Need help with first gaming rig

After watching all my friends play the latest games on their nenw desktops, I've decided to get a new one myself. I understand that it is cheaper to build one myself rather than purchase a decent one. I've done some research and selected what I hope are compatible parts. Please tell me if they will work together and or if there is something better I should use. My budget is $1500.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400

MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

RAM: OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2P10664GK

Video Card: EVGA 01G-P3-1284-AR GeForce GTX 280 SSC Edition 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

Hard Drive: SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

PSU: KINGWIN Mach 1 ABT-1000MA1S 1000W ATX / BTX SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Case: NZXT TEMPEST Crafted Series CS-NT-TEM-B Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Fan/Heatsink: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler

CD/DVD drive: ASUS Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E818A3T

And I'm going to run Vista Ultimate 64bit

Thanks for your assistance

I'd get a WD 640gig drive instead of yours, it is slightly faster and bigger for pretty much the same price.

Also, if you do not plan to OC, go for pc6400 ddr2 instead, it is less expensive and won't restrict you.

The power supply is slightly higher than what you really need. Aim for a 750-850 and save money without consequences!

Finally, that video card is not your best bet for this system. First, you can't go SLI with it because P45 boards don't do that. Second, it is very expensive (so it makes no sense in a budget build). I'd advise going for an hd4870 or a gtx260 216+ (also called gtx 260+). You'll get much better return on your money. With the cash you save, you can then improve and go for an e8500 or a q9550.

Ok. If I follow your reccondmendations go for the i7, I think that mobo is SLI compatible if I'm looking at it right. I'm still under budget if I keep the video card I listed and change my psu, cpu, and mobo. Should I still change my video card to the 4870, or just keep the one I listed?