previous rigs; tradition needs to be carried.

(All prices Canadian)

Case:
I've been looking at the Kandalf LCS. Without W/C it's 190, with it, It's 299. So it's about 110 on-top for water cooling. I've also looked at the Antec Twelve Hundred or the Kandalf without W/C (both the same price @ 190). Whatever case, it needs to be full tower. I've preferred full case since my first Antec 8 years ago.

Cooling:
I want to do water cooling as long as it fits into my budget; that's why I gave TT's LCS some serious thought. Air cooling is an option to save cost, but I'm also looking for a very quiet PC; high end air cooling is around 90 dollars and loud (TT Ultra 120). I've read through researching so far a mediocre W/C (like this one) will perform the same as the highest grade air cooling. Cost of the LCS for watercool is 130. The specs are: 500L/hr pump, all copper cpu block 3/8" UV tube, 360MM radiator on the front chasis, amd 350cc resevoir. I'm down for air cooling if there are alternatives that fit expectations.

CPU:
I'll probably be going with the Q6600. I considered Q8200 which is the same price @ 215. The E8400 was considered too at @187... but for almost 30 dollars more, why not go quad right? Between the same price quads, chose Q6200 because of the higher multiplier over Q8200's lower power consumption (don't want to kill my FSB just to achieve decent clock). I also considered AMD, since I've been AMD for almost 9 years... Intel right now for the same cost, is clearly the choice right now.

Memory:
I got Corsair XMS2 DHX DDR-800 PC2-6400 4GIGS that runs at CL4 for a sick deal of 70 after MIR; so I think i'm covered on the ram end.

Vid Card:
I got a EVGA 8800GT so I'll be popping that guy in my new case.

Motherboard:
I've looked around and it looks like P5Q Pro will be the option. I'm picking it up on sale for $160. Another option is the P5Q-E for $30 more... but I'd like to pick a board that will suit my needs and not overstretch my budget. I'm looking for stability/overclockability.

PSU:
Was thinking to just use my 4 year old Enermax 450W by doing 20pin to 24pin if the mobo accepted; but decided I was being cheap in all the wrong places, lol. I decided going to get the corsair TX650W but now I'm reading it's REALLY loud after 50% loud. Because I'm buying a case, the Seasonic 600W M12 is now becoming an option for the same price. Both are $100.

Hard Drive:
My original order was for a Seagate Barracuda 1TB drive... but I can pick up the Samsung Spinpoint F1 for the same price. I'm considering making the switch given what I've read.

So i think that's everything. Everything listed is 1,088 all in, which is pretty decent thanks to my price matching, lol. I'd like to cut costs if possible, or stay the same; but while still maintaining what I need from my new system. Since I'm relearning the industry again, I'd really appreciate your opinions on my rig and what you think can be changed while still suiting the expectations sought.

Thanks for reading this gigantic post

It's a bit of reading but I think you'll find this post handy:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] rts-choose

Also here's a big list of my personal choices for parts:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] s#t1865526

@zenmaster:
How the heck do you still have a signature? I've lost my ability to display one all of a sudden.

Yeah you sound like a multi-tasker for sure.

You should have a look at some of the 45nm quads.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] %202.99GHz

You could shave some off your build, enough for a Q9550.

Get an Antec 900 case with a combo Neo 650W. Pretty sure the NEO 650 is a Seasonic OEM

This G. Skill is some good overclocking RAM at a great price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231194

I don't really know myself. I was never really comfortable with the Q6600 to be honest, but then I'm more a dual core guy.

I plan to hang onto my OCed E8400 until some final price break on a higher end quad comes along next year.