(Keep in mind I'm no veteran, but I've done my bits of research, and these would be my suggestions.)
Processor:
Intel i7-870 $550
Motherboard:
ASUS Maximus III Formula $250
Memory:
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 $115 x 2 = $230
Graphics Card:
XFX ATI Radeon HD5870 $540
Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB $75
Optical Drive:
LG Black SATA Blu-ray Reader / DVD Burner $130
and/or
Plextor Black SATA DVD Burner $45
Power Supply:
CORSAIR CMPSU-850HX 850W $200
Case:
Cooler Master HAF932 $140
I'm not confident in making a statement on monitors, speakers, headsets, mice, or keyboards. Really it seems that you are usually just paying for better odds, and getting the same result. For all of these I, personally, suggest finding a local store and a good warranty. (Not helpful, I know, but that's all I can say.)
Anyway, what I chose to look at was an LGA 1156 build. You could go with an i7 LGA 1336, but the 1156 socket models have an advantage over the equivalent 1336's: better turbo-boost technology. When you're not multitasking heavily, you get extra power from the cores, meaning that the i7-870, for example, beats out the i7-940 consistently. However, there have been issues with the 1156 socket not connecting properly when you push it in. You have to be extra careful with it, especially if you are overclocking a lot. So I suggest the newer ones, specifically the i7-870 in your case, but along with that warning.
For motherboards I picked what seemed to come well recommended, along with having SLI/CF support in x8 x8 mode (not a big drop in power from the dual x16's that some more expensive and LGA 1336 boards can achieve), and plenty of other good stuff. It should be well within your price range, too.
For the power it gives, this is the best memory I could find review-wise. It's got a great CAS latency, and plenty of power to it, and at a fine price. On your budget, you might go ahead and get two orders for the more GB (or look for something else so you can get up to 16GB), but you can just as easily stick with 4GB, and put the extra money into something else. (This is the memory I hope to put in my new system soon enough, by the by.)
I suppose this comes down to opinion and longevity, but I suggest the XFX HD-5870. Cheaper than two 5850's, and nearly as good in a lot of cases, and with the bonus thought that you can get another at a later date to improve your graphics again when the time comes. I picked XFX because of recommendation, but I'm sure Sapphire is just as good.
On the hard drive, unless you feel you
need 1TB, I suggest the WD Caviar Black 640GB. It preforms slightly better, reduces the cost, and likely has all the space you'll need. That comes down to you'r choice though, and the 1TB suggested before is not a bad one.
For your optical drive(s), my primary suggestion is the LG Blu-Ray reader and DVD-Burner combo. If blu-ray's take over, or you ever feel like using one, you're given that insurance. But, the one below it is great for a DVD-burner only (and a good deal less in cost). Of course, you could also get both and have the backup ready if you need it.
As far as Corsair power supplies go they are certainly good, and of them that one is great. It's pricey compared to some alternatives, but you get what you pay for: modular cables, energy efficiency, plenty of watts, and a good fan. On your budget, I'd say it's the best choice.
Lastly, that case is a bit of a personal thing, but I think it's beautiful. Full tower of course, very sturdy, and plenty of airflow. I'm sad that I'm not getting it. However, if you feel like saving a bit, you could do what I plan on doing and get this:
http://tinyurl.com/ygv4rn2 . That offers you the above hard drive, and a case that's not much of a step down from the above case for just $100. It's not a full tower, but, as a friend pointed out to me, it's only got a 7% decrease in total volume. It's also got the ability to hold 7 fans (it comes with two), of course. It's what I'm getting, and you obviously don't need to on your budget, but it wouldn't be a bad buy, I don't think.
All in all that's a $2030-$2160 system. $600 or less should get you a fine mouse, keyboard, monitor, cables, and all that. If you want to reduce the price, though, I suggest first cutting out one of the sets of $115 memory. After that, you might drop down a processor level and get the i7-860, cutting away a bit more than $200. Then I'd say motherboard, power supply, or that case deal.
Anyway, them's my suggestions.
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