I will try to keep this to the point, as I know a lot of "OMG HOW DOES THIS LOOK" threads roll through here on a regular basis. 
First, this is my current parts list for a ground-up system build. Ordering is still a couple months away, so in the meantime I'm doing my best to research all of my component choices to ensure that I don't run into any unnecessary surprises. My current concerns are the following:
That's all I've got. Many, many thanks in advance to anyone who can shed some light on any of my questions.
First, this is my current parts list for a ground-up system build. Ordering is still a couple months away, so in the meantime I'm doing my best to research all of my component choices to ensure that I don't run into any unnecessary surprises. My current concerns are the following:
- SPCR mentions that a new revision of the P180 was released in mid-2006 with a double aluminum panel door and improved cooling for video cards. The model on Newegg has an air duct for the video card; is this the new revision of the case? I can't tell if the older revisions were lacking this duct completely or if the design of the duct was altered.
- I was thinking of replacing the TriCool fans in the P180 with some 120mm Nexus fans since SPCR speaks so highly of them, mounted with Antec's rubber fan mount...things. However, from the screenshots I've seen of the case, it looks like the included fans are permanently attached. Also, the fan in the bottom chamber of the case looks different (thicker) than a standard 120mm fan. Is my idea of replacing these fans viable, or should I stick with the TriCools?
- This thread regarding the P180 states that the upper HDD rack cannot be used when a 120mm fan is mounted in front of it. Again, I'm only going on screenshots here, but from what I've seen it looks like there's a perfect spot for the fan in front of the rack that would provide not only better air intake but also cool off any drives installed there. I suppose I can always install the drives in the bottom chamber if necessary; now that I think of it, that may be a better solution anyway.
- This thread mentions a new revision of Seasonic's S12 line of power supplies which supposedly remedies the cable length issue mentioned here. Is it safe to assume that the S12-600 will be the new revision and that the cables will reach wherever I need them to?
- My last question is going to show some newbishness, so please bear with me. My understanding is that the P5B Deluxe can run a 1066MHz FSB. I want to take advantage of that, so instead of getting some PC2-6400, I'm looking at PC2-8500 instead. The problem is that since my experience with overclocking is for all intents and purposes nonexistant, I don't know what all would be involved in running both the RAM and the FSB at 1066MHz, when the standard seems to be 800MHz. Does this even count as overclocking? Does the motherboard allow you to configure the necessary settings without much hassle?
That's all I've got. Many, many thanks in advance to anyone who can shed some light on any of my questions.
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