PC Build for 3d modeling and gaming

[pongo1967]

Hello, I'm looking to build my own PC for 3d modeling and gaming.
What build would be the best for the price range of 1500-2000
I use softwares such as zbrush, 3ds max, photoshop...
Take note that this would be my first time building a computer so pointers would be much appreciated!

pongo

 

[o1die]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130643 $167 shipped after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116501 $320
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231487 $130 (I use ripjawsX; very stable)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352020 $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182271 $120 after rebate; 5 year warranty
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127696 $295 shipped after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236175 $155 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135252 $40 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126097 $21 shipped (I use a lighted keyboard; $25 on amazon, but light has to be on all the time due to blue background)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416550 $100

Total: about $1448 after rebates

I was all set to recommend a xeon cpu and board, but the memory issues and board compromises made me switch back to a standard system.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been moved from the section CPU & Components to section Systems by Mousemonkey

 

[pongo1967]

sounds awesome, is this what you own?
and also, I was going to use this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&list=PL291F84A80CA32304&v=lPIXAtNGGCw
video series to guide me thru the process of assembling, how does the build you showed differ from that of newegg's in terms of assembling the actual computer?

 

[pongo1967]

Also, what hard drive would work with this build?