Building A New Computer

So I'm building a new computer from the ground up. Never done this before, and am a total noob when it comes to hardware. Only thing I've ever done is upgrade a video card.

My budget is up to $1000. I'll be doing gaming and multimedia work on it. I already have a hard drive, a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse. Right now I've got one 9800GT. Should I invest in a SLI motherboard and buy a second 9800? Or should I just buy one high end card?
I really just need help selecting a motherboard and processor. The prices vary so much I'm not sure exactly how much I should be spending. Any suggestions?

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

Great! Don't worry, I was too before I build my first computer and it isn't difficult at all if you get the right information. For 1000$ in Canada, you can probably get a core i5 build with a neat video card.

I do not think you should invest in another 9800 GT, the SLI of them will pale in comparison of "old" high end cards (which are now pretty cheap since the introduction of even better and newer shiny stuff) i.e. HD 4890/4870, GTX 260/280 (more expensive in Canada though)

I recommend you this core i5 750 combined with this asus processor in a combo deal, for 220$ on the processor and 170$ on the motherboard, can't go wrong. In total, you save 20$ with it. Most of the time, it's not really worth it to go far away from the 150$ price point regarding motherboards. This motherboard supports CrossFire.

If you want SLI too, be ready to shell out an extra 20$.

Thanks Elhehir. That processor and mobo look great.
I'm thinking of buying a GTX 260.
Any suggestions for power supplies?

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&cm_re=corsair_psu-_-17-139-006-_-Product

good quality psu with plenty of power

My Build.

Motherboard + Processor ($374.98)
Link

GPU ($189.99)
Link

PSU ($89.99)
Link

Memory ($97.99)
Link

DVD Drive ($28.99)
Link

Case ($47.99)
Link

Total Cost: $829.93

That would be a good build IMO.

Hmm, I've been hunting for GFX cards lately (to buy AFTER the holiday rush). Should I poach at HD 5470? I'm going to try a Window 7 build, so, I think it would be a relatively good idea to have a DX11 card. Processor wise though, I'm pretty conflicted with what I want. And don't even mention cases - I want small and quiet - they're practically mutually exclusive. I may end up making my own if I get really annoyed by the lack of a decent small case.

5470? Do you mean a 5770 or 5870? I would recommend the former, as it isn't excessively expensive and has support for DX11. Do you want a gaming computer or an HTPC?

Both are feasible in small cases and there are many options for small form factor motherboards for the core i5/P55. In the case of a gaming computer, I'd recommend a core i5 build, else, I'd go for a core 2 duo/phenom II. Besides that, other things are merely formalities.