Help needed with first build

[ozzumo]

Hey everyone, first time builder here looking for a some pointers and advice. I?ve been reading a lot here, so let me know if I?ve learned anything!

1. Will use for standard office work, multimedia, some photo/video editing. Don?t really game.
2. No exact budget, but thinking around $600 without monitor.
3. Live in the USA and planning to buy mostly from Newegg
4. Intel chipset. Other than that, looking for good, reliable, value components.
5. I just recently bought an Antec 300 case and EA500 supply. Need everything else.
6. Have been reading the forum and other sites for a few months.
7. Don?t really need to overclock, but might for fun.
8. Am planning to push the button by the end of the month. (See what is out on Black Friday?)

I know I?d probably be served just fine by an off-the-shelf PC, but want to build my own for fun and to learn. I?ve put the following component list together. Can you help me pick and choose? Any other suggestions? Since it is my first build, I want to get reliable components and try to minimize compatibly issues.

Motherboard:
GA-EP45-UD3R $105 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128359
or ASUS P5Q Pro $100 AR
Or should I just get a uATX board?

Processor: Q6600/E8400

Memory:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231122
Mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 $37 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820146731

Video card:
MSI R4350-D512H $30AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127390
- I know very little about video cards!

Hard drive:
WD SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136218
Seagate 7200.11 750 GB $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822148298

Case: Antec 300 (existing)
PSU: Antec Earthwatts 500 (existing)

Are these good choicest? Any other pointers or suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[disports]

Either ram is fine. If you want to save money, get the Mushkin ram. The first hard drive is great. You could probably get a P35 chipset board but either board you picked is fine.

 

[ozzumo]

What about video cards? Are the ones I selected appropriate for general use? Can they drive two monitors? This is an area where I really know nothing....

 

[Denithor]

Go for the e8400/P5Q Pro combo deal at Newegg ($235AR). Both memory kits are great, get the G.Skill if you don't like rebates. I'll second the WD6400AAKS as an excellent choice.

4350 is a good card if you're not gaming at all, go for a 4670 if you do any gaming at all.