another new build check up request

[pinky]

Howdy all,
I'm trying to build a system for about $1,000 US, and while I think I have a clue, I'm a bike mechanic not a PC guru so I'd rather someone else look over my list before I drop my money. This is going to be a gaming platform though I'm not technically adventurous enough to think about overclocking.

The list thus far is:

E6750 Duo Core (2.66Ghz)
Gigabyte D3SL mobo
8800 GT video card (leaning toward an EVGA when I can find one, though can someone recommend a model?)
2gig Crucial Ballistix DDR2 6400 RAM
250Gb Seagate Barracuda (SATA) (Is Seagate reliable or should I go ________?)
Lite-On DVD burner (looking for reliable - is this?)

Questions I have are for:
Case - I'm looking at an ANTEC Sonata III with 550 watt PSU and 1 120mm fan, don't really see myself overclocking and SLI wont happen with the selected mobo, that work?
CPU cooler - no OCing should I bother?
Monitor - trying to keep it around $200, any recommendations for gaming?
Am I missing anything??

Thanks,
jw

 

[itotallybelieveyou]

Good case choice. Heard it's silent. No aftermarket fans are fine without overclocking. 19" will do ya. Get XFX version of 8800GT

 

[g-paw]

I have a couple of the older Sonatas, really nice cases, quiet, good cooling, good PSU, and easy to work with. The HSF that comes with the retail CPU will work if no OCing. Either of these Samsungs monitors would be good. I wouldn't bet a cheap monitor just for a bigger screen. Quality is more important than size
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=Property&N=2010190020&Manufactory=1077&PropertyCodeValue=3098%3A21317%2C1100%3A10795&bop=And&CompareItemList=N82E16824001088%2CN82E16824001244

Seagate makes good drives, for the price difference might want to go with the 350GB, either way get the perpendicular technology. If you're not going to use 2 video cards, don't spend extra on SLI unless you want onboard firewire, to get it you usually have to get SLI. Also I prefer Samsung DVD burners, reliable and pretty quiet

 

[akhilles]

Case - ANTEC Sonata III with 550 watt PSU and 1 120mm fan is plenty for even an 8800GT PC (425W & 28A). You might wanna get an extra 120mm fan & stick it to the back of drive cage cuz the 8800GT puts out a lot of heat (mine is 60'c - 87'c). I too have a Sonata II as my family pc. The only maintenance is to pull out the dust filter & wipe the dust off with a cloth.

CPU cooler - Don't bother with aftermarket ones unless noise is of utmost importance to you. In which case, a Freezer 7 Pro will cut down the noise a lot.

Monitor - Google 941BW. It may take some getting used to if you came from a standard resolution monitor.