Paypal w/ verified address acceptable?

So after a lot more research I'm thinking the GPU route is just not the way to go. I'd really like a BFL box, but I want something that I know will be here sooner.(from what I read they're still shipping orders from last june/july so I don't want to jump on that boat. From what I've seen, this seems like it may be the best route to go. https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=192916.0

Again, My main goal is to stay under or around $2k and get the most efficient gh/s for my money.

Thanks for all the help people!

I haven't figured out cooling yet. Noise isn't too much of an issue for me, as the box will be located in a basement room I don't frequent.

I've worked with a handful of linux distros and I'm comfortable with the command line. However, I do have a spare Win7 64bit license laying around. I just want to use whatever will be more efficient/has the best applications to do the job.

Thanks again people!

Thanks for the tips! Just to add, the rig will be used for nothing but mining and I haven't decided on an OS yet.

Building my first mining rig and looking for input. Just trying to get the most for my money and trying to stay around $2,000. Here is what I have so far - any suggestions are welcome.

CPU: AMD FX-6100 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor  
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX  AM3+ Motherboard 
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1066 Memory
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (4-Way CrossFire)  
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (4-Way CrossFire)  
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (4-Way CrossFire)  
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (4-Way CrossFire)  
Power Supply: OCZ ZX 1250W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply
Total: $1636.88

Thanks!