Future Proof Config without Busting Todays Bank

My goal is to spend less money in the long run - and enjoy high performance gaming the whole way through.

Therefore, I would be willing to end up somewhere in the 2k range if it means my next upgrade will be under 1k (throw in another graphics card and run SLI, maybe add a bit of RAM or a new processor).

My top choice is looking like the Slade.  I am really impressed with the noise reduction and cooling.  Anywhere from level I to III.  The III is tempting - I believe this would last me quite a while.  However, the II seems more practical.  Can the power source run 2x SLI GTX 680?  Any limitations with the motherboard for future processors/RAM?

My question about the Slade is - does any other system match the noise reduction, cooling, and potential for future upgrades - but for the same or lower price?  Perhaps the Ode V2 Level III or the Epoch Level II?

Also - you guys offer lifetime free upgrade labor?  I am a bit concerned about replacing the processor in the future due to the potential of compromising the liquid cooling.  Do I merely send my box in and you guys send it back with the part installed?

I appreciate any wisdom or guidance on this topic.  Is the noise reduction and cooling worth the extra price of the Slade?

Thanks ahead of time, I really dig this company!

bprat gives very good advice as always.

I'll chime in here on performance pcs and "quiet"... Many of us on the DS forums value higher performance from our computers...that's why the overclocked processors and video cards, elaborate cases and extra air and liquid cooling.    Generally, higher performance comes from components we or Digital Storm are able to run more electricity through safely, but excess heat gets generated in the process by those components working much harder...and extra heat negatively impacts performance.      So, while we all like quiet...most here probably value PC performance and the cooling that helps us achieve it more than we do a quiet rig.      More airflow from fans on or inside a computer case can certainly make the rig a little less quiet, but personally, I find the sound of my fans responding to the Ultra settings & high frame rates in a game I am playing as a very welcome sound that means the CPU, motherboard & SLI graphics cards are working as DS intended....and giving me my full moneys worth out of expensive components while keeping them as cool as possible!

If you look too hard for quiet in a case, getting it will probably mean a trade off to accept lots more heat inside the case, and lower performance from your pc and those SLI graphics cards.   With that in mind, if it's a good airflow case you will likely hear the fans.   Larger diameter fans tend to be a little quieter than smaller diameter fans.    Dreadnoughts Half-X case is the best combo of excellent airflow design and large diameter fans. The other cases bprat listed are also very good airflow cases.     

The Slades Corsair 550D case would be quieter...but will have less airflow, and more heat inside the case.    The Ode 4 Corsair 600T case would give you better cooling performance in a good airflow case with nice options to improve the airflow with more fans if you need it.    My son has a year old Ode with SLI 570's in a bedroom running 24 hrs a day, and noise isn't a problem.    That Ode 4 price of $2499 with SLI 670's performance can't be beat....