new $1000 build - how do these parts look? specific questions inside

[Sesami]

My goal is to build a computer around $1000 that can run engineering/modeling programs (such as SolidWorks) well, and also play most modern games like Call of Duty 4 (non-crossfire mode). Here are some parts I picked out so far. I also eventually plan to add some sort of TV-tuner to this system, which will also be used to watch movies and such.

processor - CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115029
-This seems like the best bang for the buck currently.

video card - SAPPHIRE 100222L Radeon HD 2900PRO 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102717
-Customers generally gave this card good reviews. Only thing I'm concerned about is it doesn't mention the memory clock speed or the GPU clock speed - do I need to be concerned with these?

memory - OCZ Platinum Revision 2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227139
-I've noticed several people are using 2x2GB for 32-bit Vista now, but I don't know if this upgrade would be helpful for my purposes.

motherboard - DFI BLOOD IRON P35-T2RL LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136038
-Seems like an off brand, but good reviews and cheap price seem too good to pass up. I especially like the 6 external USB ports. I don't really see the point in upgrading to a more expensive board, only that it will be able to support more advanced components in the future - is this correct or should I be looking for something better? Also, do most motherboards like this one have satisfactory audio (for movies/songs/games)?

monitor - Westinghouse L2410NM Black 24" 8ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 500 cd/m2 1000:1 Built in Speakers - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824255001
-This part was probably the most difficult one to choose. I could go with a 22", which would be so much cheaper, but I can't seem to find any good 22" LCD out there that have the 500 cd/m^2 brightness I'm looking for. I went to Best Buy the other day, and this 500 cd/m^2 Westinghouse monitor just stood out - great brightness and really nice viewing angle. The other, even more expensive monitors, would seem to change "shading" as I viewed the monitor from a greater angle. Unfortunately this monitor is $400 and therefore takes up almost half my budget.

case + PSU - RAIDMAX Smilodon Extreme ATX-612WEBP Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811156098
-This product doesn't have any reviews, but a similar RAIDMAX box and PSU got fairly good reviews. I really picked this item quickly though - if anyone has other recommendations they would be great to hear. Also, is 500W enough for this system? Is it generally cheaper to buy a PSU and case separately?

operating system - Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade

I am open to any and all suggestions - thanks for your input

[waxpants1]

if i where you i wouldnt use the psu that comes with the case(iv have realy bad xp with doing that) and get a 550watt or more just in case

[Parcae]

My knowledge is extremely limited, so take whatever I say with a grain of salt. Having said that, a few comments of dubious validity:

There are few case/psu combos that have reliable psus. Try getting a budget case and reliable separate psu instead, such as the following:

FSP Group AX500-PN ATX2.2 500W Power Supply - Retail
Rosewill R222-P-BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

I think the price is fairly comparable.

The graphics card is the key to a gaming build. Yours is OK but you might want to shell out $25 more for a 3850 such as this one:

HIS Hightech H385F256NP Radeon HD 3850 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

Or you could even spend $70 more for one of the 256mb versions of the 8800gt, which would definitely be a big plus from the gaming point of view.

As for the mobo, you can save a few bucks and get one from a more reputable manufacturer:

ASUS P5KPL-VM LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Comments on Newegg are a bit worrying, but it's a small sample and Asus is said to be generally reliable.

About the screen - well, it seems odd to me to be spending so much on a huge screen that your GPU probably wouldn't be able to make full use of for graphically demanding applications, but if you spend more time in processor- rather than graphics-intensive applications it might be worth it. Whatever floats your boat.

[Masaki 7-11]

The Processor should work great for your tasks, but the video card will have trouble with the power supply. The HD2900 series use a lot more power than the HD3800 series (as much as an 8800Ultra). So you should look for a good minimum 550W power supply, from a company such as Antec.

DFI was known for making really good gaming motherboards a while ago, however they aren't as popular as before but will still provide good performance and stability. Regarding audio, you'll want to get a motherboard that has other sound chip than realtek or buy a separate card. Realtek sound chips don't have EAX, so that will make it hard to play games properly (audio will sound the same no matter where you are).

Here are some recommended changes:
Ram- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227089
Very close to the ram you picked out but a decent amount cheaper

Case- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811156078
Same case as the one you picked out but without power supply

Power Supply- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171013
This is a good power supply with 600W

The Realtek sound on most motherboards will be ok, but once you can afford it, you should get a dedicated sound card.

[Ahura]

I think the card and that size of screen will be fine. It is just that when you play game and want native resolution for that size, 2XXX by 1600 something, it might slow down a bit since 256 mem is a bit inadequate.

[Masaki 7-11]

The resolution is 1920 x 1200, but 512MB should make a difference when playing at that native resolution.