hardware purchase opinions

[wengang]

Hey all.
I'm building my next 5-year computer.
I've settled on the Intel Core i7 980X and an ASUS Rampage III extreme mobo.

Now, after reading a lot of benchmarks, I don't have any idea which way to go with graphics card(s). Last time around, there was one slot, one card. It looks like things have changed.
I would also like to get opinions on RAM. every brand and kit seems to have its detractors if you Google them.
Also looking for a good, spacious tower if anybody wants to recommend one.

For all the above, money is not an issue, but I do want the best, not just the most expensive.

Thanks all.

[stanav]

What is your main usage for this rig that you're going to build?

[Lord Orwell]

you are going to pay extra for a motherboard with sli support, and it's not necessary for anything. Mid-range cards perform fine at 1080p resolutions. Get a cheaper motherboard and spend more on your monitor or hard drive. I have $150 mouse/keyboard combo.

[wengang]

I'm not buying new hard drives or monitor. Just mobo,CPU, RAM, video, and tower.
I'm pretty much settled on this mobo and CPU, and I'm hoping somebody has experience good or bad with the 3-way SLI or the RAM that can help me pick the right ones.

Stanav, i don't have any set purpose. I don't play a lot of games, but I'd like it to be able to play one if I decide too. Or if I decide to do some 3-D modeling (CAD, etc), or video editing, or any other high-intensity work, I'd like it to be up to the task.

I build a new computer every 5 years, and I try to get the best components available.
My last build was in 2005, and when the video card went bad, I couldn't even find an AGP graphics card at Best Buy. I had to get on online. When the mobo gave out, I wasn't ready to upgrade, so I bought an old one off ebay. Same story with the outdated RAM. I'd like to avoid those problems this time and keep ahead of the curve.

Ao any thoughts on 3-way SLI or the RAM?

[wengang]

I'm thinking of getting 2 (probably not 3) GeForce GTX 480 cards.
Benchmarks at tomshardware showed that the third card didn't add enough benefit to make it worthwhile.

[Lord Orwell]

the 3rd card is pretty much useless unless you are playing physx games. You are better off getting one big card than two or three weaker ones and a more expensive board. Don't forget to include power requirements in this design. Three cards will most likely require you to purchase a bigger power supply as well.

[stanav]

I'd have 2 graphic cards (ATI or Nvidia, it's all come down to your own preferences but if you decide which graphic card you want ahead of time, it will be better for you to pick a motherboard (crossfire or SLI)), and shift that $ for the 3rd card toward an SSD.