Another first time builder

[roku]

Hello, folks.

What do you think of this preliminary roundup of hardware for a general use PC, leaning towards HTPC? I am planning to add one to two TB RAID1 storage over time, and and would like to pack it all into one case. Game performace will be secondary to lowering heat and noise, and raising efficiency of a machine that will be on 24/7.

Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128012

XFX PVT73GU1D4 GeForce 7600GT
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814150213

SeaSonic S12 Energy Plus SS-550HT
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817151027

C2D E6300
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115005

CORSAIR XMS2 (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145590

LIAN LI PC-G70B
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811112105

-or maybe-
Antec Nine Hundered
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811129021

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS 750GB Serial ATA
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=101447
(two of these RAID1)

I have not thought about a drive for the OS yet.

RAM and Mobo, i have no idea if these would be wasted on my rig at stock speeds or not. Also, Newegg claims the P965 chipset is only compatible with 1.8V RAM, that Corsair is 1.9V, problem? Or can the RAM voltage rating be higher, but not lower?

I liked the giant Lian Li, but thought more adequate cooling was in order for what will eventually be 6+ HDDs, thus the Nine Hundred. Would the Lian Li provide adequate HDD cooling, and is the Nine Hundred overkill, provided the fans can be all set on low?

All of the 7200 HDDs in the 250-750GB range that i have looked through have similar power consumption (~9 watts idle, ~12 watts active). Although you do pay a $30 premium for the largest drive, does it not use, effectively, 1/3 to 1/2 of the power required to run many smaller drives combined? And would the largest drive, although hotter than the lesser drives, still radiate less heat than that produced by many smaller drives combined?

I would appriciate any input. Thank you.

 

[Snakexor]

is that case really necessary?! i know you want lots of HDDs, but you can get 4 hdds and a boot in most cases.

 

[bamacre]

There is a fanless 7950 GT here...

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=321117

If you are not OC'ing the cpu, get some cheaper memory. Look in hot deals forum for some good Super Talent at $60 per 1GB module.