Ok, so it’s been a few months since we last scoped out a computer.  The industry has changed a bit and just about every part of your set up needs to be reevaluated.  It is important to do your homework, cross your T’s and dot your I’s, because this is it.  We are now 1-2 weeks out from the purchase date.

I’m not going to pull the old list, you can find it starting here: http://www.shatteredcube.com/archives/94

I’ve been doing a lot of research in the past few days and I’ve made a major overhaul to the list with these goals in mind:

• Provide the most bang for my buck
• Provide room for future expansion
• Semi-Silent Operation

I debated the option of water cooling, air cooling and stock cooling.  I also debated how future proof I wanted to make the build.  I analyzed where I could overclock after cooling upgrades and save money.  (This mostly applies to the processor.)

I decided that for now I will use stock cooling.  It should be easy enough to convert to water if and when the time comes.  I also can’t justify $1000 on the processor alone and as such took a minor hit in the clock speed.  I decided to go with a giant power supply that has a high efficiency rating.  This means that while I won’t be using even 60% of it’s capacity at full load, the PSU will only draw as much power as it needs.  This actually could result in drawing less power than my current system.  This also affords me the ability to expand in the future.  It accounts for water cooling and Dual or Tri SLI. (It is also modular for better air flow and case management.)  As far as HDD go, I’m going to stick to a decent 640GBs running RAID 0 (Mirrored for backup).  I don’t use all of my 240 gbs right now.  I figure 640 will be plenty for a while.

With that said here is the condensed list straight from new egg:

What you may notice missing is a case. Now for the life of me I can’t choose between two cases. It is my hope that you, my readership, can provide some input.  I want you to ignore the price and help me choose between these two cases:

Lian-Li V2110 (or V2100) and Cooler Master Cosmos S

Rate cases based on looks, functionality and etc.  Only once you have an opinion, then look at cost.  The main questions are:

1. Which would be better for water cooling some day? (Well thought out space for 360mm Radiator and general flow.)
2. Which case provides the most functionality? (Slide out Mother Board, Included case fans, tool less, etc.)
3. Is the cost justified?

After I figure out the case, it’s a matter of ordering and then building.  The build should provide a much more interesting read.  I’ll document the build with photos!  It will be like you’re right along side me at all times.  Creepy!

So don’t forget to cast your opinion in the comments!