strom gave a good review of the coolers.
I would say that a pentium D would be cheaper in the short run, more costly in the long run. it wasts 2-3x the power, more heat, etc. you will be truly battling and buying all sorts of different solutions to make the system evacuate the heat better and silently.
seasonic 430 is a great option, get an american one for even more efficiency.
be a anti-euro rebel
the phantom is best thoguh i feel, 350 with a nexus is prime for such a setup.
I would go dual core 3800. the 4200 is lot more money, and not MUCH better at doing what you need to get done. any dual core rips through what you want it to, just get the coolest, most efficient one is my advice.
(but im getting the 4400 just cuz im a gamer)
Here's a tip: I duno if this will help you but try looking at an a64 board with built in ati graphics, the ati200 chipset. I dunno, might be ok? you seem to have doubts about your specific gear working with it, but I would look into it. IT is cheap and has a built in x300 ati card in it.
