$750~$1000+ Gaming Computer

PURCHASE DATE: More likely in a month or two, so prices will change by then, but I'm just trying to figure out a good system.

BUDGET RANGE: $750-1000

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Mostly gaming (towards the current games) , might incorporate some CS3 or CS4 Photoshop.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Got a wireless laser mouse, keyboard, 22-in WS LCD monitor (basically need a system and nothing else)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: I will be using Windows XP SP2 Media Center Edition (32-bit) or MAYBE Windows 7. So I will be getting 4GB RAM (2x2GB) DDR2 or DDR3? AMD mobo with crossfire support (I would prefer one without integrated graphics to save money and HDMI-support if possible, but not important), preferably AMD Phenon II x4 955 Black Edition with ATI Radeon HD 4890 Black Edition.

OVERCLOCKING: Not for now, but I want to in the future. I'm pretty sure my processor and gpu can be OC'ed, but I have no clue for what motherboard to get same goes for my RAM.

Maybe SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No need to with that card.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050 (probably using HDMI cable with 4890 adapter or mobo)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I've been researching and it looks like DDR3 is the better choice over DDR2. Any tips for me?

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First computer build for me so nothing complicated. I don't mind having stock fans, but I do want a good mid-tower/tower with a decent amount of cooling.

Preferred Parts:

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103674
$245

ATI Radeon HD 4890 Black Edition
http://www.xfxforce.com/en-us/Features/4890BE.aspx
$250-300 maybe?

Total so far: $500+

More or less I want to focus the cost my system mainly on the CPU and GPU. I'm guessing the break down of the rest would be:

SAMSUNG 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152102
$84

Sony Sata DVD/CD Burner/Reader
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827118030
$26

Artic Freezer 7 Pro
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835186134
$30

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835100007
$9

Total so far: $660+

RAM:

OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227293
$70

Total so far: $740+

Not sure about RAM, if you guys have any suggestions, please do.

As for the case/PSU/mobo this is where I need help. There are a lot of different mobos compatible with what I want, so it gets confusing. Again, I don't prefer integrated graphics on the mobo, so it will probably go along the 790X or 790FX chipsets. $350 sounds like a good budget for these 3 parts. Maybe $70-100 for the case, $100 for the PSU and $100-150 for the mobo.

Feel free to change my preferences around, I'm open to ideas. Thanks for taking the time to read my post and recommending builds!

^ go with that build but swap out the hitachi hard drive to another one which isn't hitachi or maxtor. Then swap the GTX 260 for a 4870 X2 since that PSU can hold one up.

You might also want to get some 120mm fans for the case to help cool that 4870 X2 aswell.

Thanks for the replies!

Ah. Good point there jtt283. So when looking for a cpu fan compatible with the Phenom II x4 955, would AM2 sockets be good enough or do I have to look for a fan that covers AM3 sockets as well?

I found only 1 AM3 socket type cpu fan on newegg, but the 2 reviews said the stock fan performed much better than that fan. I might just stick with the stock fan and look for others later on if I really need it.