$700 Gaming Build - Newbie needs advice

[lems]

I have never built a computer before and this will be my first one

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This Week

BUDGET RANGE: $700 Before Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming and programming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I need everything

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: AMD CPU

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: > 1600x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

1) Should a noobie overclock?
2) I plan to unlock 2 cores from the phenom to get quad core. Can I unlock with the mobo I chose?
3) Do I need a bigger power supply?
4) Can I survive with just the heatsink that comes with the cpu?
5) Keep in mind I still have to buy a monitor(I'm willing to go anywhere < $800 with a monitor)


Parts I have selected

Case:
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

HD:
Western Digital AV-GP WD10EVDS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal AV Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136496

MOBO:
MSI 770-G45 AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130250

Video Card:
EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130339

Power Supply:
Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030

Memory:
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

CPU:
AMD Phenom II X2 550 Callisto 3.1GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Desktop Processor HDX550WFGMBOX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103847


Comes out to $767 with a $130 monitor

 

[batuchka]

Ouch the GTS 250 is a refresh of the 9800GTX+ (but offers better efficiency) and $120AR is daylight robbery when the former could be had under $100 @@ In any case in the GPU hierachy u are getting performance around the HD 4770/GTS 250/HD 4850 country

That said

Unlocking + stable should be viewed as a bonus not a given and over a spread of current and incoming games i would say the Rana 440 is a safer/better buy ^^

In summary

Tower @ $538AR

Acer X233HZBD Black 23.6" $170 free Photo printer free ship
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009252
$708AR Grand Total

 

[WC Aftermath]

+1 for batuchka

 

[falseg0d]

I see biostar as a second rate company, but if batuchka recommends it go for it.
Also the 460 isn't worth it unless it's 1gb. Trade that in for a 5770.

EDIT: What about an OS?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.470409

 

[lems]

Best answer selected by lems.