My first build, please help

[michael11115]

I've been looking for a decent gaming machine for quite some time now, and I have finally decided to scrap the idea of going with brand name machines and build my own. Problem is, I'm not exactly knowledgeable about these kinds of things and I am in desperate need of advice.

Firstly, I suppose I should say that this is being built on a budget of $1500 USD or less. Though I suppose that if I wait longer I can add more to that.

Secondly, I need pretty much everything; including monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Core 2 Duo is a definate. I would like to have the E6600, but I can settle for the E6400.

SLI capability for future upgradability would also be a plus.

Beyond this I have no idea what to get. Thanks in advance for your help.

[flanzig1]

Is the $1500 for a complete system or just the computer? Reuse parts from an older system?

[michael11115]

$1500 for the whole thing. I don't really have anything reusable.

[glc]

SLI with Intel is not recommended yet - the Nvidia chipsets aren't working quite right. However, Crossfire is a viable option but motherboards are quite expensive.

Motherboard: Asus P5B (single slot) or P5W DH (Crossfire)
Case: Whatever you like, get it without a power supply.
Power supply: From the Crossfire certified list at www.ati.com if you get the P5W DH, otherwise any QUALITY brand 500+ watt unit. We have power supply stickies in General Hardware.
Ram: Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800 dual channel kit, 2gb if you can afford it.
Hard drive: Seagate 7200.10 SATA of desired capacity
Optical: Lite-On DVD burner
Video card: Determine a price range and look at the "best for the money" charts at www.tomshardware.com
Monitor: Best bang for the buck right now is 19 inch LCD's, either standard or widescreen. Acers seem to be the best for the price, significantly better brands are considerably more costly.
Logitech is my preference for keyboards and mice.