1200 Build

Hi everyone, I plan on ordering by the end of next week, so any input would be appreciated. This is my first build so advice is welcome also. This build is for gaming and many other things. So far I have these parts selected...

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] er=7828691

Also do i need to buy thermal paste, and is it worth getting this bracket for the cpu cooler?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233019

Thank You for all your help.

That looks great, almost exactly what I got.

First of all, I don't know if you plan to overclock. If not, then stay away from the Q6600 and just get an E8400 -- Amazing speed for the price, but only 2 cores. This will not really make a difference for another 2-3 years IMO.

I don't have anything against that OS, but I would recommend against the System Builder's version because it can be very weird if you change your hardware. It will think you are trying to transfer it to a new system and start freaking out.

I personally like Arctic Silver 5, but Arctic Cooling MX-2 is a great alternative. Make absolutely sure you get the retention bracket for that Xiggy, unless you want to have to deal with those pushpins.

Other than that, looks great!

EDIT: Change your RAM, ASAP! Its good RAM, but for that price, you could get RAM with a MUCH lower CAS latency. Those DIMMs are clocked at a freaking 5-5-5-18! Pick up one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145194 or
one of these http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146793
I personally like the mushkin DIMMs, they are great quality, and this kit comes with a bonus of 3dMark Vantage.

That bag is awful expense at $21. But that up to you if you want to keep it around.

Thermal Paste: MX-2.