Sandy Bridge new build help!

Hey everyone,

Looking forward to building a SB budget/gaming/image processing desktop. I've done quite a bit of research the last month, anyway here goes:

Approximate Purchase Date: By end of January, sooner the better, but willing to wait if cpu/gpu/mobo prices go down. Must build by end of Jan though.

Budget Range: (e.g.: $900-1300) After Rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: The intensive stuff: Photoshop, fractal/apophysis rendering and 3D rendering, gaming. I also multitask a lot and usually have a lot of applications open (4GB isn't cutting it right now)

Parts Not Required: keyboard, os, speakers, monitor

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: (e.g.: newegg.com, ncix.com -- to show us selection & pricing)
Whatever is cheapest

Country of Origin: US

Parts Preferences: Intel Sandy Bridge
Can pick up a i5-2500K for $180 http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml...
or a i7-2600 (no K) for $250 http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml...; I know newegg has those combo SB build deals but I'll go with whatever saves the most money
I was plan on getting a 27 or 28" 1920 monitor for ~$250 (consider this outside of the build budget). I do a lot of photo/image editing so I appreciate higher resolutions, but couldn't find a 2560 monitor for less than $1000... though if you have suggestions...

Overclocking: Maybe/Yes
SLI or Crossfire: Maybe
Monitor Resolution: 1920*1200
Additional Comments:
I am really thinking about 6-8 GB of RAM (with possibility of upgrading in the future) as I consistently run out of memory on 4GB.
I'm undecided whether I should crossfire / SLI. I don't play intensive games often, but when I do, I really like playing at highest, 1920. And I'll probably be playing a bunch of older (2008-2009) games on highest once I first build this, so there's no need to be maxing modern games. I would like the opportunity to upgrade the card (either by going for a cheaper card now and then SLIing it later, or a decent single card -> better single card later).
I'm undecided whether I should pay the extra for the unlocked multiplier. In particular, the i7-2600 for $250 looks like such a steal. How would OCing factor into the ability to futureproof? Are the SB chips good overclockers?
I'm also undecided whether an SSD is worth it, though it would be pretty cool to be running one.


Thanks in advance everyone!
Sherwin