Hello, my current system is from 2002, with a few upgrades, so its about time I get a new one build.
It should last a long time, before it needs to be replaced again, and its mostly aimed at gaming, and programming.
Here is the items on my list atm:
 
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4 GHz / 1066 MHz
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X38-DQ6
Video Card: EVGA e-GeForce 8800 GT SSC Edition (512 MB)
Memory: Corsair DDR2 PC2-800 4GB CL5 kit XMS2 (2 x 2 GB)
Case: Antec Performance One P182
Power Supply:Corsair VX550W
Hard drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500 GB
CD/DVD: Samsung Super-WriteMaster SH-S203P
CPU cooler: ThermalTake - Extreme Spirit II
Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 226BW (22” 1680 x 1050)
 
OS: vista
 
Is 550W enough?
 
How well will the cpu cooler do if OCing and how high would I be able to push it? Any suggestions for other coolers?
 
I initially thought that I would have the option of upgrading with a second 8800GT (SLI) but that’s not supported on the board I want.    
Are the nvidia boards as bad as Ive read, or would it be better to go for a nforce board + SLI option since Im getting a 8800GT?
 
I wanted the 2x2GB memory blocks to be able to upgrade to 8GB in the future. How will the selected memory do if OCing?
 
Any input or suggestions would be more then appreciated.    
 
Thanks in advance

I don't think you'll need SLI with a 22" monitor. That is a very good power supply that will do a nice job. I couldn't find that cooler listed by that name, maybe a model # would help, but you should look at this one. I haven't done a build with one yet, but from what I've read it's very good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233003
 
 
 
 
 
 

Is this the cooler? If it is, it's a northbridge cooler not CPU. http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/374

It was indeed the one you linked to, thanks for pointing out my mistake chuckm!    
 

Ive seen a lot of ppl use the P35 instead of X38.
Any advice on choosing between the two? How much more will I get with the X38, and how much longer will it last me?
I read somewhere that the X38 is better prepared for the new generation of videocards with PCIe 2.0.. Anyone know more about this?

About all you'll gain from X38 is true Crossfire. Performance wise P35 has been as good as X38. The whole platform is going to change the end of this year or the first of next, new socket, motherboards and DDR3 ram.

Ok I think Ill use a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L instead of the X38 then. It will cut the cost a bit.
 
Again, thanks for the advice.