Ok So I can finally upgrade my computer. Well it really like buying a new computer.

The only parts I'm re-using is the CPU, PS, and DVD burner.

OK first of all is my budget it 500 period. I can't go over that because my wife would kill me.

These are going to be the parts that I re-use. I like the CPU so don't offer me a Core2Duo. I know the new ones are the best but that will be for a later upgrade.

Ok here it goes.

Intel 945 CPU 3.4 Ghz Dual Core processor
430 Watt Toughpower PSU (I don't know if this will run the new video card i want to get)
Sony DVD burner.

OK here is the list if the new parts I want to get. Now all the prices I found were from newegg. If you guys can find something cheaper and be of better quality then by all means go ahead and let me know.

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119137 - 84.99

SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD321KJ 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152054 - 69.99

ECS N9600GT-512MX-P GeForce 9600GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814134040 - 149.99

2X WINTEC AMPX 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model 3AXT6400C5-2048 - Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820161182 - 73.98 all together

EVGA 122-CK-NF66-T1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i Ultra ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813188017 - 69.99

I thought of all the basic components for this system. The only thing I'm iffy on is the PSU that I'm re-using. I know that 430 would probably be alright for this system but I'm know sure about the 12-volt rail. I would like you guy's help on what you think. This is going to be mainly used for gaming so I thought I did pretty good for the price and what components I chose. The only real reason I chose that case was because of the size of the heatsink on the Mobo. I looked for the biggest, fattest, case that I could find that was cheap and that was what I found. I even looked for the size specs on that video card and I couldn't find any. Idk. I'm going to be ordering those parts next week so any advice I could get would be great.

Also to let you guys know is I've already built 3 other systems so I'm pretty comfortable with the whole putting together my stuff. I just don't want to be treated like a noob. Thanks.

well, note that you could be getting more from your card with a core 2 duo...

that said, i suggest a more notable ram brand, ie gskill, patriot, or corsair...

Your PSU might not be enough to power the 9600GT. According to this review, your PSU only has 20 amps on the 12v, whereas the 9600GT recommends at least 26 amps. It also has pretty crummy efficiency...

You shouldn't really have to worry about the size of the heatsink when choosing a case unless you're getting an aftermarket cooler. You could get a cheaper case and use the saved money to get this Corsair 450VX for $59.99 after google checkout with free shipping. But if you like the CM690 and are sticking with it, buy.com has the same case with free shipping: http://www.buy.com/prod/cooler-mas [...] 77908.html

I would have to agree about going for different ram, especially when you can get others around the same price if not cheaper. This set of A-data is $69.99 with free shipping. You can also get some G.skill for $75 with free shipping.

The mobo is a little iffy, but I guess it's hard to beat at that price point. Not sure if it might cause some troubles when you decide to upgrade your CPU in the future though...

Don't forget some thermal paste for reseating the CPU/HSF if you don't already have some.