500 dollar multi-purpose build.

bumppp

Hmm well if you like to multitask like you said I would advise get a Athlon II Tri Core or Quad core atleast with a good mobo...

I was planning to unlock phenom 555, it should be pretty easy with that mobo, correct? And is MSI 870 a bad mobo?

That's a tough cart to build upon; you've done a pretty good job. This is my best try.


Full on Lian Li PC-7FN Aluminum case and Samsung 24X DVD Burner for $106.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...


And then some OCZ DDR3 1600 CL8 memory in a combo with the Phenom II 555 for $147.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...


$7 more for an aluminum Lian Li case.



or you could go with the Lancool PC-7KB and a Sony 24x DVD Burner instead for $9 less than your build.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


These are smaller and less flashy cases though (more suited to my tastes).


You'll probably be able to unlock a Phenom II X2 555. I think it's worth the risk. If it doesn't work, you can always sell it, buy another, and try again. It's not like the processor is defective if the third and forth cores don't work.

That motherboard has a core unlocking feature so it should be pretty easy to try to unlock the processor.

It isn't a bad motherboard, but it is a little old. Some people prefer higher level brands like ASUS and Gigabyte. I don't think you'll find a cheaper motherboard in the same class. If you can live without USB 3.0, SATA III, and SLI or Crossfire Support (and you can), then I wouldn't hesitate.

no i mean the mobo isnt bad... And whats with unlocking 555 thing? what happens when u unlock a dual core phenom?

With any luck, when you unlock a dual core phenom, you get a quad core phenom. The dual core phenoms IIs are just quad core phenom IIs with two cores disabled.

Initially AMD had some problems with the manufacturing of the Phenom IIs (this is normal with any new processor). If one or two of the cores of a Phenom II X4 failed, AMD would disable those cores and sell the processor as a Phenom II X3 or X2, respectively.

Now that AMD has been making Phenom IIs for a while, there are very few processors with any broken cores. AMD still sells X2 and X3 Phenom IIs, but most? of them can be unlocked to quad core Phenom IIs with a motherboard that has an unlocking feature.

I like the case but i am not sure about OCZ ram... it had some bad reviews recently. G.Skillz seems to be a much better RAM with less issues.

Also, am i better off getting CD/DVDburner as OEM? or should i pay the extra 4-5 bucks and get it with the cable and cd? I do not have any SATA cables. Perhaps i could purchase them separately but do i need that CD with drivers or whatever comes with it?

This is my first time building a PC.

Any more suggestions guys?? I am going to order this tonight or tomorrow!

Best answer selected by Klimentiy.