Yes a AM3 processor will work with a AM3+ board, what are you eying up for a processor and mobo? Actually it would be faster to link all the parts you plan on buying.

Well, here are the parts that I'm considering. The list is not complete:

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727
MOBO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130637
MEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161452
GCard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131482

I hope the research that I'm doing is steering me in the right direction. My whole thing is not to go extremely low, or high budget; yet still maintain a stable and well equipped gaming unit.

that list looks OK but if you can I wouldnt reccommend going cheap on the mobo.

this one is more like it. has 990 fx chipset.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131851

Im hoping to get one like this eventually becauwe it should be good when AMD releases the steamroller cpu later this year. I read an article somewhere that they're sticking with AM3+ for that CPU. Its supposed to fix some of the issues people were having with bulldozer. :D

right now seems like a weird time to be building a PC because everything out seems midcycle.... or is that a good way to describe it?

You may also want to consider looking into intel stuff.
Goodluck. :D

MSI makes decent boards,but going expensive or cheap does not determine the quality of the parts these days.

oh I agree completely. when I say dont go cheap, Im really referring to the bells on whisltes on the mobo, namely the 990fx chipset and USB 3.0 etc.. Im sure MSI must make boards with those features.

So I should rather say, how the board is equipped is more important than cost but in most cases the cost goes up when you get a mobo that has the most up to date features, which I think is what you should try to aim for when your doing a new build.

Hey thanks a lot for your input. I'm going to keep doing research. I will eventually have a complete list. Much appreciated.