This place is ok for what your asking, but hardforum is better.
Anyway, yeah, if you have a 22 inch lcd setup (1680x1050 or 1900x1200) then you might want a dual card setup, but I would buy a great sli mother board and buy one great card and wait and see if you need another for the games listed. Could save yourself some money. Do not get a card with less than 640mb of video memory, more if possible. Like an 8800GTX.
As for os, you need vista for dx10. If dx10 doesnt really matter that much, then stick with your current os. I think that there is a video comparing dx10 and dx9 with crysis on youtube and floating around the web.You can get visa cheaper by buying the oem version that newegg sells.
As for getting 4 gigs right now, wait and save some money and just go with 2 gigs of really fast ram. If you need more upgrade later.
Powersupply, I cant really be of much help, hardopc is better but dont go with anything that is less than 600+ watts for your system.
Does p.c noise bother you, if not than just stick with stock cooling. If it does, look at silentpcreview.com. Tons of info+reviews of diferent coolers. I know nothing about water cooling and if you want to spend top dollar on parts than overclocking wont be necessecary.
CPU: Right now intel core duos are the top of the heap, but amd and intel are both coming out the newer chips soon so its always changing.
As for hardrives, just search newegg and see whats available. Maybe two hardrives? One fast one for os and programs and slower one for movies or a raid 0.
Soundcard. If you want your movies and games and music to sound good than a better soundcard than onboard audio is a good idea. However, you dont need one if you have crappy speakers. (but, side note, get some decent speakers/headphones too if you really want your p.c to be sweet. I used to be hardcore into audio before my left ear started acting up and it just adds to the experience of movies and games so much. Even some decent headphones like Senn hd 280s go for like $75. )
Physics card: I would say wait and see. Maybe it would be a good idea or might just be a waste of money.
For case, make sure that you have lots of room and its a big case. Good airflow and plenty of spaces for fans are a must. I would go for a full size tower case. Most cases come with front usb and other connectors.
What I've written are just some basic ideas. Go to hardforum and post this thread. The people there are far more knowledgeable than me. And do your research. Browse computer parts retailers like tigerdirect or newegg and see whats available. Find something that you like and google that part.
Dont forget about part warrenties!!
Good luck.
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