The next step: more advice on this PC upgrade combo

[Tieno]

While browsing on electronicagigant I put together the following package.

Motherboard: http://www.electronicagigant.nl/nl/product/411906#specificatietekst
-MSI K9A2 CF-F (65euros):

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Maximum intern memory 8 GB
Type memory DDRII 1066
Number of DIMM slots 4
Processorfamily AMD family
Compatibel processors Athlon 64 FX / 64 X2 / 64 / Sempron / Opteron 1xx
Processorsocket Socket AM2
Number pf SATA-connections 4
USB 2.0 connections 4
IEEE1394 connections 1
Connection for diskettestation
CD/AUX audio-input
Connection for audiopanel on front
USB 2.0 ports 4
IEEE 1394-/Firewire-ports 1
externe SATA ports 0
Chipset motherboard 790X + SB 600
Moederbord form factor ATX
Compatibel OS Vista Premuim
Support for parallel processing CrossFire
Audiochannels 7.1
Expansion modules 2x PCI-E 2.0 x16
2 x PCI
1 x PCI-E x1
LAN controller Gbit LAN (Realtek)

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Processor: http://www.electronicagigant.nl/nl/product/412148
-Athlon? 64 X2 Dual-Core 5400+ (68euros)

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Processor-speed 2800 MHz
Processorfamily AMD Athlon X2
Processorsocket Socket AM2
Box
L2 cache 1 MB
Front-side bus processor 2000 MHz
Thermisch vermogen 65 W
Processor-productieproces 90 nm
Processor AMD Athlon Dual
Maximale temp (in bedrijf) 68 °C
Spanning processorkern (AC) 1.35 V
Processor-fabrikant AMD

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Memory: http://www.electronicagigant.nl/nl/product/400241
-4GB Kit, 5-5-5-18, PC2-6400, 240pin DIMM (76euro)

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The Twin2X4096-6400C5DHX is a 4096MByte matched pair of DDR2 SDRAM DIMMs built using Corsair?s latest high performance heat sink with Dual-Path Heat Xchange (DHX) technology. This part delivers outstanding performance in the latest generation of dual-channel DDR2-based motherboards.

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Intern memory 4096 MB
Intern geheugentype DDR2-SDRAM
Model DIMM 240-pin
Module configuration 256MX64
CAS latency 5-5-5-18
Ingangsspanning 1.8 V

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GPU: http://www.electronicagigant.nl/nl/product/414921
-Sapphire ATI HD4850,512MB (139euros):

Power supply: http://www.electronicagigant.nl/nl/product/405045
-VX450W (53euros)

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Rock Solid Performance, Incredible Value

Extending Corsair?s legendary reputation in performance and quality, the new Corsair VX family of power supplies features the industry?s most efficient power management and ultra-quiet design for mainstream users. Unlike most power supplies in the market, the Corsair VX incorporates a single +12V power rail that delivers continuous power under heavy loads. This conservative design ensures reliable operation in today?s most demanding system configurations and adds compatibility for future platforms. The unique combination of rock solid performance and incredible value puts the Corsair VX family of power supplies in a class of its own. Ideal for home theater PCs and ENERGY STAR PCs, the VX line maximizes energy savings and minimum noise generation thanks to double-forward switching circuitry design. Each Corsair VX power supply is backed with an industry-leading 5-year warranty and 24/7 on-demand customer service.

Corsair VX Series Features:

- Supports the latest ATX12V v2.2 standard and is backwards compatible with ATX12V 2.01 systems.
- Ultra-quiet 120mm double ball-bearing fan delivers excellent airflow at an exceptionally low noise level by varying the RPM in response to temperature.
- Double-forward switching circuitry design offers maximum efficiency, up to 85% under wide load range.
- 99% Active Power Factor Correction provides clean and reliable power to your system.
- Universal AC input 90~264V automatically scans and detects the correct voltage. No more hassle of flipping that tiny red switch!
- Dedicated single +12V rail offers maximum compatibility with latest components.
- Over Current/Voltage/Power Protection, Under Voltage Protection, and Short Circuit Protection provide maximum safety to your critical system components.
- High quality Japanese capacitors provide uncompromised performance and reliability.
- 6 Serial ATA connectors
- Extra long cables support full tower size chassis.
- Standard ATX PS/2 size: 5.9"(W) x 3.4"(H) X 5.5"(L); 150mm(W) x 86mm(H) x 140mm(L)
- MTBF: 100,000 Hours
- Safety Approvals: UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TÜV, CCC, C-tick.

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Ingangsspanning 90 - 264 V
Frequentie 63 Hz
Afmetingen B x D x H 150 x 140 x 86 mm
Breedte 150 mm
Diepte 140 mm
Hoogte 86 mm
Aantal SATA-aansluitingen 6
Aansluiting voor ATX voeding
Gemiddelde levensduur 100.000 h
Veiligheid UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TÜV, CCC, C-tick

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Questions
-Is all of this compatible? Specifically the motherboard says it supports 1066mh DDR2 memory, does that imply it also supports lower frequencies than that like 800mhz etc? Otherwise I either need to pick a different motherboard or faster memory.
-The memory is dualchannel, does that mean it's bigger than a normal stick?
-Do these CPUs come with CPU fans?
-Do I need a new powersupply or can I just use the one I have.
-Difference between intel and amd?
-Criticism? Advice? Better parts for that kind of money?

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Questions
-Is all of this compatible? Specifically the motherboard says it supports 1066mh DDR2 memory, does that imply it also supports lower frequencies than that like 800mhz etc? Otherwise I either need to pick a different motherboard or faster memory.

RAM doesn't really run at any set speed. It's rated to run at certain speeds. It can go faster or slower per the settings in your mobo. You should get RAM that runs at the same bus speed as your CPU. Or, RAM that is graded to run FASTER than your CPU bus. This makes overclocking easy.

-The memory is dualchannel, does that mean it's bigger than a normal stick?

No, it means nothing. Memory is not dual channel. Motherboards support dual channel. RAM manufacturers usually label 2x1gb or 2x512mb packs of ram "dual channel", but it doesn't really mean anything. Any two sticks of the same size/speed are "dual channel" if the mobo supports it.

-Do these CPUs come with CPU fans?

Retail CPUs come with fans and heatsinks.

-Do I need a new powersupply or can I just use the one I have.

I'd get a bigger one, personally. 600w.

-Difference between intel and amd?

Intel is better and cheaper.

-Criticism? Advice? Better parts for that kind of money?

Might want to think about getting a Crossfire mobo, as the 4xxx series from ATI seems pretty Crossfire happy, and you might want to slap another in the system a year from now.

edit: Sorry I see now that it is Crossfire.

Also Intel may not be cheaper at this price point. I'm not sure what the price/performance shakedown is sub $100.

[disgruntled_jojo]

+1 for Intel from me.  I've worked in IT and overall would recommend Intel as a better 'complete package' for CPU.  They tend to take less wattage, produce less heat, fail less often, and the chipsets which support them are just generally more 'refined'.

[Smooth Groove]

Yup, Intel is still more reliable right now.  Also, spend a little more for a quad-core.  Apps and games are already starting to take advantage of 4 cores.