X4 620 or Phenom 955

[PierceScott]

OK so I'm building my first homebuilt system. First of all here is a list of programs I run on a regular basis:

firefox
DVD Shrink
Media Player Classic
Nero
Newsleecher
Quickpar
Spybot S&D
Any DVD Converter
Win RAR
symantec anitvirus
and a game called Heroes of Newerth which has what I would call very mediocre graphics

My uses for the computer are mediocre gaming (pretty much just that one game atm), and video downloading/converting/unzipping and playing 1080P quality video's through my computer onto a tv. I HAVE NO NEED FOR MULTIPLE GRAPHICS CARDS so SLI and Crossfire aren't concerns.

I've decided to go with AMD because from what I've read the AM3 socket is probably going to be around a little longer than the new intel ones and will most likely be able to support 6 cores should I choose to upgrade in the future.

I'm a typical budget builder. I want value, reliability, upgradability.

I don't plan to OC the CPU but I might change that in the future.

My budget is $1000 but the lower the better without sacrificing too much performance.

I'm pretty much set on the following items:

OS will be either Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate haven't decided yet.

$85 - RAM - http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=13220BD4588&vpn=OCZ3P1333LV4GK&manufacture=OCZ%20TECHNOLOGY
$102 - Case - http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12610AC2203&vpn=PC-K62&manufacture=LIAN-LI
$50 - PSU - http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=13220AC1267&vpn=OCZ700MXSP&manufacture=OCZ%20TECHNOLOGY
$63 - HDD - http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=1508179511J&vpn=WD5001AALS&manufacture=WESTERN%20DIGITAL%20-%20DESKTOP%20DIRVE
$115 - GSU - http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=11830BD8475&vpn=GV-R567OC-1GI&manufacture=GIGABYTE

I DON'T know whether I should go with the AMD AThlon X4 620 or the AMD Phenom II X4 955.

I know the 955 is a lot better than the 620 but for my needs should I bother?

and seeing as how I don't need Crossfire or SLI support, what is the best bang for the buck MOBO for me? (depending on whether u think I need 620 or 955 of course)

The HD 5670 has an HDMI port so it doesn't matter if the MOBO has that I'm guessing.

I know this post is loaded with questions but any help would be great, thx.

 

[irule9000]

i have a simlar budget and build. I just posted a thread. Please take a look it may answer your question. Also if you have the money definately go for the phenom II x4 its amazing. The 965 is over priced. If you plan to over clock make sure to get the be (black edition) I game basicly the same amount as you i would wait for the 5830.
here is the link http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/279198-31-future-proof

 

[PierceScott]

i have a simlar budget and build. I just posted a thread. Please take a look it may answer your question. Also if you have the money definately go for the phenom II x4 its amazing. The 965 is over priced. If you plan to over clock make sure to get the be (black edition) I game basicly the same amount as you i would wait for the 5830.
here is the link http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/279198-31-future-proof

all the links in your post are broken btw so I can't answer my question through it lol

 

[Silvune]

Here is a useful comparison: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=106&p2=88 the only program that is common to both your list and that comparison is WinRAR, but perhaps there are some other programs that are comparable. You can also do more reading by going to the article for each particular CPU.
As for motherboard, I don't know if there's anything you are specifically looking for in a mobo, but this one is pretty good for the price: MSI 770-C45 AM3 AMD 770 $82. Which will support either CPU.

 

[irule9000]

sorry lol my bad. links are all now working

 

[PierceScott]

thx anyone else? recommendations for the MoBo? I've decided to go with the 955 btw, I've read that the 955 runs hot though? any need for extra cooling with it?