Re: first build ever - Hackintosh or otherwise
You shouldn't have a problem with the low profile RAM. Technically, the larger heatsinks will allow for better cooling in a OC situation. However, most people aren't OC to the point that they are tweaking their RAM also. Most people (especially around here) are going to mess with their Multiplier and then set and forget, occasionally some will tweak their BCLK as well. Honestly though, unless you are going for a hardcore OC, then you will be just fine. People have run RAM for years without any heatsink at all, so I think you'll be ok. Also, cooling and airflow inside of your case are going to play a large role, as well as your environment. Part of what you get with a nice big case like the one you've chosen is quality airflow, which should bring the temps down for all of your components. If you want to know if you can fit full size RAM heatsinks with your cooler, you'd be wise to search for reviews (even the ones on Newegg may help) for the cooler that you've chosen. Most people are aware of the issue with fitting a cooler along with big RAM, so most reviewers will mention any conflicts in this area. Most coolers have removable fans on both sides of the heatsink, and typically you can remove the fan from the side that the RAM is on to make room for said RAM. But, check out some reviews and see what people have to say.
I didn't mean to imply that the GPU wouldn't work. My only intention was to make you aware that even the slightest difference in some GPUs may cause them to be compatible or not, even something as simple as one letter difference in the model name. Gordo knows his stuff, and if he recommends it I'd say you're good to go. I'm not familiar with ATI/AMD cards myself, so I didn't want to speak with authority on it. After a brief search, it appears that card has been used with some success. It also shows up in the tmx wiki as being successful for some users.
For the SSD, you'll just want to decide how much space for apps you really need. I have a 60GB in my current machine, and after installing a few games and other productivity apps, I see that I have 11GB available. In my new build, I'll be using a SanDisk 120GB SSD I picked up, just for the extra space. If I were in your situation, I think I'd take advantage of that Crucial M4 deal that is coming up. I've heard really great things about the drive, and it will be the same price as the OCZ you have listed, but you'll get 30GB more with the Crucial. For the record, I'm a big OCZ fan (currently running a Vertex 2 and have multiple of their PSUs). It just seems that in this instance the best value is the Crucial M4.
EDIT: Actually, I just checked and there is currently a deal for the Vertex 3 120GB for $100 AR. Might need to act fast though.
http://slickdeals.net/f/4633854-Newegg- ... e-shipping