Alright, so I told you I would tool around with it.
After taking into consideration the quad core processor, separate power supply and case, and the fact that most builds include separate video and sound cards, I pretty much built a new spec sheet from scratch. Had to reevaluate my budget a little bit, too. Sadface. Haha, this is sad, I know, but for somebody who has never been much into computers I'm becoming rapidly obsessed.
So here's the new specs. I'm a little worried about compatibility, especially between motherboard and processor, and I am tempted to look into a 24" monitor, but they're all much more expensive. (For good reason, full HD is a lot better than not, but do I really need 1080p on my desktop?)
Case: NZXT Tempest (chosen over Antec Six Hundred for equal cooling but with included dust filters, and a lower base price.)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811146047PSU: Antec Earthwatts EA500 500W
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817371007CPU: AMD Phenom 9850 Black Edition 2.5GHz Quad Core
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819103249HD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB (same as before)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822136218MoBo: This is where I have some concerns, but it's highly rated and affordable. Foxconn A78AX-S
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813186147RAM: OCZ Platinum 4GB(2X2GB)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820227298Sound Card: HT Omega Striker 7.1 I run a 2.1 System right now, but hey, why not overkill when it's cheap?
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16829271001Video Card: EVGA GeForce 8600 GT Again, big concern is that it's listed as DDR3 memory, which none of my other parts support. That a problem?
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130085Optical Drives: I upgraded to a BluRay reader (why not?) and a Combo DVD/CD burner.
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827106082http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827106227Keyboard & Mouse: Same, cheap and highly rated.
Monitor: Tempted to upgrade to 24", but they're all very pricey, and this is a highly rated steal for 22". Hanns-G Hi-221DPB
OS: Windows 64-Bit Vista Home Premium. Can someone take a look at this and tell me if it is in fact the OS and not just the Service Pack? That would suck.
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16832116488So, that's all I've got. ...Again. Haha.
Anyway, You guys have been great before! And by before, I mean in the past couple of days. I can't stay away! Thanks for any help.