First time build advice

[Magicscion]

I'm a first time builder but I've done some research and put together what appears to be a build that makes sense for some higher end gaming, CAD, etc.
I'd just like to know if I got it right and to hear suggestions on improvements, (trying to keep this around $1200)

The components:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - CPUs / Processors

MOBO: MSI P7N SLI Platinum LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
Newegg.com - MSI P7N SLI Platinum LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

GPUs x2 for SLI:
MSI N9600GT 512M OC GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
Newegg.com - MSI N9600GT 512M OC GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

PSU:
PC Power & Cooling S610EPS 610W Continuous @ 40°C EPS12V Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, cUL, CE, CB, TUV
Newegg.com - PC Power & Cooling S610EPS 610W Continuous @ 40°C EPS12V Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, cUL, CE, CB, TUV - Power Supplies

2x RAM (for 4GB)atriot 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
Newegg.com - Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

I'm not sure if its worth SLIing 2 9600 GTs or getting an 8800 GTS and picking up another once the price drops some. Also, I've researched but I can't really figure if the PCI 2.0 slots are that much better that PCI 16x in terms of future proofing the machine.

A second issue is cooling im not sure that this PSU is enough or what it is I should be looking for in one (this one was recommended by a friend).

Any helpful input is appreciated

 

[NightSurge]

PCI-e 2.0 is PCI-e x16 version 2. It is what all boards will be going to eventually since it offers improvements over the standard PCI-e x16 1.

The 9600GT x2 is a very good SLI combination, but the 8800GTS 512MB is a more powerful card, so if you are looking for the best SLI combination down the road, I would get one 8800GTS now and another when the prices drop.

The power supply would hold up to everything you have. It has enough PCI power connectors to power either 2 9600GT's or 2 8800GTS's.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

I would get the Evga 750i FTW. It is a non reference board that has x16/x16 sli.

Newegg.com - EVGA 123-YW-E175-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i FTW SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards