First Build - Advice Appreciated!

[Jack_Mord]

Hello everybody...

I am planning my first build in a couple of weeks or less.

I have researched and assembled a parts list below, but have a couple concerns I want to get 100% sorted out before I go all out and place an order:

* Hardware/software compatibility concerns.
* All parts needed to completely build a 100% working machine.

What I do NOT need - either have already or will buy later:

Keyboard
Mouse
O/S (already have Vista Ultimate)
Speakers

My budget: $2000-2400
Usage: Home networking, graphics, watching movies, some light gaming.
Willing to use my entire budget if it means having a powerful machine that I do not have to worry about upgrading for several years!
--

I was hoping a few experts here wouldn't mind checking over my build for compatibility issues and such, and maybe even suggest better/more efficient parts. Thanks in advance!

Case:
XCLIO Windtunnel Fully Black Finish 1.0 mm SECC Chassis ATX Full Tower Computer Case (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811103011)


Motherboard:
ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813127030)
or...
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128086)

Wireless:
D-Link DWL-G550 PCI High-Powered Wireless Desktop Adapter (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16833127167)
or...
TRENDnet TEW-623PI 32-Bit PCI Rev. 2.1/2.2/2.3 Wireless N-Draft Adapter (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16833156054)

Video Card:
XFX PVT88GYDF4 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814150261) (out of stock at NewEgg)

PSU:
PC Power & Cooling S610EPS EPS12V 610W (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817703005)

Intel Q9450 (can't find this anywhere...)

Memory:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820231122)

Hard Drives:
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - x 2 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822136218)

Monitor:
SAMSUNG 2253BW Black 22" 2ms(GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16824001268)

SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S203N (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827151154)

[RickyTick]

Hi Jack. Welcome.

Obviously cases are very much a personal preference. So if I don't like that particular case, well then that's cool. If you like it, go with it.

Both of the motherboards are great. I have the IP35 Pro. Its terrific. They are very close in price, so flip a coin.

You've listed two different wifi adapters. One is 802.11 g/b and the other is 802.11 N. You'll want to match it to the wireless router that I assume you have somewhere else in the house.

Thats a great video card. Here's one that is in stock at NE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150267

Here's another one that is very popular and slightly faster than the XFX you're looking at.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130337

Hold out a little longer. That Q9450 will be out soon.

[Jack_Mord]

Hey Ricky - thanks for your feedback.

Admittedly, the XCLIO case is a bit hideous; will probably end up finding something else. My main concern was keeping the temp down and having plenty of room inside.

Was leaning towards the IP35 Pro, so I'll definitely go with it, as well as the D-Link over the TrendNet.

Thanks for the video card links - will likely end up snagging one of those as well, instead of the OOS one on my list.

Any idea when the Q9450 is out? I was under the impression it had been released already...

[RickyTick]

The Q9450 has been released, but was grabbed up quick. I'm sure more will be in the supply chain soon.

[Jack_Mord]

Thanks very much.
One last question, that I cannot seem to get answered anywhere...
Is a heat sink/fan needed? http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16835118003

[RickyTick]

The processor will come with a cooler that performs very well. If you plan to overclock the processor then you may need the added cooling of something like that Zalman.

[Jack_Mord]

Great, that's what I needed to know. Thanks for your expertise.