I am a noob to all this to, but I thought the AMD route was cheaper then the intel? Maybe if cost is a factor it might be best to look at an AMD processor?
Yep, AMD is cheaper than Intel but performs worse. atm with the Sandy Bridge cpus so dominant, I wouldn't even consider building an AMD system. But that's just me, a self confessed intel fan boy
Since he's not OCing he'll be sticking with the stock thermal paste, which comes already applied on the bottom of Intel heatsinks. Good catch for other builds tho