First time builder seeking advice

[DRA.UTES]

Hello,

I want to build a nice gaming computer for around $3k. I have never done this before, and my friend is helping me with suggestions. I have been researching parts on newegg and reading these forums. I've constructed a list of the parts I want, but I'm not sure if everything is high-quality, compatible, etc. I've put questions next to the parts I'm not really sure on.

I appreciate any help or insight. Thank you!

CASE Antec 1200

MOTHERBOARD Gigabyte X58 UD3R
In the thread that ranked mobo's, ASUS was a blue-chip company and Gigabyte was ranked lower, should I use an ASUS, if so which one do you recommend that is within my budget and compatible?

POWER SUPPLY CORSAIR 750W Modular

PROCESSOR Intel Core i7-950

PROCESSOR COOLER Cooler Master Hyper 212

MEMORY G.SKILL Ripjaws 12GB (3 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3

VIDEO CARD GeForce GTX 470
The first piece of advice in the gaming rig thread suggested I buy the best gfx card I can afford. Is there a better one out there that is within my budget? Should I be using 2 gfx cards?

NETWORK CARD Medialink
I want to hook up my computer to a wireless router. Is a usb adapter like this necessary and does it perform well?

HARD DRIVE Seagate Barracuda 2TB 6.0Gb/s
My friend suggested the 6gb/s. Not sure if I need 2TB.

OPTICAL DRIVE LG Black 10X BD-ROM Blu-ray Disc Combo

MONITOR ASUS VW266H
I was told 1920x1200 (16:10) is best. True?

[glc]

1. We do not recommend the X58 and socket 1366 for a first time builder. You will never notice the difference in gaming with a P55 socket 1156, and it's considerably cheaper too. Look at the Asus P7P55D-E Pro and an i7-870. No extra cooler needed, the stock cooler is fine.

2. G.skill Ripjaws has been having major quality and compatibility issues. Get two 2x2 kits of DDR3-1333 or DDR3-1600 from Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, or A-Data.

3. Get the Western Digital Black 1 TB SATA 6.0 drive.

4. With that budget, there's only one video card - a Radeon 5970. Gaming is all in the video card, and if this puts you over budget, get the i5-760 processor instead. Best brands are Asus, Diamond, and HIS.

5. It's ALWAYS best to use a cable to connect the computer to the router, but if this is not possible, get a PCI wireless card that matches your router brand and type.

You will need 64 bit Windows 7, OEM Home Premium is most cost-effective.

[DRA.UTES]

Thank you very much for the fast reply.