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.