Computer Build

[micro5033]

Hey, I'm saving up this summer and I'll be getting a new computer within the next few weeks, Here's what I have so thought of far:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450
OCZ Platinum 4GB DDR2 1066 (2 x 2GB)
EVGA 750i FTW SLI Motherboard
PNY VCGGTX280XPB GeForce GTX 280
Western Digital Caviar SE WD5000AAJS 500GB
LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner
RAIDMAX AURORA 2 RX-700F 700W PSU
APEVIA X-CRUISER-BK or RAIDMAX Sagitta 2 Steel ATX Case
SCEPTRE X22WG-1080P Black 22" 2ms(GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor
total: ~$1500 (which is probably at the top of my budget)


I'm thinking of overclocking (it would be my first attempt at it) and so I'm sort of picking the components with this in mind
I was wondering which case would be able to fit the GTX 280 and possibly a second one if I ever get enough for SLI

Also any thoughts on the processor/motherboard/ram in terms of overclocking, since I've never done it before I'd rather not mess with the voltages. I would probably add a non-stock cooler but I don't really know which would be best.

How do you overclock the q9450's anyway? Would it be better to go with a q6600 instead?
Should i go for a better case or would either of those be adequate, I don't really want to spend $100+ on a case, but if I have to oh well

I might go for a sound card as well, but I don't know what one would be worth it, any suggestions?

Comments?

[HONkUS]

if you've never oc'd before then you might want to get your hands on a used low end Intel proc and mobo to learn on since there is a risk involved with oc'ing. Also from what ive heard and read if your not planning on going SLi or crossfire you might be better off going with a p35/45. Ive heard the Nv 7 series chips run hot and their expensive. Im also looking at the q9450 but im looking at THIS DFI board. This board might be confusing though because DFI boards usually have crazy insane BIOS options for squeezing every last mhz out of procs.

[micro5033]

Thanks for the tip,

One reason I was thinking of using the SLI board would be to leave the option of SLI open for future upgrades, is that a good idea?
Unfortunately I don't have access to any old computers to tinker with so if I do decide to overclock (which I still might) I'll have to be really careful?
Also a few of my friends have oc'd before and so I may ask them to help me out this first time

[martini161]

dont worry, ocing isnt extremely dangourous, as long as you dont put 2 volts through a chip whos stock voltage is 1.2 something youll be fine