Summary:
1. This PC will be used for serious gaming on a plasma TV and HD playback (camcorder videos) (with possible editing of AVCHD). Looking toward consistent future gaming
2. My budget is <$525 right now.
3. I live in the US
4. No preference for any brands, but have some ideas of what I want. Well, maybe I want G.Skill since my last set served me well. I also have a real strong preference for a durable psu (even if it dies, it won't kill the rest of my system)
5. I intend to reuse my mouse, keyboard, HD, and will buy a BD player later.
6. I've been reading similar threads for a while. My big problem is that I am looking for an inexpensive HTPC case that can house a radeon 4850 and an ATX board. There are others who seem to be looking for this as well. I don't want to do any modding
7. I am definitely interested in overclocking, but not by much. I want to keep the stock cooler.
8. I plan to build this ASAP. Within the week, if possible.
And although I will try for rebates, I am not counting on them (especially corsair)
Here's what I am looking at (newegg):
Phenom X3 720BE (~200 with combo on mobo)
Biostar 790GX (are people still having results with unlocking that 4th core?)
Corsair 450W psu (~70 with promo code)
Gskill PC2 6400 memory (~$50)
Sapphire Radeon 4850 (~100 with promo code)
1) Doesn't leave me much to play with for an HTPC case
2) Do I need any adapters, extension cables, or anything else that isn't on the lsit above. For example, does the PSU connector match up with the motherboard PSU connection?
I went for the 720BE over the E8400 mainly because 1) it will do better with the decoding of HD content and editing (for my camcorder videos) 2) and will do almost as good on games and 3) price difference
1. This PC will be used for serious gaming on a plasma TV and HD playback (camcorder videos) (with possible editing of AVCHD). Looking toward consistent future gaming
2. My budget is <$525 right now.
3. I live in the US
4. No preference for any brands, but have some ideas of what I want. Well, maybe I want G.Skill since my last set served me well. I also have a real strong preference for a durable psu (even if it dies, it won't kill the rest of my system)
5. I intend to reuse my mouse, keyboard, HD, and will buy a BD player later.
6. I've been reading similar threads for a while. My big problem is that I am looking for an inexpensive HTPC case that can house a radeon 4850 and an ATX board. There are others who seem to be looking for this as well. I don't want to do any modding
7. I am definitely interested in overclocking, but not by much. I want to keep the stock cooler.
8. I plan to build this ASAP. Within the week, if possible.
And although I will try for rebates, I am not counting on them (especially corsair)
Here's what I am looking at (newegg):
Phenom X3 720BE (~200 with combo on mobo)
Biostar 790GX (are people still having results with unlocking that 4th core?)
Corsair 450W psu (~70 with promo code)
Gskill PC2 6400 memory (~$50)
Sapphire Radeon 4850 (~100 with promo code)
1) Doesn't leave me much to play with for an HTPC case
2) Do I need any adapters, extension cables, or anything else that isn't on the lsit above. For example, does the PSU connector match up with the motherboard PSU connection?
I went for the 720BE over the E8400 mainly because 1) it will do better with the decoding of HD content and editing (for my camcorder videos) 2) and will do almost as good on games and 3) price difference
that's a nice choice on the mobo and psu, cant tell ppl enough about the importance of having a quality psu with good chipsets. sometimes the case cant go last b/c you really need one that can fit things right and cant just 'work' a case into the budget, my concern would be your 4850 (make sure there's room for a dual slot card) also wouldn't mind checking out the latest 4770 and maybe even consider low profile card if things wont work out. there is a 9800gt fanless low-profile should be ideal for most games in just about any htpc. check it out on 'egg. 
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