I've just completed the build of the new NVISION testbed PC - my first system build in about 24 months. I'm pleased to report that not only do I still have all my fingers and toes, but the local fire department never had to be called to the premises, and the machine is running like a dream.

And a dream system it is, too - here's the component breakout:

• Graphics -- NVIDIA GTX 480 (2X)
• Memory -- Corsair 12GB Kit 
• CPU -- i7 980 Extreme
• Storage -- 256GB SSD; 7,000RPM 2TB drive (2X)
• Motherboard -- ASUS P6X58D-E
• Case -- Corsair Obsidian 800D
• PSU -- Corsair AX1200
• Operating System -- Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit

We're still working on the displays but I hope to have three 3D-capable screens set up soon so we can get some hands on time with NVIDIA's 3D Vision Surround, which I was able to test drive briefly at Trinity Racing Concepts. With this system in place we should be well prepared to handle just about anything developers dare to throw at it, which includes the latest 3D games and the hottest GPU-accelerated productivity and multimedia apps - such as the new CUDA-enabled Adobe CS5.

While the twin GTX 480s are definitely the stars of the show, the 800D case deserves a special shoutout: This was by far the most friendly case I've ever had the pleasure to use for a system build. It's huge with great air flow - making it an ideal candidate for SLI - and its innovative cable-routing system should enable just about anyone to deliver a clean build. If you're about to embark on a system build you should definitely check this case out.