need help with first build

[Eomund]

hey, I'm looking to build a computer for about ~$1500ish. I need it to run CAD programs for school, but I also will want to use it for gaming. I probably won't want to overclock it, if that will make any choice in parts selection. This is all pretty new to me, so I'm looking for any compatibility issues I might have with these parts and any parts that might be better choices then the ones I'm listing.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550, 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache $325
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041

mobo: EVGA 123-YW-E175-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i FTW SLI $190
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188026

video card: EVGA GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130395

memory: Patriot Viper 4GB DDR2 1066 ~$105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220334

case: NZXT TEMPEST Crafted Series CS-NT-TEM-B Black Steel ~$120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146047

hdd: Western Digital Caviar 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache ~$70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073

optical drive: SAMSUNG DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe $28
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173

power supply: COOLMAX CUG-950B 950W $119
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817159072

os vista home premium 64 $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

monitor SAMSUNG 2053BW High-gloss Black 20" 5ms ~$200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001270

Total $1350 after mail in rebates and shipping

What do you think of it? Any parts that would be better than the ones I've listed. Wasn't sure what brand memory to get. Also is it good to get a SLI ready mobo so I could have two video cards in the future, or would it be better to just get a cheaper/different mobo now and get a better video card? I wasn't sure what size power supply to get to leave room for possible upgrades in the future, so is close to 1k W overkill or about right. Also am I leaving anything else important out that i'll need? (other than mouse/keyboard) Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

 

[kitsilencer]

Change the mobo. The nforce 750 is a budget version of the 780, and that came with a crapload of bugs. It's best if you stay away from nforce boards unless you're expecting to use SLI. Also, switch the 9500 for a 4850. It's a crapload more powerful. It costs more, but if you change your board to an Intel 975, you'll save some money there.

 

[ausch30]

AMD and Intel CPU's are pretty competitive price wise in the mid range. Most people choose Intel because they are planning to overclock and Intel chips have more headroom but if your not planning on doing that then I would encourage you to look at chips from both companies. I agree with the points that kitsilencer made but I would recommend against the 3 generation old Intel 975 chipset. If you end up going with a Intel CPU then I would suggest either the P35 (which is being phased out) or P45 chipsets.

If you do stick with an Intel CPU I would suggest you go with different memory. The CPU you chose has a 1333FSB so all you need to run 1:1 is DDR2 667. Intel CPU's due to their external memory controller run most efficiently when the clock speed of the CPU and RAM are in sync. Most RAM sold has several different sets of settings built in, some JEDEC, some EPP. I would suggest going with some quality DDR2 800 like this, tighten the timings and underclock it to 667 to match the clock of your CPU.

 

[huron]

If you aren't overclocking, you won't need DDR2 1066 - stick with DDR2 800.

I have an nVidia board, and like it plenty, but I want to SLI. If you only plan on one GPU, got P45. I'd get a better graphics card if I were you as well.

Also, drop the 500 GB HDD, and get the 640 GB HDD - better price and performance per gig.

The CPU is expensive for my tastes, but that is up to you.

 

[Derbixrace]

get a e8400 or e8500 instead of q9550