First Time Build - Please evaluate

[FunGus]

Hello all.

I just ordered Rob's book "How to Build an Affordable, Quality, Fast PC!" and I am looking forward to the experience of building my first PC. Well, to be honest, I plan on using that book as a guide to see if I really want to go through the process.

Please take a moment to review and criticise this list. Let me know if I am missing anything. My budget is around $1600. Prices are based on Tigerdirect and Newegg. I am mostly interested in using the computer for flight simulators. (IL2 Rules!!! :D )

Case: Antec Nine Hundred ($124.99)
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 ($199.99)
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS9500 AT ($47.99)
DVD: Sony DRU-835A Dual Format Double Layer DVD RW/CDRW ($79.99)
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 750GB 7200rpm SATA 300 MB/s ($189.99)
Memory: CORSAIR XMS2 ($96) 2 Gig total
Modem: Zoom Telephonics V.92 V.44 PCI (Model 3025) ($39.99)
Motherboard Intel Socket LGA 775: ASUS P5N32-E SLI ($204.99)
Power Supply: Coolmax / CXI-600B / 600-Watt ($64.99)
Software: Windows XP Home Editionwith Service Pack 2 ($191.49)
Soundcard: Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Sound Card ($84.99)
Videocard: EVGA GeForce 8600 GTS 512mb ($164.99)

I am also curious about what component gets the most bang for the buck. If I wanted to splurge, should it be with the video card, ram, hard drive, etc.?

Thanks.

[Jamie Nixx]

Everything looks good apart from the graphics card, power supply and CPU cooler.

Change the graphics card to an 8800GT, the 8600GT will struggle to play anything.

If you are not overclocking stick with the standard cooler that comes with the CPU, it is very good, if you want to dabble in overclocking go for an Arctic freezer 7 Pro.

Lastly, that PSU is rubbish, you should always spend a good amount on a decent PSU, go for the Corsair HX520w, $120 on newegg, it may seem like a lot but you need a good PSU as a foundation otherwise your PC may go BOOM :D