First Time Builder In Need Of Help

Hello all. I just want to thank everyone who shares their knowledge of computers in these forums. It really helps us less knowledgeable ppl make dicisions. This will be my first build and a friend recommended AMD. Being that they are a little cheaper I probably will. I will mainly use the computer for gaming and plan on slightly OCing being that it will be my first time. I would really appreciate it if I could get some advise on the parts I have priced for my system. The budget for my tower including OS is $1000. Here is what I have so far.

AMD 9950 BLACK 2.6GHZ 125W AND BIOSTAR TA790GX COMBO DEAL $233.98

ANTEC 900 CASE WITH ANTEC 650W PSU COMBO DEAL 164.98

VISIONTEK 4870 512MB $274.99

G.SKILL RAM 4GB (2x2GB) 800MHZ PC2 6400 DUAL CHANNEL $49.99

WESTERN DIGITAL HDD 500MB $59.99

LITE-ON 20X DVD BURNER WITH LIGHTSCRIBE $25.99
TOTAL: $809.92 WITHOUT OS

All parts were priced through Newegg. I don't have a fan/heatsink because my friend said I wouldn't need one. If you notice any changes that would benefit my system, I would love know. I'm looking for all the help i can get. If you can find something to change that will lower costs and raise performance let me know. I really appreciate all your help. Thanks alot.

Thanks for the input. The reason I was going with the AMD chip is because i heard when intel releases their new chipset, all older models would not be upgradeable. Also I heard that quad is the way to go, and AMD would be comming out with a new chip that would not require a MOBO upgrade. Again this is just hear-say so I can't be sure. Again, thanks for the feedback.

The E8400 is more than enough for gaming.
You would see a difference if you went for the more expensive Q9550.
Then you also have the much more expensive Extremes QX9650/QX9750.
That being said, I'm sure you realize there are plenty of upgrades to be done without the need to go into the new i7 that needs a different motherboard (and so far offers almost nothing new for gaming). And that is without considering the fact that you will have a hard time finding a game that takes full advantage of even your current CPU.

The bundled MOBO supports quad cores.

Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120mm "Core Contact Freezer" CPU Cooler is one of best air cooler out there...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] %20Freezer

I actually have 3 AMD based computers and only 1 Intel at home currently, I am just directing him towards parts that provide him the most bang for his buck.