Help on selecting components for computer build.

Ok I have decided to build my own computer. I have picked out a Cooler Master Atx case and am now trying to decide on the processor/motherboard combination.
I found a reasonably priced motherboard by MSI but I have not had any experience with them. Does anyone have any experience with MSI motherboards?
This is the one I am looking at:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130275
http://us.msi.com/index.php?func=proddesc&maincat_no=1&cat2_no=171&prod_no=1984
Can anyone recommend a motherboard/processor combination.
I am looking for either an Intel i5 or AMD Phenom II X4 processor.

 

There are SO many variable that go into building your own computer, like what you're using it for and what you want it to be able to do.

Gaming; Video editing; Multimedia (hooked up to a TV?); Regular old computer use like browsing TW and e-mail, etc.

 

^^^What he said. Definitely identify what you're going to be doing with it first. I did my first build a few years ago, updated a couple parts here and there and it's still serving me well.

 

MSI is a great brand. If you want to save some coin sticking with an AMD build will suit your needs but as Brett mentioned it all comes down to what you intend to do on this computer. What case are you looking at specifically? I have a TON of experience with computer builds (Taco's are my new money pit) and can answer just about anything.

Edit: I must add that LGA 1156 is dead and Intel already has a new socket slated for release early next year. AMD does their customers right and their AM3 socket is backwards compatible and is compatible with their next line of processors coming out which will offer you some future upgrade-ability down the road.

Edit 2: One last important thing... budget??? How much and for what parts? Cpu, case, video card, HDD/SDD, mobo etc etc. Feel free to shoot me a PM.

 

make sure you get double floppy drives

 

Thanks for the insight. I thought the MSI motherboard was a great value (on sale for less than $80) but had no experience with that manufacturer. My first thought was to go with an Intel motherboard and Intel chip but saw the price on the MSI motherboard and thought about giving it a shot.

 

Thanks CopyTaco, you pointed out a couple things I should have in the first place regardless of the purpose of the computer.

MSI is great brand, that's what I am currently running in my main computer.

I personally think Intel is overrated and I run AMD for cost savings. I won't argue that Intel doesn't make amazing processors, because they do. But for me, I've run both, and for the money AMD is my processor of choice and I've had no issues with them in the many years I've been using them in my own custom built computers.

 

I'm running their p55m-gd41 mobo with an i5 750...no complaints. They make good products.