What advice can the pros give for such an undertaking?

Well I wouldn't know what they'd say but I can give you my specs which are similar also to Silverblades!

Vista Ultimate 64, Intel Quad Q6600, 8Gig RAM, Asus P5K-E mobo, Nvidia 8600GT graphics,
2 x 250Gig HD's in Raid 1 array, Antec 900 gaming case [super cool].

Now I got that about a year ago and it was expensive and things have already moved on, the Q6600 has been bettered and you can get a better one for the same price as I paid for that 12 months ago. The Nvidia card could maybe go to an 8800. I don't believe you need more than 8 Gig of RAM and I'm not sure you could yet anyway, most mobos only have 4 slots so you'd need 4Gig sticks to go the 16 and a 4Gig stick if they're available would be astronomically priced!!
That's my effort for you!!

Injustice will be avenged.
Cofiwch Dryweryn.