I've been slowly collecting parts as they come on sale for my first build ever. I'm planning pretty widespread use including typical office tasks, web browsing, and gaming. I'd also like to try my hand at some moderate overclocking (I've read it's possible to push my CPU from 3GHz CPU to 4 GHz on air). Please let me know if I need to do anything differently or if any of the components will not work together. Here's what I have so far:

CPU: E8400 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115037)
MOBO: Asus P5Q (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131295)
MEMORY: 4GB G.Skill DDR2 1000 SDRAM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231145)
PSU: Antec True Power Trio 650W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 650%2b650W)
CASE: Antec P182 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] tec%2bP182)

I'm re-using the following parts from my old computer:
GPU: x1950PRO 512MB (considering upgrading to 8800 GTS)
OPTICAL DRIVES: 2x DVD-RW Drives
HDs: 2x 250GB 7200RPM SATA Drives (considering adding a 1TB SATA drive)
MONITORS: 2x Dell Ultrasharp 2007WFP 20.1"
OTHER: Memory Card Reader

I still need to pick up an aftermarket CPU cooler for overclocking and am looking at the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] &Tpk=S1283). I wish I could find one on sale or at least with free shipping!

As this is my first build, I'm not sure what else I need. I do have a few questions:

1. Do I need to purchase any extra cables or is everything typically included with the components?
2. Will I need to purchase thermal compound for the CPU cooler?
3. The Antec P182 has spots for additional 120 mm fans in the front and middle of the case. With my intentions to OC, would it be a good idea to pick up fans for these spots or will the case's rear and top fans be enough?
4. My old Dell was not able to display the CPU temp. Do I need something special to monitor the temp or is this a standard feature of the CPU/Mobo?
5. I'm sure this has been asked a million times, but are there any guides that are especially good for building your own computer and/or OC'ing?

I think that's it for now. Thanks in advance!

I can't comment too much on what you already got other than I like the CPU. I would have gotten that CPU had I decided to go Dual core instead of Quad on my recent build (see my AAR thread a few pages down).

As for what you already have:
I would seriously consider going for a new GPU. And with your chipset, I'd look into the 4850/4870, or the 3800 series if you cannot afford the new ones yet. That should give you some better performance on the newer games. You probably are fine with your OD's and HDs, as well with your monitors.

I am using the HSF you are thinking of purchasing, and I give it a thumbs way up!

Per your questions:

It depends on what the mobo comes with. You should bring the cables from your old PC with the OD's and HDDs you are reusing. Otherwise, I think you should be fine.

Yes, yes, yes and did I mention yes? Most people go after the Arctic Silver. You can find it at Newegg or for a bit of a premium at your local Radio Shack (usually repackaged under a different brand).

I don't have alot of experience with the P182, but I would probably go with an INTAKE fan in the front and side (if that's what you mean by middle) of the case and let the rear and top exhaust take out the air.

The mobo should come with utilities that will allow you to view the CPU/Mobo temp as well as fan RPM info for any fans connected to the mobo.

I can't answer #5 since I haven't OC'd anything... yet...

Good luck!

Wow, thanks for all the great advice.

It sounds like I'll be purchasing an intake fan for the front of the case. Any suggestions on a model? I'm not exactly sure what they mean by the middle fan. The description on Newegg says there is a spot for a "middle 120 mm fan to cool your VGA," so I think it's actually inside the case. It looks like it comes with a third fan in the lower chamber as well. Here's a pic: http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggI [...] 025-09.jpg

You recommended a GPU upgrade to either the 4850/4870 or the 3800 series. How does this compare to my x1900 PRO and to the 8800 GTS I was considering upgrading to?

IIRC, In terms of performance the order in ascending order is X1900, 3850/ 3870, 8800GTS, 4850/4870. Check this website:

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts [...] 6,581.html

It doesn't include the 4800 series as they just came out.

After looking at your case, I start to wish you chose a different case.

I use an NZXT Tempest that cost me $20 less than yours plus $20 in instant/MIR's. And it has 6 case fans (3 intake, 3 exhaust) STOCK. The Antec 900 is also a good case for airflow.

But since I don't have your case I'll let someone who does make a comment on how to optimize airflow in that case.

As far as a model for aftermarket fans... the Antec Tri-Cool versions have always been my favorite. Hope this helps...

I actually got the case on sale with a MIR for $59.99 shipped which makes it a slightly better deal. Looking at it before I purchased it, I read nothing but good reviews. However, I can see how you might be concerned about air flow. I'll have to do some research to find the best way to push air through it.

Quick question: are the DVD RW/Card reader SATA/PATA/USB?

As for OCing check out the C2D Temp guide and the C2D OCing guide. Both are stickied. The HSF you selected (the S1283) is one of the BEST air HSFs for the price and performance.

The ODs are PATA. The card reader looks like it's SATA. Is this significant in some way?

I'm looking at the Arctic Silver now. It comes in a variety of sizes. How many grams will I need for my CPU?

Most likely the smaller 3.5gram size (usually costs less than $10) will suffice.

If the drives are PATA consider getting round cables or convert the ribbons in to round cable your self. This is to create good air flow.