Please help me build my own computing rig

[vivalarevolución]

I decided that I want to build my computing rig.  But I don't have a clue what I'm doing.  So I figure Geekhackers could help me build my own computing rig.  I know there are other forums where people can help me build my rig, but I like this place and figure lots of people here have built their own rig.  Any advice you could offer will help.  Feel free to call me a newb/buffoon/idiot/etc.

Here is what I want, in brief:

-make it as compact as possible
-have lots of the latest and greatest for future proofing/performance/just because (probably will be overpowered for my needs, I know)
-keep total cost under $1000 (don't know if that is realistic)

Here is what I have figured out that I want to buy:

Processor: one of those fancy new Intel 6th gen/Skylake quad core processors
Memory: 16 GB of DDR4 ram will do
Storage: 256GB MCIe SSD (will be supplemented with SATA drives for storage)
Motherboard: Mini ITX motherboard that is compatible with the above (should I just go with a Micro ITX so space/options aren't so constrained?)
Operating system: I plan on just running Linux rather than buying a Windows license, but wondering if Linux will have the proper drivers for the parts
-graphics card??
-smallest case possible
-fans and power adapter, but don't know which is which
-whatever the heck else that I need and have no clue that I need

I looked at barebones devices like the Intel NUC or Gigabyte Brix, but they fell short in performance and customizability.
I know that I could go cheaper with older tech that will be completely fine for my computing needs, but I want the latest and greatest if it is within my price range.  I went over to NewEgg and browsed around with some items, but I don't really know what I'm looking at, for the most part.

So what the heck should I buy?  Any suggestions?

[vivalarevolución]

Also noticed this other thread and I've been taking a look:  https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=75584.0

[tp4tissue]

I'm not sure there are that many mcie + mitx boards..


Also,,  mitx is CUTE today,   but a HASSLE tomorrow..  Also, if you don't splice your own wires,   most mitx builds look like **** because the wires are too damn long..

[absyrd]

I'm not sure there are that many mcie + mitx boards..


Also,,  mitx is CUTE today,   but a HASSLE tomorrow..  Also, if you don't splice your own wires,   most mitx builds look like **** because the wires are too damn long..

Nobody has to see the internals.

[vivalarevolución]

I'm not sure there are that many mcie + mitx boards..

Did you mean PCIe? A few of the motherboards seem to have slots for PCIE, but I'm not sure if those are only intended to connect wifi and graphics cards and not for SSDs.  I probably won't even notice the difference in speed between a Sata drive and PCIe drive, just like the form factor better.

[whentheclouds]

the $1000 budget is severely lacking if you're aiming for the kind of specs described in your post. i guess it's possible if you're not purchasing a discrete GPU, but then there would be no point getting skylake and 16gb of ram if that were the case

as for the housing, check these out:

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1799326

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1832126

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1851126

[vivalarevolución]

the $1000 budget is severely lacking if you're aiming for the kind of specs described in your post. i guess it's possible if you're not purchasing a discrete GPU, but then there would be no point getting skylake and 16gb of ram if that were the case

as for the housing, check these out:

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1799326

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1832126

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1851126

Yea, that's what I figured.  So you're saying that I shouldn't worry about a fancy new processor or lots of ram if I don't have a discrete GPU?

[vivalarevolución]

Actually, I'm going to do some more research and lock this thread.   I may not need another project in my life right now. Thanks to those that have commented so far.