First Timer's Build List - Please Critique

[rambler_04]

My old computer is starting to die, so, instead of putting band-aids on it, I decided it was time to can the old one and do a whole new build from the ground up. It got me all the way through college, so I can't complain too much. This is also the fist time I've built a computer, so please point out any incompatabilities.

First, this new computer will be used for design work (All Adobe products, SolidWorks, Alias/Imagestudio), so multitasking will be a given. It will also be used for gaming, with my favorite genres being shooters, simulators, and strategy/war. Second, I plan on keeping this system for around 3-4 yrs with minor upgrades, and the system will be overclocked at some point.

My budget for this build is $2500. The only thing I will be re-using is my monitor, a 17" CRT, which will most likely be upgraded down the line with a 24" LCD when I find one that impresses me. A friend offered me his 21" CRT, so I might be taking that in the interim. Looks like I'll have to get a VGA to DVI adapter to make it work.

After much researching, these are the parts I selected for my new build:

The Guts:

Intel Core2Duo Q9550
PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W ATX 12V
G.Skill 2x2Gb DDR2 800 RAM
DFI Lanparty DK P45-T2RS
Powercolor ATI Radeon HD 4870 (contemplating on waiting for the x2)
2x Western Digital 640Gb WD6400AAKS HDDs
Samsung SH-203N 20x DVD-R
Samsung 3.5" Floppy Drive
Thermalright SI-128 Heatsink
Scythe S-Flex SFF21F 120mm Fan
Arctic Silver 5

OS:

Vista Home Premium 64bit

Case:
Lian Li TYR PC-X500

Peripherals:

Altec Lansing VS4121BLK 2.1 Speakers
Logitech UltraX Silver/Black USB Keyboard
Logitech G5 Mouse

Price for this build, with the Q9550 price drop this month I read about here, is around $1972.

Let me know what you think and if there are any parts I should add or delete. Thank you for taking the time to review my list.

 

[AndonSage]

Looks good, although I'd go with a different heatsink. Check out this review of the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 at FrostyTech.

 

[fantomau]

I'd go with the Corsair 750TX, Its $114.99 shipped at Buy.com and 94.99 after MIR, Which would save you a few bucks.

I'd also recommend the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 and Retention kit, Its 26.99 after MIR.

You dont have to get the retention kit, But it sure as hell makes it easier to install over the push pin design.

I'd also recommend the Visiontek 4870 card over the Powercolor, As I've heard the visiontek support is great.

Also thes Logitech X-530 speakers might be a better deal and would save you $ also.

 

[rambler_04]

Thanks AndonSage and fantomau. I think I'll get the Xigmatek w/ retention kit instead, since it seems to be a better deal.

The only reason I had Powercolor down is that I've been running a Powercolor Radeon 9000 for several years with no probs. I'll take a look at Visiontek though, and I'll also check out the power supply and speaker suggestions.

Thanks again!

 

[engiNURD]

Also thes Logitech X-530 speakers might be a better deal and would save you $ also.

Yes, they would save money, but they don't sound as good. If you don't mind Logitechs slightly muffled sound, you get a good set of speakers for the money. I like the crisp and clear sound of Altec Lansings better, but I keep finding myself unable to resist the low prices of Logitechs.

 

[DaddyDC650]

Might as well wait for the 4870x2.