Old Gamer building a new rig

[OTHG_ChefTreb]

Hi everyone, Im new here and would like some advice on my new build. This is my first build, so Ive been reading lots of reviews and how to's. Ill be using the machine mostly for gaming with my daughter doing some graphic work in photoshop. Im ready to pull the trigger and order the parts, but want to make sure I'm hitting the "sweetspot". My budget is right on a grand for everthing including the os. Im going with xp pro, dont think Im ready for Vista yet, my printer and things are older and I dont want driver issues.
CPU:Newegg.com - AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
MoBo:Newegg.com - AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
Memory:Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
GPU:Newegg.com - EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
PSU:Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX ATX12V / EPS12V 650W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CE, CB, TUV, FCC, CCC - Retail
CPU cooler:Newegg.com - ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 64 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
Hard Drive:Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
DVD:Newegg.com - LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 20X DVD±R DVD Burner - OEM
Case:Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Centurion 532 RC-532-SKN1 Black Aluminum bezel, SECC chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
extra case fan:Newegg.com - Thermaltake A2018 120mm Blue LED Case Fan - Retail
or the intel version, all the same except
CPU:Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
MoBo:Newegg.com - ASUS P5N-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
memory:Newegg.com - mushkin 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) with EPP Profile Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
Now Ive never OC'd before but wouldnt mind trying. Thinking also of future upgrades, like SLI or going from a dual core to a Quad. thats why the MoBo and PSU. I've read that AMD is having probs with the AM2 boards handeling the Quad Phenoms, true? Thought I was set on the 8800, but the more I read Imay want to look into the 9600 for a litlle savings or a ATI 3870, I know Id need a different MoBo in this case. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chef

 

[Trotter]

With a budget of $1K, go with Intel for now.

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard - Retail

The 9600 would do you fine since you aren't a super-hardcore gamer (from what I am picking up). The 3870 or 8800 would also work, but the 9600 is a definite sweetspot.

*EDIT* Missed your Intel option. Same CPU, but the Gigabyte is highly recommended around here.

 

[Baez]

You should seriously think of the Intel CPU over AMD if you're interested in overclocking. And the new E8400 is faster and should fit your budget of a thousand versus the E6750. Video card, the 9600GT is the best "bang-for-your-buck" card out there right now.

Looks good other than those changes.

 

[OTHG_ChefTreb]

I was looking at that very Gigabyte board,but it has no sli option. I,ve also looked at the e8400, a friend recommended it. but they seem rather hard to find. It would keep me in budget goin with the e8400 and the 9600. thanks for the input.

 

[Baez]

NCIX.com still has a bunch in stock the last time I checked.

 

[Hussein19891]

Give this card a try instead. Its the same price, faster, and has more memory.

Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100225L Radeon HD 3870 512MB 256-bit GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

 

[Trotter]

SLI is a waste of money. A single card runs better, and by the time the single card needs help, the next gen is already on the market.

 

[krazyq]

9600gt=3870...

 

[OTHG_ChefTreb]

so, your saying forget about going SLI or Crossfire. I can understand that, from what Ive read you only gain around 50% by running it anyway. Maybe Ill go with the recommended Gigabyte board and try to locate a e8400. I think the 9600 is the way to go on a 1440x900 19 widescreen too.
Only worry I have is the CPU cooler, Ive read nightmares on how hard they are to get on. I believe the one I have pick comes with the thermal paste already on it, so I dont have to worry about getting to much/to little.

 

[krazyq]

the stock intel cooler is really easy to put on...way easier than aftermarket ones.
The arctic cooling freezer pro is really easy too.
You could also think about getting the q6600 instead of the e8400.
Im selling a brand new one right now and you can see it below my sig.