Motherboard + New Build Questions

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Sat, 04/17/2010 - 15:21
Fennecfox1
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Joined: 03/04/2010
Posts: 8

Hey guys! This is my first post but I'm hoping you guys can help out with my first PC build. To start off I will be doing mild gaming at the most, lots of internet browsing, and (hopefully) homework. My Budget is approximately $500 USD

Here are my planned specs thus far:

  • Case: NZXT Beta EVO Classic Mid-Tower*
  • Processor: AMD Phenom II X2 555 3.2Ghz Black Edition*
  • Ram: G.Skill 2GB(2x 1GB) 240 Pin DDR3 SDRAM 13333
  • Motherboard: MSI 785 GM-E51
  • Graphics Card: XFX Radeon HD 4770
  • Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB
  • Power Supply: Antec BP550 Plus 550W PSU
  • OS: Windows 7 Home Edition

*I already got the Case and Processor.

Alright, now I will put down a few questions. =)

  1. With that Motherboard, will I be able to unlock the 2 extra cores (if they are there)
  2. Will I be able to purchase another 1GB stick of that same ram and make it 3GB?
  3. 32 or 64 bit?
  4. What do you think?

Thanks a lot guys! I trust this is the right place to put this and thanks in advance! 

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Sat, 04/17/2010 - 19:22
#1
TyCrye
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Joined: 03/30/2010
Posts: 13

i would get a 64-bit os that way you can use more ram later. 16 gb total for that board. if you have the right bois version for that board the ACC will unlock cores as well , but it is never guaranteed. everything looks good i believe. im no expert however.

OCZ Obsidian 4GB ddr3 at newegg.com is only $90 atm .

MOBO is only $70 at newegg.com also 

XFX Radeon HD 4770 is $90 at either newegg.com or tigerdirect.com

Antec BP550 Plus 550W PSU is $70 at   ^^

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB is $55 at either tigerdirect.com or newegg.com

Win 7 home 64-bit is 99.99 at newegg.com

so your looking at about 475 so you have some (not much) playing room with your budget if you can find some good deals to get upgrades. Good luck.

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Sat, 04/17/2010 - 21:50
#2
Razear
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1. Core unlocking is not guaranteed. Even if you do manage to unlock the cores you should do a CPU stress test to make sure it's stable.

2. I would suggest a minimum of 4GB of RAM.

3. Go 64bit because it will allow you to expand to more RAM in the future.

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Sat, 04/17/2010 - 22:03
#3
TyCrye
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Posts: 13

i totally agree !

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Sun, 04/18/2010 - 07:18
#4
Fennecfox1
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Posts: 8

Ok, Thanks guys!  I like the thought of 4gb memory and since I am underbudget... I think I like those.  But the OCZ Obsidian 4GB ddr3 seem to have issues.  Do you guys know how I can check if they will maybe work well with my MOBO?

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Sun, 04/18/2010 - 08:06
#5
mimart7
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Posts: 105

Unlocked cores may only function at stock speeds, if at all.  If you oc, try ocing one thing at a time, and in samll increments to check for stability.

"Real men do it with their bios"

"Je plie, donc je suis"

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Sun, 04/18/2010 - 11:38
#6
undeadkingpr
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Posts: 511

OCZ ram can be a bit temperamental but do not worry-it has lifetime warranty and I managed to get mine working in less than 15 mins so w.e

@University rig-Haf 922-i7 920- ASUS GENE MB- 6gb OCZ ddr3 1600-GTS 250- Acer 23'-ocz 700w psu-Altec expressionist bass speakers-LG dvd multi drive-Rosewill media reader

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Sun, 04/18/2010 - 16:23
#7
TyCrye
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Posts: 13

i use ozc and have never had issues , but they are known to happen. 

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