2 into 4, does it go?

Hello everyone, belated happy new year(s) it’s been a while!

Ok, last time I built anything for myself was way back when socket 478 Pen IV was the kick *ss build to have with a whopping 2 gig ddr (in dual channel don't you know).

I’m looking at building around AMD Phenom with Windows 7 64 bit (I read this is the way to go?). I was planning to use my WD Raptor (10k) as a little boost but at 36 gig, would it be enough. I have plenty of other HD’s for storage.

Quick question, is it worth trying to save some £$£$£$£$ by buying AMD Phenom II X2 and hooking it up on a board that “could” unlock the other 2 cores?

If so, what would be a recommended board? And do I have to choose carefully which model of Phenom II to get, i.e. 555, 565 etc?

As usual, many thanks in advance.

Trying to unlock the other two cores would be a very hit and miss affair, it would be a pure gamble. Often the cores have been disabled because they plain don't work.

36 GB would do for a basic install of Win7, but you'd need to put nearly all your apps on another drive. Frankly I think you would be pushing your luck. I normally recommend a minimum of 200 gigs for a Win7 partition.

Phenom II is a fine CPU, but look at the Intel Core i5 and i7 too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by techallenged

... is it worth trying to save some £$£$£$£$ by buying AMD Phenom II X2 and hooking it up on a board that “could” unlock the other 2 cores? ...

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Not worth the hassle.

Ok, thanks guys...

I'll have a look around to see what I can find and fund!

System Builder Marathon, December 2010: $500 PC
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...i-x3,2811.html

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