Opinion's on a new gaming build

[DRoZ]

I am in the process of researching for a new gaming build. My budget is between $1000 to $2000. Right now I only have a few things in mind for the build... For the CPU I am debating between the E8600 or E8500. For the motherboard I am looking into a good X38/X48. For the GPU I am trying to decide between a HD4870 512 or 1G. I will be dual booting Ubuntu and Vista Ultimate 64-bit. I will probably go with one or two WD 640. Everything else is pretty much up in the air, I would greatly appreciate any opinions on where I should go from here. Thanks.

 

[DRoZ]

Oh, I forgot to mention that I will probably be doing some overclocking on this build. Thanks again.

 

[groo]

If you aren't planning to crossfire, get a P45.

I would get the 1gig version of the 4870, it will be competitive longer, and even more so if they start offloading phisix to the graphics card, like it looks like is planned.
If you are planning to crossfire, why not get a 4870x2?

get an 80plus PSU, probably in the 750 range

and of course 2x2 gigs of DDR800.

as to the exact brand/model, it doesn't realy matter all that much, just be sure the mobo has good OC options in the bios and good VRM. there must be tons of mobo review out there. pich a likly candidate or 2 from newegg, and google the boards you are considering.