My First Build

[Dishin Nutrition]

Hey guys,

I've always wanted to build my own computer and now I've finally gotten around to attempting it. The short version on my first ever build is: I want it to be fast (but I don't do computer gaming), I want it reliable, and I want it to be a little easy on my wallet (but there's no need to substitute cheap-o parts when a normal part will do). Also, it's going to be a mid-tower because I'd like a desktop and I don't want it as tall as me! And, it's most likely going to run Windows 7. So with that in check, I was looking at parts for the computer and I found myself following Intel parts because of the reputation they have with non computer guys. But the parts were so expensive that I started searching for AMD parts because I'm lead to believe they are just as reliable and as fast? But so far here is what I have:

Processor: $120
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX
Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX

I was looking at an eight core AMD but the reviews on Newegg say that it's just a 6 core basically and it runs too hot temperature wise, so I went right back to quad-core.

Motherboard: $61
ASRock 770iCafe AM3+ AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
Newegg.com - ASRock 770iCafe AM3+ AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard

My only concern is that this motherboard is not compatible with the processor because when I look at the details tab of the motherboard, it says the CPU Socket Type is AM3+ but it says the CPU type is Phenom II so I'm completely confused as to whether or not it'll fit. Also, I see nothing in the details of the product to suggest it has cooling involved.

RAM: $47
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
Newegg.com - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL

And, I also found this, but I can't seem to see the difference other than that it is an "X" series.

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL
Newegg.com - G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL

Internal Hard Drive: $75
Western Digital Caviar Green WD3200AZRX 320GB IntelliPower 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Green WD3200AZRX 320GB IntelliPower 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Now, I've always had a good experience with Western Digital, but I'm open to suggestions if you guys have a better one.

Power Supply: $75
XFX Core Edition PRO550W (P1-550S-XXB9) 550W ATX12V 2.2 & ESP12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply
Newegg.com - XFX Core Edition PRO550W (P1-550S-XXB9) 550W ATX12V 2.2 & ESP12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

Computer Case: $55
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Now that's all I have so far. I've heard that I might need even more cooling? If anyone could enlighten me that would be great! And if anyone could help me with finding a compatible video card, that would help out a lot too! But the motherboard product description is leading me to believe it comes with an internal modem and sound card, but if I'm wrong please tell me! So is there anything else that I'm missing guys, anything that's not compatible, or just anything you guys want to help me with? Thanks in advance!

[glc]

How much is your budget, please? I don't like anything about that system except the case.