Need suggestions on new ground-up build

[agrippaz]

Hey all,

 

I am ready to move on from my Power Mac G5. I came close to ordering a Psystar machine today, but I'm wondering if it would be worth my while to build one on my own. I've done a bit of research and looked at the hardware compatibility lists, but I'm really not sure how up to date it is.

 

Here is where you can help. I'd like to spend about $800 and get the most compatible and powerful machine possible. I was considering the Psystar mid-tower Intel quad-core. I don't need wifi, bluetooth, or firewire, but I need very reliable USB and audio support because I work on a lot of music. I need my M-Audio Axiom keyboard and Blue Snowball USB microphone to work with it. I need dual-display support but it doesn't have to be very fancy; I don't play 3D games.

 

Can someone suggest a good quick motherboard that supports the Intel Core2Quad and requires the smallest amount of hackwork?... or point me to good build-sheets which list parts used successfully together? Does anyone know the exact components PsyStar uses in their mid-tower so I could recreate it? How about the parts I've attached a screenshot of? Good setup?

 

Thanks a bunch! All guidance appreciated!