1st time build. Please help!!

[davisflow]

Hello,

I am finally looking to build a new pc, after 10 years with the old one!!!!!!!
I am trying to stay under $650USD, including the OS. (Before tax and shipping)
However, I do want to be able to run all current games, which I believe this system will do just fine.
I also want to be able to easily upgrade in a couple years.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated!

______________________________________________________
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within two weeks.
BUDGET RANGE: $700 After Rebates. (Including OS.) (Before tax and ship)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming. I would like to be able to play current games at reasonable graphics settings.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com. (Ship to USA.)

PARTS PREFERENCES: No preference. However, low cost with good performance and reliability are important to me.

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe. CROSSFIRE: No.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1024x768. Currently have a CRT Compaq FS740. Plan on upgrading as soon as funds allow.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Thanks!
____________________________


CPU-AMD Athlon II X3 435 Rana 2.9GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor
Model ADX435WFGIBOX.Item #:N82E16819103724.
Newegg link
$70.99

CPU Cooler: Included.

Mobo:-ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD
Motherboard. Item #:N82E16813131398
Newegg link
$89.99

RAM-G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual
Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ
Item #: N82E16820231193
Newegg link
$109.99

Graphics-GIGABYTE GV-R485OC-1GH Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI
Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card.
Item #: N82E16814125236.
Newegg link
($114.99 - $30.00 Mail-in Rebate Card)
$84.99

Hard D--Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA
3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822136320
Newegg link
$69.99

Sound- Integrated.

Network- Integrated.

Case-Rosewill Blackbone Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811147023
Newegg link
$39.99

Power-OCZ Fatal1ty OCZ550FTY 550W ATX12V v2.2 / EPS12V SLI Ready 80 PLUS
Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply. Item #:N82E16817341022.
Newegg link
($64.99 - $15.00 Mail-in Rebate Card)
$49.99

Optical-LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04
Item #:N82E16827106289
Newegg link
$19.99

OS-Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders
Item #:N82E16832116754
Newegg link
$99.99

Total: 635.91

[quartet-man]

Stay away from G.skill memory (especially with an asus board.) It has had a ton of problems lately including my new build. I don't know if people with AMD's are having problems, but I wouldn't take the chance. The hard drive is a nice choice as is the burner from what I can tell. I'll let others far more knowledgeable see the rest.

[silentbobdrummer]

I just recently bought that same motherboard and so far it works great. The on-board video isn't too bad on it. It will work fine for the gaming I do until I can afford a better one. Has plenty of connections and ports. Installation was fairly easy (had a little trouble with the I/O Protector).

[Khalil]

Do yourself a favor and get either an Asus, Diamond or HIS video card to avoid issues with Gigabyte support. At times they can be really bad.
I would stick to Kingston or Crucial for memory, they test all memory before they ship. I can't say the same about other manufacturers.

[davisflow]

Thanks for the info, I will stay away from the gskill ram.

In regard to the Graphics card, you mentioned that Gigabyte has poor support.
How does Gigabyte quality compare to Asus, Diamond and HIS? I ask because Gigabyte has a large Mail in rebate which gives it over a $15 dollar advantage when compared to the others.

[Nikon]

i understand your budget, but idk how well that video card will hold up to newer games. (i havent used one so im not positive)

definately go with the asus version of the card tho, they have by far the best customer support i have dealt with. it can never hurt to be prepared.

[Khalil]

The quality of Gigabyte is actually pretty good, their initial failure rate is similar to Asus however when things go wrong they can be extremely difficult to deal with, HIS makes the best cooling units for standard video cards in my opinion.
Diamond is Sapphire's retail division and Sapphire are great.
I use a lot of Sapphire but I am an OEM system builder and I can get support from Sapphire but end users can't, this is why I recommend Diamond.

[davisflow]

Thanks for all the info : )