Need help building a slim desktop

Hey guys,

This is my first time posting in the forums, so hopefully I can get a good response.

Anyways, I've only built one other computer in my life and I had some help. Not to mention, it was a run of the mill desktop for some gaming and multimedia purposes. In otherwords, it wasn't too hard to figure out which parts to buy and how it would all come together.

Well, I am trying to build another computer but instead of going full ATX, I wanted to get something smaller, like an slim tower. I've looked at a few HP's and Dell's but I really want to stay away from the pre built garbage. That, and none of their options seem to come with a decent graphics card. I am planning on hooking this up to my HDTV and using it for some gaming (mostly steam stuff) and to watch videos and what not. So blu-ray is a must and so is a graphics card with at least DVI out, if not HDMI. The problem I am running into is that I am not sure what to do about cooling or the graphics card.

So, I know I didn't give you guys much to work with but any advice? I am pretty much open to anything but I am trying to stay under 800. Thanks in advance, I appreciate any help.

ugatorf

Oh, and I am planning on running windows 7 on this. I have the RC now, but I am pretty sure I am going to buy the full version when it comes out.

AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103649

ASUS M3A78-CM AM2+/AM2 AMD 780V Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131330

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.190991 $198.99 (CPU + motherboard combo)

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231166 $58.99

MSI R4770-T2D512 Radeon HD 4770 512MB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127432 $106.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139008 $54.99 - $10.00 MIR (+20% promo code)

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] wd6401aals $74.99

LG Black 6X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Model GGC-H20L - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827136133 $109.99

HEC 6T Series 6T10BB Black 0.7mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811121071 $39.99

Total - $644.93 - $10.00 MIR

just looked through it, seems to be a good set up. how will the card and processor hold up to gaming and intensive media editing? i don't mind upgrading a little more since so far, the set up is only at 650.

If you're looking for really slim, check out some of the itx mobos and itx cases - tiny, but still pack some decent specs

I appreciate all the advice guys. I was originally going for slim and silent because I just wanted something to put next to my HDTV. I wanted it mainly for watching media, and doing some editing but now that I think about it, I have a feeling I would game a lot more if I had a computer to play it on. The size is a must for me. I am a college student so the smaller computers are just easier to move around, and require less space. But, after seeing short's stuff suggestions, I think it would be an happy medium. Plus, as far as gaming, it should be good for a while. Now, as far as upgradebility, how does it fare?