Yeah, I'm having a hard time swallowing the price myself. It does include a few extras I can do without short term, so for the base gaming rig, I am back to the $1400+/- range.
The MX-1 thermal paste is a must and something I didnt even think to include in the wish list, but a good idea to add it just to cover all my bases.
The really sad thing is I am looking at how to expand beyond this for next gen upgrades and raid 0+1, etc. The good news is at least I will get a break on the cpu price very soon, heh.
Thanks again for everyone's input. I am comfortable with this rig, but still open to any and all feedback.