Newb first homebuild critique

[kevinhy]

Hello Everyone!

I'm currently shopping around for my first home build pc, and was looking for a critique on what ive put together so far before i purchase everything. I already own a thing or 2 of what im throwing in here. Im not so much of a gamer, as the only one i play is WoW. PC is mainly used for music production software such as adobe audition, FL studio, etc. I intend to use dual monitor for 2 32" vizio TVs, that i currently own. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

--The list--

Cpu & Mobo - AMD phenom II x4 945 95w, Asus m4a785 mATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.334861

PSU - BFG GS 550
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817702010

RAM - Wintec 2gb + 2gb stick of crucial ballistix salvaged from my last pc.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161030

Case - Sunbeam Transformer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811166004

Fan Controller - Sunbeam Rheobus
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811998808

HD - WD 320gb from my old pc

GPU - i have an old hd 2400 i plan to use with the hybrid xfire until i purchase a better one.

 

[MadAdmiral]

That PSU has to go. Here's a much better one for only $20 more: Antec TruePower 550W 80+ Bronze Certified

Now the real problem. DDR2 is dead. You do not want to be buying old tech right now. DDR3 is about the same price as DDR2, and is a much better idea to build right now. I suggest the Gigabyte GA-770TA-UD3 board and G.Skill Ripjaws 2x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7 for a total of $200. 2x1 GB sticks of similar RAM will run about $58.

 

[kevinhy]

Thanks, ill see how much left i should budget off, and most definitely grab the new PSU.

All the reviews are nice, but i read elsewhere that the gs series is garbage. I was considering getting the ocz fatal1ty 550 watt, as it has a 25 dollar mail in rebate which would = the same price.

Whats the general consensus on that PSU?

 

[MadAdmiral]

I'd stick with the Antec. The TruePower is one of the most efficient units in that size, which translates to less heat, lower energy usage and longer life. OCZ is a decent budget manufacturer, but not considered one of higher quality.

There isn't much consensus on the best PSUs. The typical recommendation is to stick to Antec, Corsair, SeaSonic, PC Power & Cooling, and Silverstone for high quality. I tend to recommend OCZ occasionally to keep the cost down, but if you've got the extra $10-20 to get a unit from the manufacturers on that list, it's a very good upgrade.

 

[kevinhy]

Best answer selected by kevinhy.