e6600 is the first core2 duo that has the 4mb L2 cache. while it is not the xtreme edition, the performance on this processor is excellent, and it is "over-clockable" to xtreme speeds with proper cooling. I found the stock intel fan is adequate if not overclocking, but a supplimentary cooler will always help.

Zalman and Thermaltake have performed well for us. This particular zalman is rather large and makes some noise if you don't have it on low, and it may need some adjustments to fit on an intel mobo, but it works and allows for overclocking, although watercooling is always best for that. You will also want to buy good thermal compound such as Arctic-5/Silver for this, running about 10 dollars.

Thermaltake, OCZ, etc...so many big names making power supplies. Bottom line, you will need 500-700w now and in the future. Most have 12V, 20+4 pins, good fans, and plenty of SATA connectors. Plan on spending about 100 bucks for a good one. Plan on protecting it with a UPS battery backup or good power supply.

You need a good DVD rom for most games, this is a +/- burner I have used for over a year costing only $35.

I love this keyboard, and feel it gives me the upper hand in many games because of its programmable hotkeys/macros. the LCD screen tells me what is going on with Ventrillo among many other things.

Great sound card, you might upgrade to the platinum edition as it includes a front face plate that allows you to quickly connect headsets and adjust volume. I run mine into my 900w receiver using the optical output when I have guests over or really want loud games.