I've started the hardware aspect of the build.
Went for an Antec power supply, this model comes highly recommended, having used it other builds I can say that it's really quiet even at full load and never misses a beat.
It's a semi modular design, having the absolute essentials hard wired in with additional PCI-E, sata and molex power connections available to be added. Having the main cables hard wired in with the ability to add the extras if needed strikes a nice balance between flexibility and cost.
A few pictures of the build in a sort of step by step. If I hadn't stopped to take piccys this lot would take about 30 mins to put together. from start to finish. I'm not taking the credit for this, most of it is down to the open nature of the case making it very easy to build into.
Imagine no sharp edges or little crevices to cut and trap your hands and fingers!!!
Build quality of the base unit is very high, made from rolled edge steel. It feels sturdy, with a nice weight to it. It does actually have a removable motherboard tray but it's not essential as the access to the rear of the mobo is easily gained through the underside of the base unit.
I went for Patriot RAM with this build. Never used it before but have to say i'm very impressed. And of course the Patriot brand is kinda in keping with the theme of the build. It not only does the job but it looks the part aswell!!
Well just to prove it all works.
Still a lot of work to do, lots of cable braiding etc.
But as I've said already, the advantage of this case is that you can use it as your PC while your moding it.
best of both worlds then.