MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131295
CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115037
GPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102747
PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139005
HDD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148262
DVD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827135172
Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129021
Thermal compound http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835186020
CPU cooler http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835186134
Total 812 w/o mail in rebates 782 w/ MIR.

Anyone know any better parts that cost a similar amount? Don't want to exceed 1000 if I can help it.
Should i just get the c2d 8500? Is it worth it to get a sound card, does it really make that much difference?

This is only $800 right now, and so I'll probably go with the c2d 8500 and a CF support MB. But what case and PSU should I get in that situation?

Here's my build that has an X48 mobo so you can CF later. It's better than P45. The mobo's bios doesn't detect USB keyboards the first time so I included a PS2 keyboard. After rebates, it's all under $1000. http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] er=8291612

I'd prefer a faster dual core than a slower quad. Unless suggested otherwise, with support of course not just "get a quad."

Well it'll be better in the long run. Soon applications will start taking advantage of all the cores, especially with Intel's prices on Nehalem. The E8400 costs the same as the Q6600, you can just swap them out if you're still not convinced. It won't affect the rest of the build.

Alright, what about the power supply, case, and mobo? Here's another config for $950. https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] D=11914467

(changed the cpu to 8500 and the mobo to a CF support)

if your really concerned about 3-4 fps in gaming id say you dont need a soundcard...the sound diffference IS legible, going from onboard sound to a audigy zs is imo a big difference. or if you plan on using midi.

but in gaming it offloads the onboard cpu audio work to your pci sound card for extra fps.

Alright, how much would this Audigy zs run me?

onboard is good enough

Before I head off for the night, need some comparable PSU, case, and MB. Also, does anyone know of a similar CPU cooler for around the same price. Preferably not one that is gigantic. How about ram? (2x 2gb ddr2 preferably)

you havent really said what you plan on doing with this computer yet.

Some gaming and some entertainment, not hardcore or else I'd be getting a high clocked quad with 4850x2 or waiting for the 4870x2. Just want a decent gaming rig that can be upgraded in the future easily enough.

Probably OC it a bit, around 3.6ghz or so.

A nice PSU I just found out about is the Corsair 650W one. $90 after rebates.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139005
this one is 80. Is it a good psu or should I stick with the 750 for more longevity and OC?

It's good but if you want to upgrade and OC a lot you probably should go with a 750W. If you want, you can spend $30 more for the PC Power and Cooling Silencer Quad but I think that 750W Corsair is fine. They both have single rails, so that's a plus. I just wish they made a good single rail PSU with modular cabling.

Yeah, modular is nice and keeps everything nice and neat. Is this the PSU? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341011
If so it's a good $40 more while they have more of less the same amperage.

Yeah, a lot of people like it more for stability in OC'ing. I guess there are things that don't show up on the specs but I think the Corsair will be fine.