EggXpert

AMD Phenom 9950 2.6GHz Black Edition ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103291 ) + GIGABYTE GA-MA790GP-DS4H ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128352 ) for $298.98 (combo deal), as opposed to the aforementioned Gigabyte MB + AMD Phenom 9850 2.5GHz Black Edition ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103249 ) for $307.99.

Essentially it looks like a .1GHz bump for $10 less.

Thinking about jumping on this ASAP, but I'm a newb builder. Thoughts?

I'd suggest considering a few of the other combo deals, with the 9950BE and either the MSI 790GX or Biostar 790GX, both comparable boards, and both with more $45 & 36 off, rather than $25. Both boards are just as quality, IMO. There's also a $40 combo with the MSI 790FX and 9950BE and the board has a $20 MIR. I have the MSI 790FX with Crossfire at 2 x16, and it's one of the best AMD boards I've ever had. I haven't ever seen the MSI 790Gx up close but the revs llok great. The Biostar Tforce, which I've seen, was pretty impressive though too.

The 790GX is suppose to OC better though, with the AAC. I'd go MSI 790GX, MSI 790FX, Biostar 790GX in that order, and save some added cash. But that's me.

Penewah!