Hello all, so I've got this really old computer, yada yada yada, I need to replace everything about it.

Here is what I'm looking at right now. http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] r=10371908

First of all I'd like some opinions on my general plan. Instead of getting a Quad Core now I thought I would go with a Dual and then replace it in a year or two with an i7 (or whatever they're calling them now). So for now I really just want enough of a MOBO to OC the E8400 to 3.6GHz if needed. I've never really understood MOBOs so if the one I picked out is missing some key feature that I am going to really need or want please let me know.

I'd also really like to hear from anyone who owns, has owned, or worked with an Antec 300. I care nothing for LED's and such, I just want a sturdy case with enough space to work in and has decent cooling. The Newegg reviews had some people mentioning lack of space, I've never seen the 4870 I picked out, but I imagine it is quite large. Does anyone know if a 4870 and the Xigmatek 120mm can fit in this case together?

I don't have a monitor right now but I'd like to get a 1680 x 1050, something around 21, 22 inches. I was looking at a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824236028, but I've never actually purchased a monitor separately before so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Either another monitor, or a better place to purchase one. I would prefer to spend < $250 if possible, but that's not set in stone.

I checked as many reviews and benchmarks as I could find and decided that the 4870 is probably the best Video card for me at the moment. I chose the MSI because it is the same price as the other name brand cards and it is OC'ed already.

The reason I want 8 GBs of RAM is that I promised myself this time around I would find the standard (4 Gigs right now) and double it no matter what. I'm pretty sure I just need DDR2 800 to get to 3.6GHz with the E8400.

The PSU is a bit of an overkill, but it's only $10 more than the 650W, and it, may, come with an 8GB flash drive which I could use. Hopefully it will last for a few upgrades in the future.

I need a copy of Windows Vista 64 as well. If someone could give me a link to where I could buy a copy that would be great. I seem to remember seeing a copy of the Premium version on Newegg for $110ish earlier this year, but I didn't see it last time I looked.

I like Newegg but I'm not opposed to buying from another vendor if anyone knows of a large price drop or free shipping, something of that nature.

Well I think that about covers it. Any info on compatibility or any other problems you might see is appreciated. Thanks in advance. Sorry for the long post, I tend to kill myself with the details every time I build a new system.

Comments from me :
Hmmm...do you still have extra space in your budget?
If you do, Why not get a X38 or X48 mobo for an optimal future Xfire possibility. You have already chosen a 750W PSU, it is enough for 2 GPU?
Everything is good.

Look at Samsung 2253BW or 2053BW. I have the latter, it's great. Just a tip, if you buy it, set contrast to 100 then brightness to 36, then adjust to your taste from there. I certainly notice nicer image quality with 100 contrast. 75 contrast and 36 brightness is also good and outputs about 100nits in brightness. The Antec Three Hundred looks good, and if you want CrossFire, an X38 motherboard is great.

Better PSU cheaper.

Silencer 750 Newegg
Silencer 750 Zipzoomfly

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116488
That is the Vista you want.

I think your choice of a 4870 is good. I really can't see you stressing it too much on a 22" monitor for a while... probably be the time you do you will be ready to replace the board.

If you would like to hedge your bets a bit, upgrade to a ASUS P5Q Pro. You'll have the option to add a second 4870. Two 4870s on a P45 board such as this are just a tad slower than on a x48 (at the resolution of your monitor). On larger monitors an x48 is more advisable.

The P5Q Pro is also a good overclocker, quite simple for a beginner. Your selected CPU cooler will work well on it. Another factor is your determination to run 4 sticks of 2 gig RAM.... this can be challenging to accomplish, but this board should make it easier. P5Q Pro will run up to 16 gigs of RAM, while x38 and x48 boards are limited to 8.

Remember that RAM tends to be faulty. You may not get all 8 gigs working right off.

Other than that, I really like all your reasoning on everything.

It's a top notch PSU. It would not be enough if you decided to run a second 4870, possibly. Or it would cut it close. Most recommended PSUs in that range are over $250 though.

I just noticed a big problem. You have the wrong mounting bracket for your cooler.

You need the XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket

It fits: All Intel LGA775: HDT-S963, HDT-S1283, RED SCORPION-S1283

XIGMATEK - Crossbow I7751

Thank you all for your help. Unfortunately it has to go on the back burner again.