Quote -   10) System case. More important than one might think. You want a system case that has enough room for expansion, that has a good airflow to keep things cool, one that is silent, and one that is solidy built and doesn't deform.  I haven't found a brand/model of system case yet that is great in ALL those things. I've got two Chieftec cases - rock solid, roomy, and decent airflow, but not silent. I've got an Antec P182B: silent, good airflow, but not as solid or roomy as a Chieftec - and quite expensive to boot. I've got a Sharkoon Rebel9: cheap, fantastic airflow, roomy, reasonably silent, but it's not solidly made.

I go with Antec server cases.  Basically, it's the "full size" case style except a little wider with mulitple slots for bays and a heck of a lot of room inside plus all sorts of port configuration options and plenty of room to put an air-conditioner in there if you want one. :) It fits comfortably under my desk.  For desktop solutions, one may want a smaller case though.  Because of my experiences with Antec, I won't buy any other case for my personal use.

I like MSI mainboards.  I agree completely with you on the ASUS history.  They used to be "the" board way back when.  Then, their production took a downturn and it seemed you couldn't get an ASUS board that didn't have problems for years.  Now, they're middle of the road.  I loved them a decade ago.. now, not so much.  MSI may not be top-of-the-line either but.. I like 'em and have had good experience with them.  But, I haven't been speccing out components in a few years so, just like with ASUS, things can change.