Advise on ~$700 gaming build (first time)

apaches

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Nov 26, 2010
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18,510
I am planning to build a gaming rig for at most $700.
Approximate Purchase Date:This weekend

Budget Range: 700 after rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming (team fortress 2, starcraft 2), browsing, light photo editing.

Parts Not Required: OS, keyboard, mouse, monitor, headset, HDD

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg, amazon

Country of Origin: US

Parts Preferences: AMD and ATI

Overclocking: maybe

SLI or Crossfire: no

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: I have picked out some parts so far and I would appreciate any input and suggestions.

Case-Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
PSU- CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
CPU-AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808
GPU-SAPPHIRE 100315L Radeon HD 6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908&cm_re=6850-_-14-102-908-_-Product
RAM-G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

the total cost of this so far is $~510 after rebates, before tax..

I need advice on a motherboard and any other suggestions/changes would be appreciated.

Happy Thanksgiving.

 
If you have no issues to try your hand at overclocking, then here is a CPU + Mobo combo, which IMO is a very good deal...
A complete rebuild...

X4 925 + ASUS 870A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.559887

RAM - Same

CASE - As you are fine with rebates, this is a very good deal -
CM 690 - IMO better than the 300 and currently @ same price as the 300, but has $20 in rebates...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

PSU - Check this one - A very good PSU for the price...
OCZ StealthXstream II OCZ600SXS2 600W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341039
Reviews
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/OCZ-StealthXStream-2-600-W-Power-Supply-Review/1058
http://www.guru3d.com/article/ocz-stealthxstream-2-600w-review/1

Check this deal
SAPPHIRE 100281-3SR Radeon HD 5870 1GB
$35 coupon code: VGA112235 (Expires soon) + $30 rebates = $214.99 with FREE shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102883

Total - ~$570 with coupons | ~$495 After rebates...