Planning Build 4 Audio Recording: Tossing around ideas, would love input (LINKS)

[404ent]

Wanna 1st introduce myself. Name's Chevy, Ima home studio/studio gear/pc enthusiast. Recently built my own duplicator and i'm looking to build my 1st actual pc. So hi to you all. Ima list what im looking for needwise, if anyone could help direct me on some of these, id certainly appreciate the time/input considering newegg cust. service was useless by referring me to items no longer available and not even close to what i needed based off what i mentioned i was looking for. TD live chat is dead so im here now!


Budget
Considering I'm going to piece it together over the next few months likely, im estimating the budget around $1000-$1200. I'm not gonna be opposed to the budget going over, but im not tryna drop 400 on say, just a case, or just a mobo. There's a happy medium somewhere.


Needs
I have a separate computer for internet so this PC will be used only for recording music. Ima need to piece together something with a more than adequate PSU, a mobo fitting my most crucial needs(LARGE amt of ram/onboard video/1 pci slot open), a processor which will kick butt in blazing thru recording/editing.

Mobo:
I've already got an expensive pro PCI audio card, so the mobo will HAVE to have at least ONE open reg. PCI slot. Onboard video is a must as i dont need a high end aftermarket video card for gaming, etc. 5.1/HD audio onboard would be cool if i decide to experiment with the stock sound card. Anywhere from 8GB+ ram and up is a must as its gotta be able to handle audio/video programs with ease. HDMI capability would be nice as im planning on getting either a bigscreen/dual monitors. I'm pretty sure ima stay with ATX form, mATX choices havent met my needs from what ive seen.
Option 1 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=1165562&sku=G452-1047)
Gigabyte GA-H55M-S2V (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128457)
MSI H55M-P33 Thermaltake V2 Barebones Kit (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=621464&sku=B69-1337)
Visionman V133-97202 Venom Premium Barebones (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6089752&CatId=5294)

Processor:
I'm not settled on whether ima go the intel i3/i5/i7 route or with the AMD Phenom quad cores. Up in the air there. Processor must be 3ghz or better. Considering the intel I series is a bit more expensive, im leaning the AMD way
Mobo/processor combo options (http://www.directron.com/x4quadcombo.html)
AMD FX-4100 Zambezi 3.6GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.762317)

Case:
This is where its really hairy for me. Hoping for an ATX mobo, so i can keep the case ATX. Don't need a full tower with a gazillion bays. Basically something which will hold 2-3 hard drives and a CD/DVD burner with multiple fan options to keep everything cool. All the fans don't even have to be included, i just need the option to be there so i can buy them aftermarket.

I been looking at Cooler Master, Antek and Thermaltake cases. I DON'T really see the need for liquid cooling, rather a case that allows for a workhorse power supply and the fans i mentioned. The 230mm fans on several cases are cool, but from what i read have short life spans and are hard to find and replace.
option 1 (http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-RC-600-KKN1-GP-Gladiator-Tower/dp/B002FB65CE%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAIUIK5PGVMLZ24ZHQ %26tag%3Dtore4u-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165 953%26creativeASIN%3DB002FB65CE)
Cooler Master 1 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119225)
Thermaltake 1 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133178)

PSU: This will likely go hand in hand with the case, cause the psu is gonna have to match the case i think, fitting dimension wise. 500w or better is ideal, and preferrably one that advertises itself as 'quiet' so to not pickup and excess noise during recording.

Cooler Master RS600-AMBAD3-US Silent Pro M 600W Power Supply (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=4434992&sku=C283-1205&SRCCODE=WEM2869DV&cm_mmc=email-_-Main-_-WEM2869-_-tigeremail2869)

I dropped links from my bookmark list but nothing is deadset on anything i put on here. just giving examples of certain items ive saved that was CLOSE to what i need. hope to hear back from you guys on some options. Thanks in advance, hope to help someone else here in the future! A longtime lurker has come out of the shadows!

[404ent]

Intel PC I Series Price/performance comparison (http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i7-2700K+%40+3.50GHz)

The Intel Core i7-2700K(3.5 ghz) looks like a steal in the performance and price range of its neighbors.

[ARchamps]

Welcome to the forums! Hope you enjoy your stay and stick around afterwards :P

First, some of the motherboards you chose are not compatible with the new Sandy Bridge processors. When looking at motherboards, you need to ensure that it is socket 1155 (for the i7 2600K). There are 3 different chipsets: H67, P67, and Z68. H67 (older) has onboard video but no OC ability(the processor you chose has an unlocked multiplier meaning you can step up the performance very easiliy). The P67 has no onboard video but has the OC ability. The Z68 basically combines the benefits of OC ability AND onboard video, along with some new features such as SSD caching. Based on this info, I would suggest a Z68 board and it should fit within your budget. These motherboards will usually have a legacy PCI slot for your sound card. (EDIT -- I missed that your first choice was a Z68)

Second, I would suggest the i7 2600k over the 2700k. The 100 Mhz difference IMO isn't worth the extra ~$100 when you can easiliy OC it yourself to that potential (it'll keep you within budget). The new AMD bulldozer has 8 cores, but reviews have not been great. There aren't many apps that even utilize all the cores. Again, take a look at some reviews.

For cases, check RickyTick's sticky for some good suggestions. It really comes down to preference on cases. Read some reviews (Google) to get a better idea of what they look like as they usually have nice pictures. Look for good air flow, USB 3.0 ports and looks! I personally like the Corsair 400R (mid-tower).

8GB of Ram is good, but RAM is really cheap. You can get a nice 16GB set and be able to run your apps nicely. Since you mentioned you don't want a GPU, I'm sure it'll fit the budget. GPU is usually one of the most expensive components.

Hope this helps! Feel free to ask any more questions.

Edit --> I normally don't recommend combo deals, but this one is pretty good. All you would need to add is more RAM. You also get an SSD and a HDD (you didn't mention these) http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.755250

Edit #2 --> Getting a GPU might be a good idea. Something like a GTX 560 might be good if you plan to hook up large resolution screens or dual screens.

[404ent]

on the cases, i dont care if its some l7 lookin ish or something imported from another dimension. as long as it cools the rig and is suitable to all other needs.

i may hook up dual screens later, but i think ima cop a big screen with hdmi so i can plug in the new pc. whats the diff between the 26/2700k?

[ARchamps]

The difference is 100Mhz. Not that significant for a $50 difference in price. I have read that the 2700K is easier to overclock past 5Ghz, but I'm guessing you wont be doing that so I'd stick with the 2600K.

Hope that helps! (sorry for the late reply)