OK, I think I'm set with my new system specs in the original post. I decided on the Hitachi SataII 250GB based on some information I gathered on their platters and heads.
The only question I have now is the 3000+... I'm considering the 3200+ but can't really afford the extra $50 at this point. I've heard the dividers and HTT settings make a difference though but I don't know if this board will handle light or heavy oc'n on this board. Just 2 questions and I think I'm done:
Do you know if this system will handle an OC around 9x250 (give or take)?
Do you think the stock HSF handle it also? I plan to get a better one later at which point I'll push it further?
Thanks for the help everyone, you all rock per usual!