Hi, i've bought brand name computers for a while and i'm looking into building my own for once to actually get what i want out of it. I do play video games often, and have music running 24/7. I have taken computer engineering classes before so i feel i have a good idea of what specs i want and how everything fits into the scheme of things. I was just hoping someone with more experience can take a look at the parts i picked out and tell me if it looks reasonable, or if i could save money somewhere by downgrading. I don't need to play the latest game out, but i'd like to be able to use max graphics for once on games like WoW, CoD, Left 4 Dead, etc.
Here's what i want to get:
--HIS Hightech IceQ Turbo Radeon HD 4670 H467QT512P Video Card
--LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model DH-20A4H-06
--GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3 ATX AMD Motherboard
--Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
--AMD Phenom 9850 2.5GHz Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor
--ASUS X70 80mm Sleeve CPU Cooler
--Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
--APEVIA X-TELSTAR-BK Black Computer CaseYes
--APEVIA WIN-500XSPX 500W Power Supply
--Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit for System Builders

Some things i am not sure about are how to tell if the CPU cooler will have enough space inside the case, whether i need 32 or 64-bit operating system. I haven't ever over clocked a computer before, does it shorten the life span of your CPU or any other parts? If not, where would be a good place to learn how it works? I would also like to be able to eventually use the computer to record television, would i need to get a video card with a Coaxial input?

Thank you very much for any insight!
Gustave

Couple of things, first, I would get a different DVD drive, get one with a SATA interface. If you want to do TV, they do sell TV tuners separate from the graphics cards, so you can always add one at a later date. As for overclocking, unless you go way overboard, most parts as you are getting them will not loose too much off their lifespan (any overclocking will shorten a parts lifespan, but if you do not go too extreme, you will be fine). I have found many good write-ups on overclocking at Tom's Hardware, especially in their forums. If you do think you may want to try your hand at it, make sure you go with high-end on the cooling (heatsink, fans, and thermal paste). Also note that overclocking will create a higher power draw, so make sure you get a good power supply with enough wattage to cover everything.

I don't know what your budget constraints are. But if you want a real fast second disk for the operating system, this one would fit the bill. You'd need to spend an extra $10 for the installation brackets.

One site I forgot to mention that has excellent hardware reviews on the site and forums is Anandtech, also excellent info on overclocking, is you want to get yourself familiar with it.