Computer Configuration

780I = ddr2

790i = ddr3

get a smaller but faster hdd, if not faster then smaller.

unless you need a modem there is no need, you get a lan card.

here you go $2520

Chassis: Cooler Master Cosmos S Edition
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Interior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Power Supply: 750W Corsair HX (Dual SLI Compatible) (Silent Edition)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz (1333MHz FSB) (12MB Cache)
Motherboard: NVIDIA 780i Core 2 Quad (Chipset: nForce 780i SLI)
System Memory: 4GB DDR2 OCZ at 800MHz
Card Reader: - No Thanks
Hard Drive 1: 320GB Western Digital (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA)
Hard Drive 2: - No Thanks
Raid Option: - No Thanks
Hard Drive 3: - No Thanks
Optical Drive 1: DVD±R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x / CD-Writer 48x) (LightScribe Edition)
Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks
Wireless Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 9800GTX 512MB
TV Tuner: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
Extreme Cooling: Liquid Chilled FrostBite CPU Only
Internal Lighting: Blizzard Internal Lighting (Blue Edition) (Cold Cathode Tubes)
Modifications: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: Yes, Overclock the processor as much as possible with complete stability
Boost Video Card: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Boost Memory: Yes, Overclock memory timings (Includes Memory Fan Kit Installed)
Tweak Windows: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-Bit Edition) (For Enthusiasts)
Restore Kit: Digital Storm Specialized Recovery System (DVD Image Based)
Protection: - No Thanks
Office: - No Thanks
Benchmarking: - No Thanks
Install/Test Game: - No Thanks
LCD Display: - No Thanks
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: - No Thanks
Keyboard: - No Thanks
Mouse: - No Thanks
External Storage: - No Thanks
Warranty: 3 Year Platinum Care Extended Parts & Labor Warranty

CORSAIR has had a high failure rate here and their fan is not great either, ocz has had a great track record for now and their fan is cool as heck

lol your don't over clock a HDD, the raptor runs at 10,000rpm and thats why we love it.

btw you said memory then you list the raptor which is a hard drive, so not sure what that was about.

not sure what you mean by

"And for my gaming hd I want an external drive so it wont slow it down too much"

why not use an internal?

best way to get an external is to get the HDD yourself and then get an external case like this one, its got both usb and esata you can put what ever size hdd in there, 300GB, 500GB what ever size does not matter.

I would just add a small bit of advice if you really want to build your own pc. You need to read all the data on the parts you want to utilise to ensure compatibility. This would have told you that you needed to use ddr2 ram for example. Make use of some of the info the manufacturers provide on ram suitable for their mobos. Ensure the same for all your parts before you purchase. Don't forget the little things like sata cables and fanmate 2's if you plan on controlling fan noise. Considerable research in the parts will make your build less frustrating in the end. Remember that troubleshooting will be a burden placed totally on you when you do your own build. Get grounding devices such as a wriststrap and maybe a mat to stand on. Make your work area stable and anti-static as well.

As far as audio is concerned, the onboard sound with your chosen mobo is just average for the pc market. If you use high quality headphones and listen to CDs on your pc, I would recommend a discrete sound card. My first choice for music is ASUS Xonar D2X. It doesn't have support for front I/O however. Also, it doesn't support true EAX, but does a decent end run. Might not be good enough for the die-hard competitive FPS type. My second choice would be the top of line HT Claro+ wotever... with the analog devices opamps. Third choice would be the top Auzentech card followed by the Razer Baraccuda.

Good luck on your build and have fun!