I’ve finally decided to build my own gaming tower not that I’ve managed to scrape together a little cash. I’ve read some guides online and I think I’ve got a grasp on this, my list right now:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 Processor
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4089662&sku=CP1-DUO-Q8200

Gigabyte EP45-UD3L Motherboard
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4410103&sku=G452-0004

Patriot DUAL Channel 2048MB (4 of them)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2967711&sku=P33-5010

Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS Hard Drive - 1TB
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4426054&sku=TSD-1000EADS

BFG GeForce 9600 GT OC Video Card - 512MB
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4390151&sku=B52-9607

NZXT ALP-001 Alpha ATX Mid-Tower Case
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3438627&sku=A406-1084

BFG GS-550 ATX POWER Supply - 550W
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4252534&sku=B52-3012

HP HPDVD1060i DVD Writer
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4291655&CatId=1624

Does all of this seem like it’ll work together and run games pretty well? I’m a college student so I can’t go too much higher in price but if there are any OBVIOUS needs or easy upgrades I’d love to hear them!Sofar you look alright.
Over some of your selections though

Power supply.
Personally if this is a Gaming Rig, and you are LOOKING to use that video card, I would suggest at least a 750w supply.

It may not be necessary but it is a good plan to have more power then you need incase you upgrade, or components heat up.

As for the specs, the ram is within the max for the board, though I think I should ask what OS (operating system) you are planning on Using?I'll take your advice on the power supply, i couldn't really find anything that gave an exact amount needed.

As for an operating system i was thinking vista, mostly since i have an extra copy of it so i wouldn't have to buy one.Sounds like a good Idea.
Another suggestion is to go to a website like www.memoryexpress.com and build a system on there the way you want then take the specs to something like Tiger Direct, as it has tools that help you get the right equipment for the parts you want.I'll take a look.

I posted this on another site too and i got a lot of suggestions to go to newegg.com, does anyone else have experiance with this site?It dont seem that you have a sound card.  Also I would get surrond sound speakers if you can makes it better and a second monitor setup.Can't go WRONG with newegg....
Fast shipping...great pricing....great Customer Support.I have bought 2 graphics card from newegg, I have bought memory from newegg, no problems whatsoever on newegg's end of things. Almost always, 3 days by UPS and I have my item. Only one problem with delayed delivery, but that was because UPS had a problem not NEWEGG!