$2000 Gaming rig - needs advice

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: next week (or sooner)
BUDGET RANGE: 1500-2000 before rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: mostly gaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: speakers, mouse, keyboard ... possible monitor (see below)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: I'd like to stick with newegg.com and i currently live in the US

PARTS PREFERENCES: I'd like to stick to intel + nvidia but im open for suggestions. Also I would like to stay away from a full tower (too clunky) if possible... unless it would get too hot.

OVERCLOCKING: No/Maybe
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes/Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1600x1200 or 1920 x 1080 (depending on if i get a new monitor or not)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Im giving my current computer to a buddy of mine so I am looking to build a new gaming rig for myself. At the moment I still have a large CRT monitor that I could use, but if i am still under the 2k cap I could always go for a new monitor  

Also I said no/maybe to overclocking because I have never done it before so I would be nervous messing around with it, but like I said, it is possible

Thankyou for your help

edit:
I would like the build to include an i7 and triple channel memory if it is within my price range