Here is the system I put together in March of 2009. It was a beast then and is still very respectable now. I usually run at 24/88.2 and 256 buffer. This gives me low---but not unnaturally low---latency for recording. I've never *maxed* out my system. If doing a heavy session, or using convolution reverb, you may get clicks and pops unless you disable SpeedStep in the BIOS. Simple fix. Also, hyperthreading can stay on. (unless I happen to be booting PTLE....)

First, a few recommendations for your build:

(1) I *HIGHLY* recommend you go with an i7 processor.
(2) Also, I don't know if the Intel motherboard listed below still available or not. I do seem to recall that later revisions of this motherboard had more ram dimm slots. Shoot for 8GB of ram. I've had good luck with GSkill memory in other builds.
(3) Don't skimp on the video card too much; I recommend a FANLESS card for obvious reasons. (actually, I have one I'd sell you for cheap! GT7300 I believe; either 512MB or 1GB of ram---can't remember.)
(4) Don't skimp on the power supply. Crappy power supply = unstable system.
(5) You might also want to get a couple of *QUIET* 120mm fans; I also use rubber mounts for the fans.
(6) I'm very happy with the NZXT HUSH case.

My system: (all parts purchased at newegg.com)

    *   Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor BX80601920  (fastest I could afford at the time!!)
    *   Intel Extreme Series BOXDX58SO LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard45218850 (N82E16813121361)
    *   COOLER MASTER Intel Core i7 compatible V8 RR-UV8-XBU1-GP 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler45218850 (N82E16835103055) (chosen because it was reasonably priced at the time, and quiet; it is BIG so make sure your case can handle it. Barely fits in the NZXT HUSH case)
    *   Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM45218850 (N82E16835100007) (Good thermal paste)
    *   2 x Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10000 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive(s) -Bare Drive45218850 (N82E16822136296)
    *   Crucial 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT3KIT25664BA106745218850 (N82E16820148246)
    *   HIS H465P512P Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
    *   CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply45218850
    *   LG 22X DVD?R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 - OEM
    *   NZXT HUSH Black SECC Steel/ Aluminum/ Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case45218850 (N82E16811146035)

Besides the FF800 (man, I friggin' LOVE mine!!), you'll also need REAPER.

-RG