First time builder; How can I improve my part selections?

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pantman_

pantman_

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Jul 5, 2017
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Hey guys! I'm new to building (as in the only thing I have ever swapped in a PC is a Power Supply and a Video Card) and I want some feedback on this parts list. I have been gaming for a while now on a pretty crappy pre-built and it just can't run many modern games past 15 fps on the lowest settings. The parts list for a new system is as follows:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-6400 2.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($176.29 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC - Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2 45.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($18.28 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock - Z270 Killer SLI/ac ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($133.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial - Ballistix Sport LT 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($65.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: PNY - CS1311 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB SC GAMING Video Card ($289.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair - Carbide SPEC-04 (Black/Gray) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - CSM 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($82.38 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($26.00)
Monitor: AOC - E2476VWM6 23.6" 1920x1080 60Hz Monitor ($135.99 @ B&H)
Total: $1095.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-07-16 18:51 EDT-0400

I listed the OS as $26 because I have seen websites with Win 10 at this price. Not sure where but I can find it if anyone wants to know where I plan to buy my OS.

I would be using this for primarily gaming, and I want to be able to run games like Player Unknown's Battlegrounds, Doom, and other more demanding games at a playable ( >= 30) fps, and other, less straining games, in the 60's at medium/high settings. I will be doing a little Photoshop for one of my classes but not enough that it should heavily influence any part selections.

My hope is to keep this around or less than $1000 (I already have the monitor, which brings it to ~ $965. If you want you can include feedback for that as well). I tried to pick from companies that I have heard trustworthy things about, but if there is some company that anyone believes is untrustworthy, please tell me why so I can make an informed decision.

Any feedback would be appreciated (i.e part recommendations, things I am missing, or cheaper parts that are similar to what I have picked.)

Thanks!
 
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Mike3k24

Mike3k24

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Apr 21, 2016
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This build is better, the 6400 isn't a great CPU and it's from last gen
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI - B350 GAMING PLUS ATX AM4 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial - Ballistix Sport LT 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($65.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: PNY - CS1311 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB SC GAMING Video Card ($289.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair - Carbide SPEC-04 (Black/Gray) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($26.00)
Monitor: AOC - E2476VWM6 23.6" 1920x1080 60Hz Monitor ($135.99 @ B&H)
Total: $1046.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-07-16 19:28 EDT-0400
 
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Lehan123456789

Lehan123456789

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Sep 10, 2016
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Nice build, however Ryzen loves fast ram, and if you are not doing video editing, a more budget CPU (R5 1500x) is probably a good idea. Also these days I would recommend a 240gb drive and 1tb as opposed to a 120gb and a 2tb.
As a result, I would suggest this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1500X 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($176.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI - B350M PRO-VDH Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($74.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: ADATA - 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($85.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital - Blue 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($83.69 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB SSC GAMING Video Card ($309.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair - Carbide SPEC-04 (Black/Gray) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($84.00 @ Adorama)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($92.99 @ B&H)
Monitor: AOC - i2267Fw 22.0" 1920x1080 60Hz Monitor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1095.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-07-16 19:58 EDT-0400

Please also keep in mind that is also has a better Power supply (one of the best on the market)
 
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Karadjgne

Karadjgne

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No. Kinguin and other similar sites are not authorized Microsoft resellers. They don't sell anything. They just make it available to be sold, like a lovechild of Amazon market and eBay. What they sell for $26 is the key, and it's the same key sold to 100's of other ppl. So if you do manage to get it registered, there's a good chance Microsoft will finally catch on and unregister your copy, killing the key. Then you'll need to purchase another. In a nutshell, it's software piracy, totally illegal according to Microsoft EULA and prosecutable as such.
Tom's hardware, it's parent company Purch Inc., the mods/heralds/helpers and regular posters will in no way endorse buying from Kinguin or similar, the sites are only tolerated as they are not technically liable for what users sell. It's a very grey area.

If you want Windows, legit, buy from an authorized retailer such as Amazon or newegg or others on PCPartPicker etc or buy direct from Microsoft.
 
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Karadjgne

Karadjgne

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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock - AB350 Pro4 ATX AM4 Motherboard ($87.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($122.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: SK hynix - SL308 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($85.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB SSC GAMING Video Card ($309.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design - Focus G (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($47.79 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($92.99 @ B&H)
Total: $1064.61
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-07-16 20:28 EDT-0400
 
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Chugalug_

Chugalug_

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I agree more with Karadjgne over the other list, but that too can be improved.
Ditch the SSD in this price range, better spent on a 1080 and 144hz, 1060s are wildly overpriced here.
Forget 30FPS. ;)
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1400 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($157.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock - AB350M Pro4 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($77.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team - Dark Pro 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: PNY - GeForce GTX 1080 8GB XLR8 Video Card ($549.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair - Carbide SPEC-04 (Black/Gray) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($41.89 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($26.00)
Total: $1017.20
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-07-16 22:17 EDT-0400
 
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clarkjd

clarkjd

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Dec 7, 2005
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Again, a $26.00 dollar Win10 home license!
Where are you guys finding this?

 
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Chugalug_

Chugalug_

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Jan 28, 2016
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Go with my list, i've squeezed in a GTX 1080 and put in the best value choices for you.
If you need any comparison/justification i'll be happy to give it. :)
I didn't see your comment on the monitor, edited now.
Spend a little more, you get wayy more performance.
 
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Chugalug_

Chugalug_

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Also if you REALLY can't spend $30 more on the 1080 system, get this.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock - AB350M Pro4 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($77.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team - Dark 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung - 960 EVO 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($127.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB SC GAMING Video Card ($289.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair - Carbide SPEC-04 (Black/Gray) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($41.89 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($26.00)
Total: $966.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-07-16 22:18 EDT-0400
 
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pantman_

pantman_

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Why do you prefer the 1060 6gb SSC over the SC?
 
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pantman_

pantman_

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Jul 5, 2017
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If I'm only putting Win 10 and Chrome on the SSD, do I really need 250gb?
 
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pantman_

pantman_

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Kinguin, but after the comment about keys from there getting revoked, I did some looking and it does indeed look like Kinguin isn't a great idea.
 
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Chugalug_

Chugalug_

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After win 10 and software, you can expect about 120-140GB to be occupied, and windows grows easily.
You also need at least 10% spare at all times in order to stop performance taking a hit, a big reason why 240GB is considered the minimum.
 
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pantman_

pantman_

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Jul 5, 2017
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Sorry for all the questions, but is there a huge difference between the ryzen 5 1400 and 1500x for gaming, or is it not worth the extra $20?
 
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Chugalug_

Chugalug_

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If you want a 1060 list see what I posted.
The SSC is dual fan, the SC is single fan, not much difference, but nice to have.
 
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pantman_

pantman_

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Alright, thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it! :D
 
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Karadjgne

Karadjgne

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Bunch of nonsense. I've got Windows 10 CE, several games, photoshop and several other large apps and still don't top 45% use on my 128Gb Samsung ssd. The hdd is there for a reason, mass storage, that includes photos, media and most of the other game files that see little usage. 250Gb is recommended simply because some new games are taking up a lot of space, but those same games and the associated steam files etc can be stored on hdd with no discernable performance hit. You don't have to try and cram everything on ssd. So claims of 120-140Gb after windows and software are vastly misleading.

And throwing up an R5 1400 just to squeeze in a 1080? Really? Might as well have tossed in a pentium G4560 and screamed 'here! Da cheapest possible' and then kill any performance gains by ditching the SSD. Might as well drop a Hemi in a go-kart and call it a race car.
 
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pantman_

pantman_

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So your opinion is that I should go with the 120gb ssd? Not sure what you meant with the Ryzen 5 1400 and the 1080, though...
 
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Lehan123456789

Lehan123456789

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Sep 10, 2016
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Although I agree with the point about the 1080 and R5 1400, however I do think that with games now pushing 70gb an SSD above 190gb is what I would suggest for a build of this price .

Although the prices of GPUs are still quite high, I think that a 250gb ssd, 1tb HDD and a 6 core CPU, with a 1060 6gb and a genuine copy of windows 10 is a good balance:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI - B350M PRO-VDH Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($74.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: ADATA - 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($85.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital - Blue 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($83.69 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB SSC GAMING Video Card ($309.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair - Carbide SPEC-04 (Black/Gray) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($47.79 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($92.99 @ B&H)
Monitor: AOC - i2267Fw 22.0" 1920x1080 60Hz Monitor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1082.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-07-17 00:52 EDT-0400
 
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Chugalug_

Chugalug_

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After anti-virus, software, Windows, Microsoft Office, benchmark suites, stress test software, etc. I've got 130GB taken up on my 850 Evo.
Windows alone is 65GB of that atm, and this was a fresh install from about 10 months ago.
 
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