Advice for first desktop build?

[SKWeathers]

I'm looking to build a decent gaming machine for as high as $800, but preferably under $700. That's including everything, monitor, OS, etc. I plan on doing plenty of upgrading over the years, including an 8800gts. I also plan on overclocking. For now I'll be playing mostly older games; Doom 3, Quake 4, FEAR, HL2; and if I can newer ones such as Bioshock and STALKER. I don't expect it to be able to play future games as it is.

I've done lots of research on newegg and other forums and this is what I have so far:

--------------Motherboard------------------
GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128012
109.99
--------------CPU--------------------------
Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115013
117.00
--------------RAM--------------------------
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098
69.99
--------------Hard drive-------------------
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3160815AS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148230
53.99
--------------GPU--------------------------
BFG Tech BFGR79256GSOCE GeForce 7900GS 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143070
149.99
(I can live with only dx9 until I get the 8800gts)
--------------PSU--------------------------
XCLIO GOODPOWER 500W ATX 500W Power Supply 115/230 V UL, CUL, TUV, CB, VDE, FIMKO, DEMKO, NEMKO, SEMKO - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817189005&Tpk=xclio+goodpower
49.99
--------------Case-------------------------
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UB Black /Blue Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119047
49.99
--------------Optical Drive----------------
LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106073
36.99
--------------Monitor----------------------
Looking for a cheap one now, will buy a better one later.
--------------Mouse/Keyboard/Speakers------
ARK WO6301 Black/Silver 104 Normal Keys 18 Function Keys PS/2 Standard 3-in-1 Keyboard, Mouse and Speakers Mouse Included - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823235001
17.99
(I'll get better later)
--------------OS---------------------------
Vista Ultimate
20.00 (from my college)

Total (without monitor)=$676

Any thoughts, suggestions? Will everything fit in that case? Should I include a CPU cooler? Should I stick with XP for a while longer? What kind of performance can I expect from the games I listed if I play at a minimum of 1024x768 (or closest widescreen alternative)? Cheaper alternatives are always welcome, as long as it doesn't sacrifice much performance. Thanks.

 

[DJ-CHRIS1]

I'd say except possibly switching PSU, you got it bang on. For 20$ more you can double your drive space, which is probably a good idea as well.

 

[SKWeathers]

Is that PSU not powerful enough?

 

[OTSS]

nope best to go 600W or greater especially if your buying a standalone PSU (ie. not one that comes with a case) Because you will have to spend another $100 later on to go higher. Best to spend the extra $20 right now that way you save money in long run especially with your plans on upgrading.

 

[SKWeathers]

How's this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010?

 

[DJ-CHRIS1]

Is that PSU not powerful enough?

It's powerful enough, just its not one of the considered good PSU's. Also be careful as the most popular are not always the best.

 

[SKWeathers]

Then what would you suggest?

 

[jesussmurf]

How's this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010?

how about this:

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817190012