Can anyone give me some advice on parts/compatibility for my new rig?

[Dingo54]

So I'm planning on putting together a new media/gaming PC, but this will be my first time building from scratch so I have some concerns about compatibility, and would really appreciate some feedback from some more knowledgeable techies. I already have a few parts, but I'm not sure if they'll be able to work together.

So here's what I have so far:

CPU/Heatsink: AMD Athlon II X4 640 3.0 GHz

PSU: OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333

I also have all external components taken care of, I'm just not sure what I'll need for a compatible mobo and GPU, or if the RAM I have will work in conjunction with the rest of the system. I also have no idea if there's anything specific I should be taking into account when selecting a case, hard drive, DVD drive, etc. so any advice would be a great help.

In terms of budget, I'm not a rich man, but will be putting this system together over time, so I'm not too concerned about the price. I don't need top of the line gear, but I'm willing to put as much money into a GPU as my system can handle, given the power limitations and whatnot. I've read about multi-GPU systems, and if it isn't too complicated then I'd be open to that as well.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give, or specific parts that will work well for my setup.

 

[mdd1963]

If gaming is of concern, I'd get a GTX460 (1 gb) when you can...; if possible, bump up the PSU to 600-650 watts, better to be safe than sorry.

Numerous AM3 motherboards for sale, AMD 890 series chipset...; might be able to get an older board if you don't need/desire USB3/ or SATA 6 Gb/sec

 

[rolli59]

Since you have a AMD CPU.
Motherboard will allow for CF later on http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128435
GPU HD6850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908 another one can be added later for more GPU power when needed.
Your current PSU is fine for a single GPU system would need to be replaced for a dual. For case look at something with good ventilation http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
On drives just make sure that they are at least SATA II (3gb).

 

[amoghthegamer]

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=13085251


The new CPU is $10 more but its more up to date. Athlons are outdated, where are phenoms are still "new".

The Ram I selected is $5-$10 more but its cas latency is only 7 compared to most of them which are 9. Also this ram is 1600 compared to 1333 so there is a big improvement for the modest $10 more.

The GPU is a 5770, the same one I have and its great for gaming. A gtx 460 is nvidia. nvidia and Intel go hand in hand. ATI and AMD go hand in hand.

Corsair CPU is also very nice and dependable and only $60.

 

[rolli59]

nvidia and Intel go hand in hand. ATI and AMD go hand in hand.

This statement is false. Nvidia and ATI (AMD) GPU´s are equally good with Intel systems (actually more support CF than SLI). AMD system´s favor ATI (AMD) Crossfire setups but are equally good with single Nvidia cards as ATI (AMD) cards