First time build, ~1500 budget

[esmooths]

Hi all! Planning to do a build to replace my currently outdated computer. I've never done a computer build or overclocked before, so any advice is appreciated.

Newbie questionnaire:
1: PC will be used for music editing with Reason 4, game programming and some gaming (MMOs, Starcraft 2, Spore, HL2/Source stuff)

2: Budget is ~$1500 for everything (including monitor, keyb/mouse)

3: Buying in USA

4: No brand preferences. Not planning SLI/Crossfire, but planning potential Processor/Video Card upgrade.

5: No reused parts

6: I've done research here and newegg, I've picked out below what I feel should be a good setup for me. Mainly looking for a sanity check and any newbie advice or recommendations for better parts.

7: Have never OCed, but planning on trying with this build. I intend to keep it as simple as I can. From what I've read it's not too hard with this CPU/board combo.

***

CPU: E6750 ($195)

Motherboard: Gigabyte DS3R ($130)

CPU Heatsink: AC Freezer Pro 7 ($20)

Video Card: HIS X1950Pro 512MB PCIe x16 ($180 - $40 rebate)

RAM: Patriot 2x1GB (2 sets) ($190 - $40 rebate)

Case: Antec 900 ($120)

Hard Drive: Samsung 500GB ($110)

Power Supply: Corsair 450W ($80 - $10 rebate)

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827151153">
DVD Drive: Samsung CD/DVD Burner ($32) </a>

OS: Vista 64 bit Home Premium ($112)

Keyboard: Logitech G15 ($72)

Mouse: Logitech MX518 ($40)

Monitor: Chimei 22" ($240 - $30 rebate)

Total: ~$1550 on Newegg before rebates


Footnote: My intention is to upgrade to a Penryn quadcore and DX10 Video card when they are available and cheaper (12-18 months, I hope), hence the dualcore and X1950Pro now. Is this a good idea?

Also, having never done a build, what tools will I need? Can you recommend a toolset if I'll need one?

One more thing: Is it worthwhile to get the 512MB version of the X1950Pro over the 256MB version? What about 575/590 clock? I don't know if I'll try to OC the card or not.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MarcVenice]

Build looks pretty good. For the games you play the videocard should suffice. Might want to get a 520hx though, if you plan on getting a better videocard and a qaudcore later down the road. Or you might have to upgrade the PSU by then as well. Only thing would be the monitor, I don't know how good it is, seems REALLY cheap for a 22" screen though. And usually you get what you pay for ...

 

[esmooths]

Alright. A few changes:
Bumping up to the Corsair 550VX Power Supply over the 450.
Changing to Crucial Ballistix RAM (apparently the Patriot is not officially supported by the motherboard).
Changing the monitor to the HP w2007 for glossy screen and better quality.
Also, I'm going for the 256MB version of the Video card instead of the 512 version.

I'm going to place the order this afternoon. Any last minute comments/suggestions?