Video Editing PC - $500 - 600 bucks

So should go with the Intel Q9550?

Do I need any special CPU Cooler or does it come with one?

Will the graphics card, case, and hdd stay the same as the AMD 810 build?

 

Go with the Q9550

The processor does come with one, but an aftermarket cooler is better for the long run, is easier to install, and allows overclocking just like sam said.

The same case, gpu, and hdd are fine

 

Yes, I'd choose the Q9550 over any of them, for its value and efficiency. It will come with its own cooler, which is adequate but not exemplary.

 

Should I get the Black vs Green of this drive? It's $10 bucks more.

$89.99 on Newegg Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

$99.99 on Newegg Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives - OEM

Also, does Gigabyte have a comparable MOBO with an HDMI port? I looked at their site but I am confused by what I can and cannot use with this CPU.

Thanks

 

What would you recommend for a aftermarket heat sink for the Q9550?

 

My local Super Store Fry's only carries this MOBO

GA-EP45T-UD3P $119.99 at Fry's after rebate.

Here is the compare on Gigabytes Website. Looks like the only difference is that it uses DDR3 memory. Is that good or bad? Is DDR3 better?

MOBO Compare

GA-EP45T-UD3P at Fry's

Which DDR3 memory would you suggest if you think this MOBO is good.

 

Well, the EADS is very quiet, the FALS is very fast.
The HDMI port is because the board had onboard graphics. You would only be able to use it with the low performance graphics card that was built into the AMD board. Since you're buying a proper graphics card, you just use that instead. All graphics cards come with the required adapter to use an HDMI connection.

The simple solution to this problem is to not use Fry's. Buy from newegg. There are several reasons why that board is not the best choice.

 

What does this mean?

So these cards will output to my Sony 46" LCD HDTV? With surround sound? With HDMI?

If I want a GPU that would support games well, what would you suggest? Considering I am on a budget...

 

WHat do you want me to explain? The WD10EADS is a quiet hard drive, the WD1001FALS is faster, but noisier.
I don't use digital audio fro my PC because it's less reliable than analog audio, but there shouldn't be any reason why you can't run surround over HDMI to a TV with any modern graphics card.
The best value card for games right now is the HD4770, but they don't seem to sell them in the US at the moment.