Building First Computer - Need Advice

[VeiledMuffin]

I'm a pretty hardcore gamer and a hardcore computer user in general. Since my current rig is outdated, I figured it would be a good time to build a new system.

However, my knowledge on building a computer is pretty limited. The most I've probably done was put a graphics card into my old computer.

I'm trying to keep my budget around $800-$1200ish. My goal for this computer is to be able to play Crysis at a decent framerate, along with some other high end games. I'd also use it for working on different things in Photoshop, Flash CS4, etc. This computer should (hopefully) last me a few years at least.

I've looked into some parts and I'm not quite sure what to get.
Here's a few of the cases I was looking at:

Cooler Master NV690 - Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER NV 690 NV-690C-KWN2-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases
Antec 900 - Newegg.com - Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases
NZXT Tempest - Newegg.com - NZXT TEMPEST Crafted Series CS-NT-TEM-B Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

I'm assuming a mid tower is big enough, but any feedback or advice on building this would be appreciated.

[udaclif]

well...
for that budget u could grab a phenom 955 black edition
asus 790fx (for the 4 pci-e slots) of msi 790fx (for the 10 sata!!)
i have ocz fatal1ty ddr3 @ 1333mhz
coolermaster 690 (fairly cheap price for all those fan slots)
ati 4870
western digital hdd...i think this is the best drive ever :P
ocz stealth psu or the fatility edition

i think this completes my list......i had a 800$ budget.....and i've bought all of these stuff (@ local store though)...so i think u should build something in this category

[thephilosophizer]

Are you in the US?
With a budget in that range I think you can move into the core i7 area, which is the fastest stuff available.
The RC690 is an awesome case, great airflow, really sturdy. Some people like lights and flashy stuff, but that one does the job right.
I'd shoot for a gtx 275 card, or a 4850x2 (a great card, but will suck a lot of juice). Hard drive and opticals should be pretty straight forward. Just be sure to get a pretty hearty psu, especially if you like the 4850x2 idea.