I like the idea of a build that is more geared toward a high end user. What I mean is, building the fastest machine possible for the least amount of money is fine, but is that what YOU do? I certainly spend some time researching a case before buying, it isn't the last item on my list considering this will be my home for the next 3 years. The R4 is a fantastic case, and something worthy of a dream.
Dual graphics and 3 monitor setups aside, there's a lot more to a personal computer than frame rates or value. For me usability and form are just as important as performance. Also some folks might not mind their gaming rig sounding like a jet at take off, but I actually live with other people. So yeah, for a high end rig I do think noise levels should a be a consideration.
Also one has to take into account things like enormous heatsinks that dangle off of the motherboard with a bracket and a few screws. Then one is limited by memory choices, I think those factors have to be considered when choosing a cooling method. I would give up a slight advantage in cooling performance to put in an elegant AIO WC as opposed to a huge block of metal in the middle of my mid tower. Even better with a windowed case, don't know how many times folks have walked by my case and were simply amazed by the water cooler.
I dig this build because its a more balanced approach in terms of where the quality dollars are spent. Can anyone really bitch about the great power supply? Is it overkill? Not to me, when you consider that most of us do regular upgrades and future components may be more power hungry.
I wouldn't even consider going without a data drive, that's just silly. I like having a burner and a reader to save wear and tear on the burner. Its something that I've always enjoyed having and I probably always will. Could I use just one drive? Of course. Would I save 25 bucks? Yeah, but I wouldn't be happy about it. I use my card reader daily, so I wouldn't want to part with that. Its these little things that make a system your own, not the money you saved on a mostly adequate power supply or a less featured motherboard.
If you're gonna spend $1500 on a PC, it should probably be more what you have dreamed about than the best price/performance ratio you can achieve. I haven't missed the point of these articles, but I am glad to see that at the top end there is a bit more room for the intangibles.