recommending for a friend - build for casual gaming/general use

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syrup

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Hello all,

Looking for some feedback regarding a PC build list I've come up recommending it for a friend. Here's the list below:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-E ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($159.94 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Red 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($76.88 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($157.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($46.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (Purchased For $0.00)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.88 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Adapter ($38.84 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($126.89 @ B&H)
Other: SeaSonic M12II 620 ($69.99)
Total: $1141.04
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-16 19:32 EDT-0400

I've been out of the loop for a while (last build was ~2013). A few major points I'd like advice on:
1) Are there better CPU options out there (no overclocking)? What about the mobo choice? If possible, I'd like an explanation to why a suggested alternative is a better pick (for my own knowledge).
2) Is the PSU 620W sufficient? I think it's likely a single monitor setup, but there's a high chance of going double monitor. (ignore the listed monitors, it's just placeholder)
3) A good budget case option is also welcome. Ideally <$100?
4) RAM - I noticed there are DDR4 options for roughly the same price point. Is it worth it to get them? Example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104531&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-PCPartPicker,%20LLC-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

If possible, I'd like to keep the total price about the same (or even lower!) as we're hitting the upper limit of our budget, while keeping up a good build quality.
 
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JackNaylorPE
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JackNaylorPE

JackNaylorPE

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1. Main comment is that so many components are 1 or more generations old. Z97 is dead .... DDR3 is dead

2. A 500 GB SSD and low budget everything else ? Unless goal is to have fastest storage benchmarks around, don't see a value here?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
You didn't list overclocking as a goal but as the capability was just $6 more seemed a no brainer in case friend changes mind.


CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.88 @ OutletPC)
I woulda used a Phanteks PH-TC14PE but as you said no current plans for OC... left as was

Motherboard: MSI Z170A SLI PLUS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($142.98 @ Newegg)
**The** MoBo of choice in this price range... Gigabyte is a few bucks cheaper. Unlike B150, supports SLI, has ALC 1150 audio solution and overclocking leaving that option open to extend system life by 18-24 months
http://www.anandtech.com/show/10236/the-msi-z170a-sli-plus-review/9

Memory: GeIL EVO POTENZA 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($57.72 @ Newegg)
You don't need 3000 but it's same \price as 2133

Storage: Samsung 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($72.99 @ B&H)
More than enough capacity

Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($87.98 @ B&H)
SSHD is 50% faster than HD in gaming

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M Acrylic ATX Mid Tower Case ($97.98 @ Newegg)
Went pretty ... gorgeous, functional case at a steal of a price.

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($75.98 @ Newegg)
This will do two 970s or two 1070s in SLI when that 670 gets old.... well it is already old.

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.88 @ OutletPC)

Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Adapter ($38.84 @ OutletPC)
Recommend hard wiring

Monitor: Asus VG248QE 24.0" 144Hz Monitor ($251.99 @ B&H)
144 Hz

Total: $1073.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-16 19:53 EDT-0400
 
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Hlsgsz

Hlsgsz

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There you go. latest generation, everything:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($198.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: *Gigabyte GA-B150M-DS3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($69.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: *GeIL EVO POTENZA 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($55.80 @ Newegg)
Storage: A-Data Premier SP550 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.95 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($62.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.88 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.89 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer XB240H ABPR 24.0" 144Hz Monitor ($299.99 @ Best Buy)
Total: $981.86
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-16 20:01 EDT-0400

Only one monitor, but wiht G-sync, which is a must and yes, it works with a GTX 670. Way better than two monitors(unless teh second is not for gaming, in which case he can get whatever).
 
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syrup

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Thanks for the detailed reply. To comment on your first comment, the stuff I know are mostly from 2013....hence my asking here for a more updated build.

A few questions:
1) I noticed a lot of i5-6500 vs i5-6600 recommend in the forums (including the guy below). What's the main difference between the two given the price difference.
2) Is there a cheaper but still good quality option for the MOBO. Friend really doesn't need an "all-out" board with everything. Just enough for whatever is listed originally will suffice.
3) SSHD - I vaguely recall this hardware being a bit faulty a few years back. Is it more reputable/stable now to justify purchasing it over a standard HDD? It's likely most gaming/computation will be on the SSD anyway (which I'd assume is better than the SSHD)
4) GPU - yes... not sure where it came from. I know it's old, but it should work for now. GPU is easy to replace anyway.
5). PSU - I extremely doubt that crossfire/SLI is in the future for this. In that case, wouldnt 750W be overkill for any GPU?
 
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syrup

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Thanks for the suggestion!

A few questions:
1) CPU - Similar to the post before, why 6500 vs 6600 (ignore the overclocking version)?
2) MOBO - Would a micro ATX board be sufficient for having enough slots for all the components?
3) Monitor - the two monitors listed were just there as placeholder choices. I don't know if it'll be single vs dual monitors, but I really doubt a 144Hz is necessary for what this build is being used for. Any recommendations for just a standard 1080p 23-24'' monitor? Ideally ~<$150.
 
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Hlsgsz

Hlsgsz

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Go with what i linked. 10 buck more to get the latest generation i5 on teh latest platform is a no-brainer. And teh 6500 is the sweetspot.
And stay away from SSHD. An SSD + an HDD is teh way to go.
 
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syrup

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Yea... I've mentioned it. But from what I can tell, this is mostly for general school use or random casual oldschool games. It's definitely something I'm keeping an eye out for though.

What kind of graphics card would you recommend nowadays? I was looking at the AMD RX 480 model for ~$200, but I have no idea how that compares to the current market (the one I'm using is a GTX 770, which is also pretty dated at this point I imagine).
 
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Hlsgsz

Hlsgsz

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Decide on teh GPU before you purchase a monitor. If you get AMD you want a FreeSync monitor(these are cheaper). If you go Nvidia, you want a G-Sync one.
 
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syrup

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Do you have any recommendations? I like mentioned in the quote, I'm not familiar with the price-to-performance spectrum these days. I was looking up the AMD RX 480, but I'll need to do some research.
 
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Hlsgsz

Hlsgsz

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The way prices are today, i would go with a GTX 1060. Better price/perf.
 
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JackNaylorPE

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1) The price difference between a 6500 (3.2 Ghz) , 6660 (3.2 Ghz) and 6600k (3.5 Ghz) is miniscule (2% of build cost). To \my eyes, it makes no sense to close all upgrade options to extend system life to save $20. The 6600k overclocks, the 6600 does not.... the 6500 is a slower 6600. If your system starts feeling tired, you can choose to

a) Replace MoBo and CPU
b) Overclock to extend system life a bit further

Also the B150 series MoBo that is usyually matched to the non k processors means:

a) low budget substandard audio solution
b) less features
c) No SLI ... adding a 2nd card in SLi can extend system life 18-24 months.

2) $130 is not exactly an all out board ...

This is an all-out board :)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132838

This is a pretty high end board
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130870

This is a decent gaming board
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2W03VR9011

The MSI Z170 SLI Plus is described as a "baseline" board in this review. This is the lowest proce point we will go to when doing a build for a "gamer":

http://www.anandtech.com/show/10236/the-msi-z170a-sli-plus-review
The goal of the SLI PLUS is form, function and application at a low price, with a few future-proof features and enough hardware for most PC enthusiasts systems. They seem to sell well, so we got a sample in to see the fuss. Two word verdict: pleasantly surprised. Read on to see why.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, the price has spiked a bit as the board is getting popular.... just today it went from $133 to $142 and is no $152 on newegg. The Gigabyte model has dropped a bit and now can be found under $120....if the prce spike holds, the Giga is an attractive alternative ... tho newegg user reviews are much more favorable for the MSI


3. The SSD boots in 15.6 seconds, the SSHD boots in 16.5. SSHDs have never been shown to be significantly less reliable than HDs. The SSHD's gaming score is 9.78 MB/s ... the Blue is 4.01 Mb/s... the Black is 6.34 MB/s. I haven't bought a HD in almost 5 years when we started buying SSHDs.... and every SSHD we have bought is still in use. GTAV takes up 95 GB, Witcher 3 with it's 19 DLCs is well over 65 GB... Games are getting bigger and bigger

5. The peak efficiency point for a PSU is at 50% load (375 watts) you might not need 750 watts but this 750 is cheaper than many quality 650 and 550s. As for whetehr SLI is in the future, you havbe twp choices.

a) Spend roughly the same amount of money for a PSUU that can't do SLI
b) Spend roughly the same amount of money for a PSU that gives you the option of extending system life for 18-24 months for an extremely modest cash investment.





1. The $199 RX 480 remains pretty much a myth :). It does not exist (at least in stock anywhere). Cheapest 480 on pcpartpicker or newegg is $240.

2. The reference 480 has well publicized power issues. AMD issued a fix, but the 6 pin reference designs are still failing
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3133544/480-blew.html

I would not recommend purchasing any 480 that did not have an 8 pin power connector. The reference cards also all suffer from thermal throttling as described here:

https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AMD/RX_480/29.html

3. TPU also writes ....

https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/RX_480_Gaming_X/28.html

MSI's Radeon RX 480 Gaming X is the first Radeon RX 480 that manages to impress. Out of the box, the card is overclocked to a frequency of 1303 MHz, which is not a lot higher than the AMD reference of 1266 MHz, but throttling is reduced
Click to expand...

That card sells for $280 at which point the faster 1060 makes a lot more sense,
 
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