[Arcology]

This is my first experience building a computer and I'd like to get some reassurance that this build will function properly and that everything will be compatible. I'll be using it for college and I'm hoping to be able to use it as a decent gaming computer for at least a few years. The current price just a few bucks over $1200. I'd welcome any advice on comparable parts that are cheaper, and I'd also be willing to spend a bit more if anyone has a particular enhancement that would be worth it.
-Thanks for any advice/input!

CASE: Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129042

POWER SUPPLY: Antec NeoPower 650 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817371011

RAM: Patriot Viper 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PVS24G6400LLKN - Retail
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820220335

MOBO: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131299

MONITOR: Acer X223Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824009145

HARD DRIVE: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200KSRTL 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - Retail
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822136039

VIDEO CARD: HIS Hightech H487F512P Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814161236

DISK DRIVE: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-08 - Retail
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827106264

PROCESSOR: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 - Retail
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115036

OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16832116488

HEATSINK/FAN: Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120mm "Core Contact Freezer" CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835207004

PCI WIRELESS CARD: EDIMAX EW-7128G PCI Wireless Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16833315041

Any opinions on whether to go with the Radeon 4870 or the GTX 260? I origanally had the 260 but due to my mobo choice and the fact that the 4870 is a bit cheater and at least equal in performance I was swayed to get the 4870 instead.

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looks similar to mine but im not quite sure thats still why i am here

[huFFy]

looks similar to mine but im not quite sure thats still why i am here

[zoneykid]

Good build so far, only thing I'd recommend is this heatsink/fan: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835233003
I have it myself and it works wonders on my proc(and it's cheaper too)

[Arcology]

Ok, thanks for the advice.

[kamille316]

I would also suggest to go with either a Samsung or Pioneer DVD drive as they make better ones. Here's a cheaper Samsung that you should consider.

Another thing would be to purchase a retention bracket for the Xigmatek heatsink that you're getting. This would make the installation of the Xigmatek much easier.

Hope that helps.
Kamille

[Arcology]

I'll look into getting the Samsung drive, and thanks for the tip on the retention bracket. That's the kind of thing I never would've thought of.