Thanks for the comments and critiques guys 
Let me try and update you and answer some questions:
1. Why not get 4Gb?
Good question! Well my initial reaction was so that I could run 2 1 Gb sticks at 1T. But you guys have swayed me otherwise....I just ordered another 2 stick bringing my grand total to 4 Gb now I thank you, my wallet hates you. Although, I must say that I am quite pessimistic as to how much of a difference the extra RAM will really make. I know that in XP, it would be pointless...but seeing that I'm running Vista x64 now, maybe I'll be able to justify that last $300.
2. How do I like Vista x64?
It's awesome. I've been running it on my FX-55 system since december and I've yet to have a problem that's not attributed to the lying SOB's at nvidia. It's solid, driver support is not an issue (for me at least) and, at this speed, I don't really see a performance hit in games. It's rock solid and very stable. I love it.
3. Why not get 150 Gb Raptors and a 7200.10?
Well that's easy--because these 3 drives were grandfathered in from my old build. I didn't buy them recently and I don't really see a need to replace them. 74 Gb is MORE than enough for a HD that essentially only has an OS on it. And I've yet to push the limits of the 2nd 74 Gb drive for only programs files. So, until I need to or until the speed difference is substantial, I'll be sticking with these older hard drives.
4. How exactly do you manage the hard drives?
Well really just like I said. I only install my OS on Raptor 1 and then never touch it again unless I'm installed "system" software (ie Logitech Setpoint, etc). Raptor 2 gets only program files. Whenever I install a game, application, or whatever, I will just change the install path to that drive. The bigger 7200.9 holds all my documents, music (TONS), and pictures (TONSERS) and really anything else that doesn't need the absolute fastest speed.
5. Why didn't you go for dual monitors?
Honestly, I've never liked dual monitor setup. I'd rather own one bohemoth of a display than two medium ones. (Just waiting for Apple's next generation of cinema displays to hit the market and I'll be looking at 30")
6. How much did all this cost?
A bajillion zillion.
7. Why plextor and not NEC?
Well I'm a creature of habit and Plextor drives have alway been VERY good to me. Although the idea of custom firmware on the NEC is inticing...it's IDE and I need the cable management of SATA.
8. The Zalman Tuniq Tower is better, quieter.
Well maybe so...but I'm very happy with what I've got.
9. PCP&C is a noisy POS.
Noisy? Yes. A POS? umm, hardly. Not many people will argue that you'll find a better performing consumer PSU than PCP&C...some may come close to matching it, but few will best it. Either way, I agree it's to loud for my taste. The OCZ ProXStream 1000w is in the mail.
And now for my question...what temperatures should I be seeing on my GPU/CPU/Chipset? What levels should I start getting worried. I know these babies produce some heat so I'm not sure where I should set my threshold.
Thanks!
Let me try and update you and answer some questions:
1. Why not get 4Gb?
Good question!
Well my initial reaction was so that I could run 2 1 Gb sticks at 1T. But you guys have swayed me otherwise....I just ordered another 2 stick bringing my grand total to 4 Gb now I thank you, my wallet hates you. Although, I must say that I am quite pessimistic as to how much of a difference the extra RAM will really make. I know that in XP, it would be pointless...but seeing that I'm running Vista x64 now, maybe I'll be able to justify that last $300. 2. How do I like Vista x64?
It's awesome. I've been running it on my FX-55 system since december and I've yet to have a problem that's not attributed to the lying SOB's at nvidia.
It's solid, driver support is not an issue (for me at least) and, at this speed, I don't really see a performance hit in games. It's rock solid and very stable. I love it.3. Why not get 150 Gb Raptors and a 7200.10?
Well that's easy--because these 3 drives were grandfathered in from my old build. I didn't buy them recently and I don't really see a need to replace them. 74 Gb is MORE than enough for a HD that essentially only has an OS on it. And I've yet to push the limits of the 2nd 74 Gb drive for only programs files. So, until I need to or until the speed difference is substantial, I'll be sticking with these older hard drives.
4. How exactly do you manage the hard drives?
Well really just like I said. I only install my OS on Raptor 1 and then never touch it again unless I'm installed "system" software (ie Logitech Setpoint, etc). Raptor 2 gets only program files. Whenever I install a game, application, or whatever, I will just change the install path to that drive. The bigger 7200.9 holds all my documents, music (TONS), and pictures (TONSERS) and really anything else that doesn't need the absolute fastest speed.
5. Why didn't you go for dual monitors?
Honestly, I've never liked dual monitor setup. I'd rather own one bohemoth of a display than two medium ones. (Just waiting for Apple's next generation of cinema displays to hit the market and I'll be looking at 30")
6. How much did all this cost?
A bajillion zillion.
7. Why plextor and not NEC?
Well I'm a creature of habit and Plextor drives have alway been VERY good to me. Although the idea of custom firmware on the NEC is inticing...it's IDE and I need the cable management of SATA.
8. The Zalman Tuniq Tower is better, quieter.
Well maybe so...but I'm very happy with what I've got.
9. PCP&C is a noisy POS.
Noisy? Yes. A POS? umm, hardly. Not many people will argue that you'll find a better performing consumer PSU than PCP&C...some may come close to matching it, but few will best it. Either way, I agree it's to loud for my taste. The OCZ ProXStream 1000w is in the mail.
And now for my question...what temperatures should I be seeing on my GPU/CPU/Chipset? What levels should I start getting worried. I know these babies produce some heat so I'm not sure where I should set my threshold.
Thanks!
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