Newbie seeking suggestions for first system

[imported_Jubei]

Hi, this is my first post.

I have finally decided to build my first PC with the following components primarily for MP3 encoding and playback, storing photos, some video playing and encoding as well as light gaming (real time strategy stuff). My concerns are whether this is good enough or overkill and whether this is an "easy" to handle and stable build for a first-timer. I have no prior experience in building PCs or flashing bios etc.

Pretty much decided but open to suggestions:
AMD 64 3200+
Asus A8N-E
Corsair Value 2 x 512MB
WD 200 GB SATA
BenQ 1640 (if I can find it) or Pioneer DVR-110D
Cooler Master Centurion 5

Undecided:
- Video card: GeForce 6600GT or ATI X700. Is there any difference between brands (apart from price)? Any suggestions of which brand? Would Geforce 6600GT be more stable since the mobo uses a nVidia chipset??
- PSU: Antec Smart Power 450W. Anyone heard of Magic Pro or 2theMax's line of PSUs?? Is 450W sufficient? (I would like to add a TV Tuner card, an audio card, a secondary optical drive and hard disk evetually). If not, how much power should I aim for??
- Am looking for a 17" LCD - currently learning towards Samsung 730B or 730BF.

Thanks in advance.

 

[drum]

that build looks good to me. you may want to go with a fortron power supply but 400-450W is plenty for that system.
how much are you looking to spend on the graphics? of those two i would go with the 6600, but that has nothing to do with the chipset. I might try looking for a 6800 if your budget warrants

 

[Ctrackstar126]

Get the 6600gt(evga) preferably, a very good card.
Stick with the PSU
did you think of a nec 3550a for an optical i had the pioneer and I have to say the NEC is by far better. Havent had the benq but I heard good things about it.
Rethink your lcd. At least get a 19 inch if possible jump to a 20 wide screen monitor like the sceptre being offered by costco for 400. Unless of course you dont care what you are looking at
; )

 

[Atheus]

Go for the 6600GT or 6800, and try and get a 19" monitor if budget allows, but make sure it's a good one - read the reviews. Definately get a better power supply, I don't like Antec personally (I've seen one explode violently) and i've never heard of Magic Pro/2theMax. _Always_ spend money on the PSU, it can take out your whole system if it fails, but a good one can last you many years. You will find lots of people on this board recommend Forton and PC Power & Cooling.