HTPC & Gaming PC

I am planning to assemble a multipurpose pc for my home. My requirements are

1.Planning to install windows 7, windows vista and ubuntu Linux.

2.I will be using VMware workstation on that, so it will have to run many VMware slides simultaneously e.g. win2008,win2003 server and xp clients
for learning purpose.

3.Planning to buy LG monitor TV full hd with hdmi port so my pc should be used as HTPC to watch HD-dvd and Blue ray movies

4.I play games so it should support all mid range games

5.Few graphics software's like 3d studio max and Maya (learning only)

For HTPC I need the motherboard with HDMI port and in future I might go for graphics card.

Which processor shud I go for : Intel or AMD ? If AMD which one is good Athlon2 or phenom2 ?

I have shortlisted the below config. Please share your opinion on this.

AMD phenom II x2 550 BE
Biostar TA790GX 128M 5.x / GA-MA785GPMT-UD2H
2GB transcend ddr2 or ddr3 ram
iball cabinet
Altec Lansing VS4121
psu - not decided
graphics card - not decided

which motherboard is good for unlocking the cores and for overclocking in phenomII x2 550 ?

I seek advice from all you experts in this forum to build a pc which should meet all my requirements and please suggest me a good configuration. My pc shud not be outdated soon.

Thanks in advance.
Jedy

Well you posted in the wrong section. you should have posted in the PC Peripherals section. Also read and use this lTemplate on what you should buy

Also please don't make another thread in the pc peripherals section . just ask the mods to move your thread to the right section.

Welcome to TE and enjoy your stay

Let us know your budget and suggestions can be given accordingly..
PSU-Corsair VX 550(futureproof)
Graphics Card-Ati Radeon HD 5850/5770
Go for a DX 11 card,or do you want a Quadro they are way too expensive..
I would suggest 720 X3 BE that too can be unlocked to a quad and is also a easy overclocker..
If you are not going to overclock Athlon X4 620 is a quad,without unlocking which too can be overclocked.
By the way,there is a thread in CPU/Mobo corner which gives steps for unlocking cores on 720X3 BE
If you are going to overclock,get yourself a decent cooler like Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer 120.
For the Cabinet try to get a CoolerMaster 330 Elite,go for ddr3 ram now as it ram's are in a transition phase from ddr2 to ddr3,try to get them with tight latencies.
Biostar 790GX is one heck of a board,it has hd4200 inbuilt gfx,which can be used if your graphics card gives you problems..(hd movies can be seen with ease it is direct x 10.1 compliant).
Why dont you try to get a Benq2412HD,i think it does have HDMI.

I think I have answered most of your questions,do post back for any queries.

Dude what's ur budget ?