I7 system: programming, 3d stuff (maya, xsi, houdini), games

[joros]

I couldn't fit everything in detail in the title, but I hope you understood that I'm trying to build a new i7 system to be used to do some programming (computer graphics and video game related things), using 3d software packages (maya, xsi, houdini), and gaming every now and then. I'm going from a P4 transformed Dothan system to this upcoming i7 system.

Here's what I've come up with so far:

Intel Core i7 920
EVGA 132-BL-E758-A1 or ASUS P6T Deluxe
OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB

Here's what I have lying at home:
PCPC Silencer 750watt
ASUS EN9600GT Matrix

I'm not really sure what case to choose either that is aesthetically pleasing, provides good cable management, and decent airflow throughout. I'm also unsure of a monitor (20inch+) to accompany my current 20inch widescreen. And should I buy a better heatsink? I do plan to overclock the cpu a bit or would the i7 heatsink suffice. Thanks.

 

[aevm]

I think the Asus P6T (not the Deluxe version) is the best X58 board out there. It overclocks like a champion,

Good choice of HDD.

With that PSU you can use even a GTX 295 or a HD 4870 X2 or two HD 4870 1GB cards. All these combinations are overkill on a 20" monitor, but they make sense if you get yourself a 24".

The i7 heatsink is good enough for a small overclock. For something more ambitious, buy this:

XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029

Case: "aesthetically pleasing" is not going to help because I have no clue about your personal taste. If you like blue lights think about Antec 900 or NZXT Tempest. If you hate them, look at CoolerMaster RC-690 or Haf 932.

 

[xthekidx]

+1 aevm suggestions.

The stock heatsink will allow you to OC up to around 3.0ghz, not much higher. I would go with aevm's suggestion for the best price/performance ratio for air cooling, the best performance solution right now is the Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme RC-1366, available at frozencpu.com.

What is your budget? That has a large effect on the suggestions we make.