[Solved] $400 daily use/minimal gaming build.

I've been trying to decide what I really need in a computer lately and decided to just stick to the 360 for gaming and leave my computer to browsing, light gaming (i.e. CS:S), and music. I need a build that will be future proof for a couple of years until something life changing really comes out worthy of buying all while not going over my budget.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Next few weeks

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Web browsing, Light gaming, music, anti-virus

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, OS, Video card (8800 GS 384MB), PSU (PC Power and Cooling 370W), DVD Drive

PREFERRED WEBSITE FOR PARTS: Newegg

PARTS PREFERENCES: AMD processor, LED Fans with side windowed case

OVERCLOCKING: Not for now but possibly for the future

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: NO

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920 x 1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: If possible triple or quad core

What I have in mind so far..

Case: CoolerMaster Centurion 5 - $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119077

HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 500GB - $54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152181

Mobo and CPU Combo: Phenom II x3 710 + GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AM3/AM2+/AM2 - $165.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.271893

Memory: G-Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231166

CPU Heatsink: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2 92mm Fluid Dynamic CPU Cooler - $33.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835186134

PSU: PC Power & Cooling Silencer PPCS370X 370W ATX12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Already purchased
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817703018

GPU: EVGA 8800GS 384MB 192-bit GDDR3 - Already purchased

Media Drive: Lightscribe DVD Combo Drive - Already purchased


TOTAL: $402.22 no rebates.


Will this system be future proof for a good 2-5 years?

Would it be better if i went with DDR3 memory?

Also an AM3 only mobo?

Thanks

CPU cooler
Scythe SCKTN-3000 92mm Sleeve "KATANA3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185096

If you want to save a little, you could get this mobo cpu combo for $164, and get the RAM from your OP. DDR3 RAM currently doesn't have very many benefits in the low end, so you'd be better off with faster DDR2 for less money.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.273369

^ You should take a look at the AM3. For the money you are spending, might as well spend a few $$ more and get an upgradeable platform.

And as for the thermal grease difference, it is the quality and performance...

As for the CPU cooler, get this one...
It comes with thermal grease and performs far better than that Artic. It is BIG but would fit that CM 690 without issues.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835207004