Building a PC for the first time. Fuckit.

Ok, I'm spending around AU$2000 on components. I've been a Mac user for the last year. I'm almost certain that I know what I'm doing. Prior to this, I've installed expansion cards, RAM and drives in other computers. Never done CPU or motherboard installs before.

Anyway, I went out and purchased a Thermaltake Soprano (nice case, solid construction, with 120mm front and rear fans pre-installed, with a 92mm fan on the side of the case) and an Asus A8N32-SLi Deluxe. I've got the motherboard installed in the case properly from what I can tell (replaced the ports panel, got everything lined up, got the spacers installed properly, everything screwed in, etc...), and the power supply came pre-installed.

Now, I've heard I should of installed the CPU before installing the motherboard in the case. Seeing as I don't even have the CPU yet (Socket 939 processor. Thinking of something around a 3500+ for now), and I've got the motherboard installed already, I just wanted to know how hard it will be installing the chip and retail cooler. I've got plenty of room in the case to work with, so it shouldn't be too hard, but I'm not sure.

I know to pick RAM that's on tested list that came with the motherboard. Anything else I need to look out for?

>>1 I'm spending $2000 on components.
>>1 I know what I'm doing.

does not compute

you can get a crazy ass SLI system, a three-drive RAID array, a dual core processor, and fuck good ram for $2000 AU

You should not spend that much money unless you are building the most kick ass system you have ever heard of. That should make an Alienware system look like a shriveled dick

Oh, I meant I'm pretty sure I know how to put it together. I didn't mean I know how to buy smart.

Buy thermal paste.

Wait wait...you're a Mac user and you just spent all that money building a PC? Seriously, just get another Mac. Your logic fails me so close to WWDC.

I see no reason why you should have a problem installing CPU and cooler after motherboard, as long as you got enough room it'll be easy. I've installed many CPUs and their respective coolers without taking out the motherboard.

the only real advantages to installing your cpu/cooler before installing your motherboard are that you can see what you're doing better, and you have more arm room than trying to squeeze a new cpu into a case.  i've installed cpus after installing motherboards as often as not, and rarely had a problem either way (although in cramped cases, i usually needed a flashlight to make sure things were going where they were supposed to)

www.staticice.com.au
http://forums.overclockers.com.au

that is all you need
also lol @ you buying stuff now not even a month to go until new stuff and price cuts are coming

http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/index.htm