Is this a good build for my needs?

[flipstahhh]

Hi, I'm new to this forums because I have been recommended here by a friend.

So I'm about to build a new computer pretty soon and I'm unsure on what to get that will fit me best. I want to keep my budget as low as possible and probably $500 at most. I want to be able to run music+games at the same time. I play games occasionally and I want the PC to run A.V.A (uses UT3 engine), CS:S, and COD.

I already have a 600w psu and a 9800gt that I can swap, thats why those weren't included. I also will be using my monitor that I already am using; Dell, resolution of 1280x1024 max, a 17" monitor.

From what I have read, the processor should be able to be unlocked by that motherboard, giving it an extra core or 2. (If someone can clarify this, it would be great) And would Thermal paste be needed in order to use the Cool Master Hyper 212 heatsink/fan?

What do you guys think? I should be able to mostly play any game thrown at it?

Suggestions and criticism is welcomed!


Processor: AMD Phenom II x2 555
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5719246&sku=A79-0555

Mobo: ASUS M4A88T-M Motherboard
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6321553&sku=A455-2993

RAM: Either Crucial or G. Skill (not sure on which)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3356613&sku=C19-6044 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276


Case: Either NZXT or Rosewill
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5222597&sku=A406-1094 or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153&Tpk=rosewill%20challenger

HD: Samsung
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

CD/DVD drive: Asus
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6078414&sku=A455-5022

Heatsink: Cool Master Hyper 212
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4950641&sku=C283-2054

Thermal Paste: Cool Master Thermal Compound
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3071621&CatId=503

Total: $452-$468 (depending where I get those debatable parts)

 

[batuchka]

What model/make 600W PSU u have on hand?

 

[flipstahhh]

What model/make 600W PSU u have on hand?

Its this exact one. Ultra X Connect V-series http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2143209&CatId=1483

 

[batuchka]

Compared to even current 80+ entry level models it's not the best but it would do i guess ^^

For far less u could really land a full blown Deneb ^^
$356AR

 

[flipstahhh]

Oh wow. Thats pretty nice. How good is the motherboard?

 

[flipstahhh]

bump

 

[jasonp12]

its good but im not a biostar fan id get a gigabite or asus version of the 790gx.

btw YES the 800 series chipset can unlock cores but it is not a GUARNTEE as every CPU is individuall difference...some people have unlocked 1 core others 2 cores and some couldnt unlock any...

your build looks pretty good.

And no you do not need thermal paste the Hyper 212+ comes with a good thermal paste

 

[flipstahhh]

its good but im not a biostar fan id get a gigabite or asus version of the 790gx.

btw YES the 800 series chipset can unlock cores but it is not a GUARNTEE as every CPU is individuall difference...some people have unlocked 1 core others 2 cores and some couldnt unlock any...

your build looks pretty good.

And no you do not need thermal paste the Hyper 212+ comes with a good thermal paste

Thank you! Any other version of the 790gx seem a bit pricey.

Other than that, Thanks on the insight of the motherboard. If I do end up with going for the risk, I just hope it unlocks to a quad haha. Either way, dual would still be nice, since my main intention is to do school work and play games+chat+listen to music at the same time. And I'm pretty sure this dual core wouldn't be a disappointment..I hope lol.

Alright good, that would save me some money from buying extra thermal paste :]

 

[reaper2794]

its good but im not a biostar fan id get a gigabite or asus version of the 790gx.

btw YES the 800 series chipset can unlock cores but it is not a GUARNTEE as every CPU is individuall difference...some people have unlocked 1 core others 2 cores and some couldnt unlock any...

your build looks pretty good.

And no you do not need thermal paste the Hyper 212+ comes with a good thermal paste

Dont you know, Batuchka finds any combo he can no matter how shitty it is and posts it in the same format every single time to get best answers to noobs who dont know too much about this stuff

 

[flipstahhh]

Dont you know, Batuchka finds any combo he can no matter how shitty it is and posts it in the same format every single time to get best answers to noobs who dont know too much about this stuff

lol.

 

[batuchka]

Oh wow. Thats pretty nice. How good is the motherboard?

Had worked with it and for its price point - very good ^^ Be careful of peeps who have little to nil experience with brands outside their comfort, simply ignorant or plain stupid. There are peeps who can lead and others best to follow

 

[jasonp12]

i havent heard to many performance issues with Biostar, however i heard their BIOS isnt the most user friendly like Asus/Gigabyte/MSI are