Comments/Suggestions on first system build

Hey all,


This'll be my first build. I tried to do as much research as I could on pretty much every component, but since I'm still new to all of this I'd like some feedback on my list, if I'm heading in the right direction or if its rubbish; that sort of thing.

Its a lower budget build, roughly $725, and I'd like to keep it that near that target. But I'm open to any suggestions for replacement pieces for any and all parts.

The build is for general usage: media, multi-tasking, internet, homework (some CAD programs). General crap like that, but it'll be primarily for gaming, but I don't plan to do Crossfire or SLI.

Anyway, here is the list.

Processor
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz $113.99

Motherboard
BIOSTAR TFORCE TA780G M2+ $79.99

Memory
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 1066 $59.99

Graphics Card
ASUS Radeon HD 4850 $194.99

Hard Drive
Seagate Barracuda 7200 250GB $59.99

Case
Antec 900 $119.99

PSU
Rosewill 600W ATX12V V2.01 $69.99

Drivers
SAMSUNG DVD-Burner $26.99

Total Cost: $725.92 (without shipping and tax)

Some of my concerns are: Is my listed PSU adequate for job? Any components incompatible with one another? PCI 2.0 really worth it on the motherboard or should I try and find something cheaper?


Thank you for your tips, comments, and suggestions.

Thanks a lot for the feedback.

The PSU ranking list is a useful little guide, so thanks for that as well.

Interesting about PCI-E 2.0 though..I had found a less expensive motherboard, BIOSTAR MCP6P-M2. Only $49.99 compared to the other Biostar which is $79.99.

Only problem is that I don't fully understand the differences between them. The Mobo's have different northbridges, video chipsets, FBS, etc. I have a vague understanding of what each does, I don't know how much each will effect performance. I can see that it gives $30 better performance, but would it be a noticeable difference?

Get a intel e7200 with a p43 motherboard. I comes out of the box ready for 45nm chips.
This intel chip can OC to 3.6 SUPER easy and will have a bigger cache. way faster than the windsor 6000


Also get the HIS 4850 with combo 2g of crucial balistix ram is free

and get the OCZ 600w power supply. its only 59.99 after rebate and way bettter brand

Also, you had mentioned, and I've read in the forums, that the e7200 can be easily oc'd to 3.2-3.6 range.

I'm assuming thats with an aftermarket heatsink. Could I overclock to 3.2+ with the stock heat sink? If not, would a $20-30 one get the job done or would I need to look in the $50 range?

thanks again