So I am finally about to give it a go for my first build, and I think I can do it for under $350. Although probably thought impossible for many, I don't need anything really fancy (I don't game, no serious movie editing, etc.), and basically wanted something that rages super fast on the internet, organize music and pictures and movies, and something I built myself. This is what I have come up with so far:

Mobo:
GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-S2H AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Brisbane 2.5GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor

HDD:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3500630AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

PSU:
Rosewill Stallion Series RD400-2-SB ATX V2.2 400W Power Supply - Retail

RAM:
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - Retail

Grand Total at newegg: $306.95

A couple goals:
-Have a quality mobo to upgrade on as the tech gets better and better
-OC the CPU just a little bit...but we will see. Not right now don't think
-Already have all the optical drives I need (CD-RW, DVD)


Questions:
1. I have a stripped 2000 HP Compaq case which I was hoping to use for my build. Will the power button cable be ok for a newer mobo? Are all the case power button cables universal?
2. Do I have the right RAM for my AMD mobo and system?
3. Will I need any aftermarket cooling supplies?

Any advice/concerns/suggestions/stories/etc. are all helpful and needed...so lets here what you got on your minds!

I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. You might want to consider getting a nice, cheap case, just for looks/cooling, but it is your decision. I have http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811146025 and I love it. Cheap, keeps everything cool, looks good.

Generally, most RAM is compatible with motherboards with very little issues.

Unless you plan on overclocking, the stock cooler should be adequate. You may want to consider getting something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185125 . It's cheap, works well.


Hope this helps.

Thanks for the input, this is really helping me. Loved the NZXT recommendation, but how does that case connect to the mobo? what kind of wire? and are all cases universal these days?

You will be happy with your first build.

The Rosewill Power Supply is a little defecient. I would go with Cosair.
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139003

The case has plugs that go into the motherboard for USB, Firewire, Speaker/Microphone, and Power/Reset buttons.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Show [...] nel+Window

If you look there, the picture furthest to the right on the top row, it shows all the wires. They will go into the slots on the motherboard for the above mentioned things. If you have any questions about the case feel free to message me.

EDIT: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Show [...] otherboard

First picture. Note the metal prongs with the colored bases (White, Blue, Gray, White, Black, from left to right). Those are what those plugs attach to.

Drop the Rosewill and go with Corsair 450W

or better yet, look for a case/PSU combo.. u can get really good deals..
As for mobo connections to the case buttons, I know it can be frustrating as hell connecting those tiny little cables.. But i dont really think u need to worry as most mobos specially like the one u r getting will have an additional piece making it easier for u

Jeez, I'm just posting away here

As for this advice, if you find the correct case/PSU combo you're laughing. But generally cases come with very low quality PSU's. As recommended above, Corsair makes very nice PSU's. The 450w Model would be more than enought, but I got the 520w just because I'm paranoid. As for both the case and the PSU, I love them both! As for the connectors, most motherboards come with decent manuals, so it makes life a bit easier. NZXT has also been kind enough to include and "Accesory Box" full of goodies. It has adapter for the plugs to make life a bit easier. This was my first build, and from when the knife hit the box to the time I was installing windows, it took just over 3 hours.

This is all great stuff guys, thanks...so i think i am going to go with the Corsair 450w, and stick with the original case and trouble shoot any problems with the connector (it should not be a problem though). How about the HDMI output on my mobo? I am lucky enough to have a plasma tv and it is in the perfect place to do computer work as well. Will i get great quality with just the output from the back I/O or do I need a HD video card as well to make it honestly superb?

Well I have not actually had any experience with motherboards with HDMI output, but I do not see why it wouldn't work. If it doesn't, you can buy HD video cards, such as http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814122037 (don't know if it's any good, just a cheap example, first one I found). I'd say try the MoBo one, then if it does not meet your expectations, then buy a video card with HDMI support.