Noob build (yeah another one of us...lol)

[Octanes]

Hi, I'm very new to building a PC, just started reading about the subject a week ago (and I'm finding it very addictive; read Proximon's guide).Would appreciate your suggestions. (prices converted from Philippine Peso to USD)

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Next week or two weeks from now BUDGET RANGE: USD600-800

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Work (Cad,e-mail,Office), Entertainment center, gaming and streaming to xbox360 (not really in order of importance)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS, Optical disk drive (LG 22x GH22LP20 lightscribe)


PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: (I'm from the Philippines and suppliers here don't have a complete list on their websites or they don't have one. I already did my research on the parts (thanks a lot to Proximon) and have some selections below.)

PARTS PREFERENCES:
CPU: AMD™ Phenom™ II X4 955 3.2ghz - USD283.00
Video Card: PColor HD4850 512MB GDDR3 USD170.00
HDD: Seagate 500gb/16mb 7200.12 (ST3500418AS) sata USD60
PSU: Corsair 620watts (HX620) HX Series USD123.00
Case: Antec 300 USD65

Mobo: I've narrowed my selection to the following (not that many selections here or at least from the source that I trust)
Asus M3A78-EM 780G - USD88
Asus M4A78-EM 780G - USD102 - leaning towards this as I plan to see how the stock does first before experimenting on OCing
Gigabyte GA-MA790GP-UD4H 790GX - USD190
Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4 790X - USD169
[AM3] ECS A790GXM-AD3 790GX - USD119 - I placed a link as I don't see this brand much
http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?detailid=957&CategoryID=1&DetailName=Specification&MenuID=145&LanID=0
[AM3] Gigabyte GA-MA790FXT-UD5P - USD 254 - recently saw this on one of the articles here,expensive! =)


RAM: depends on the CPU. Planning on putting 4 gb. Is this okay?

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe in the future SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe in the future

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS/ QUESTIONS:
1. Do I really need an AM3 CPU? or is AM2+ okay? really choosing between AMD Phenom II X4 940 (3.0GHZ) Blk Edtn [AM2+] or the above
AMD™ Phenom™ II X4 955 3.2ghz [AM3 right?]. there is a USD50 difference

2. Do I really need an AM3 board or is it okay to have an AM2+ board now then replace it in the future?

3. Do I need aftermarket cooling aside from the case? I want to see first how the stock does then I will see if I want to experiment on the OC thing.

4. Will my selections fit the motherboards that I have narrowed down to?

Those are my questions....for now... i guess.... would really appreciate what you think.

Thanks

Octanes

 

[Proximon]

Hiya, I'm glad you found the guide useful.

DDR3 makes a lot more sense here in the US, where prices are reasonable. I think you would be fine with an X3 720 and an AM2+ board, with some DDR2. The money you save can go towards cooling and PSU.