I'm getting a Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ motherboard, and a Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower case. This is my first build, and I'm not very savvy when it comes to hardware; I've always been a software guy. Please let me know, community!
As for planning your build, go check out pcpartpicker. Not only does it make things way easier, but it will give you warnings at the bottom of any possible compatibility issues.