Got my list, need advice now on actual building...

[aggietex]

First and foremost, want to thank everyone on this site; its been the most helpful resource for noob builders like me.

Here's my list of parts I got, mostly from suggestions:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036

MOBO: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299

CASE: Antec Nine Hundred
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

PSU: Antec NeoPower 550 550W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103941

RAM: mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731

GPU: SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770

HDD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073

MEDIA: LITE-ON Black DVD-R/W CD-R/W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106228

I was very pleased with the pricing on these products. The antec case came with a deal on the neopower PSU, and the mobo came with a deal on the hard drive; saved me some money there... If you have any suggestions as to substitutions or testimonials, they are welcome.

Actual Point of Post:
I've never done a complete build before, merely swapped parts and power supplies. Do I need any extra items to complete this build? Mobo stand-offs, spacers, paste, plugs, wires, how do I check for these items and what are some recommendations? And finally, whats the process for installing a motherboard and CPU, I think I can handle the installation of everything, just want a heads up on how to go about it.

 

[Proximon]

I recommend this after market cooler, bracket, and thermal paste... they are at the bottom of this list:
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=10549628

I do not consider the stock Intel CPU cooler newbie friendly.. it's too easy to get the push-pins wrong. The Xigmatek system is harder to install, but it will keep your CPU cooler and it only installs right... by that I mean you'll know it's on right. Will take an extra 20 minutes to install (for a first timer) though.

Here is a recent write up that's OK... it's hard to get a really good complete walkthrough, but you can find a tip or two here:
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/build_your_own_no_compromises_1_500_pc?page=0%2C0

Applying thermal paste to your CPU:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appinstruct/as5/ins_as5_intel_dual_wcap.pdf

 

[aggietex]

Brilliant, thanks proximon!

 

[badge]

And finally, whats the process for installing a motherboard and CPU

Those instructions are clearly described in the ASUS MB manual. I would Install the CPU and heatsink on to the MB before you screw the MB into the case. Just like I would connect the Front Panel leads from the case to the Front Panel headers on the MB before I screw the MB into the case.

 

[o1die]

I recommend you use an anti static strap, available for about $2 or less wrapped tightly around your wrist. Place the motherboard on a phonebook. Install the power supply leads to the board and video card (if required), cpu/heatsink, memory and monitor connector. Locate the main set of pins for the power switch, and touch the leads with a plain flat screwdriver until you hear the board power up. You can then enter the bios, and set the boot order (ex. floppy, dvd, hardrive). If you use memory that requires more than 1.8 volts, change the memory voltage, save and exit.

 

[Proximon]

The P5Q will come with a little case wire header thing... takes some of the dificulty out of wiring the little wires from your case to your MB.

 

[badge]

That's right, the ASUS EZ connector works great! Look for it in the P5Q Mb accessories and connect your case leads to that connector. I broke one once. But I have the strength of 7 men. 8)