$300 Gaming PC

[josephdfarkas]

I am current looking for parts for a all new, $300 gaming/ all use gaming PC. I current have a laptop with Intel hd 4000 and a i5 3317U. The pcpart picker link is https://pcpartpicker.com/user/Redness360/saved/YM4vnQ.
I have a few questions.
First, is the ASRock B450 Pro4 motherboard better vs the ASRock X370 (same price) vs the Msi Gaming Plus ($10-$15 more).
Also, is my case selection good? Any better case for around $30?

Thank you so much!

 

[WildCard999]

Solid $300 build, the only thing I'd change is the memory from 1x8gb to 2x4gb and if possible grab the 3200mhz as the speed can make a significant difference in FPS. If your going 1x8gb in the hopes of grabbing another one later on I wouldn't recommend it as even if the stick is identical it may not work. Better off 2x4gb then when your ready to get 16gb sell the 2x4gb kit and buy a 2x8gb.

As for the motherboard I'd stick with the B450 as you don't know if the BIOS has been updated on the X370. That MSI board is fine and your case is good for $30.

 

[Barty1884]

Only thing I'd add above WC's comments, is the PSU.

The BR450 is fine, but for $30 after rebate (or $40 outright), it's probably not the best choice when:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $19.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-22 11:56 EST-0500

 

[josephdfarkas]

The X370 is already updated.
Should I go with it, the ASRock B450, or the MSI?
I'll look into the PSU, thanks!

 

[WildCard999]

The X370 is already updated.
Should I go with it, the ASRock B450, or the MSI?
I'll look into the PSU, thanks!

I'd stick with the B450 boards, better memory support. Personally I'd go Asrock as I've had issues with MSI boards previously but other's have stated there good.

 

[Barty1884]

If the X370 is updated, it might be a solid choice; potentially improved power delivery etc, but we don't know specifically which ASRock X370 board you're talking about.

The memory compatibility benefit with B450 is probably enough of a positive to opt for it though.

As for ASRock vs MSI (all else being equal), it's a matter of opinion. Personally, I've never used an ASRock board..... but MSI's BIOS sucks (IMO), so I'd probably lean towards ASRock.

 

[josephdfarkas]

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/DxNv6h/asrock-x370m-hdv-micro-atx-am4-motherboard-x370m-hdv

This is the x370 board.

 

[Barty1884]

That's a lower-end X370 board, a glorified B350 in most instances.

I'd opt for the B450 board here

 

[josephdfarkas]

Ok, so the ASRock B450 board it is. There is also an Asus board, about the same price as the MSI? Does it look good? (https://pcpartpicker.com/product/wW66Mp/asus-prime-b450m-acsm-micro-atx-am4-motherboard-prime-b450m-acsm) Everything else okay? Case? I'll switch to dual-channel memory and switch the mobo and PSU.

 

[WildCard999]

Ok, so the ASRock B450 board it is. Everything else okay? Case? I'll switch to dual-channel memory and switch the mobo and PSU.

The case is decent for the price, maybe add in a fan to the front when you have some extra money for intake.

 

[josephdfarkas]

re is also an Asus board, about the same price as the MSI? Does it look good? (https://pcpartpicker.com/product/wW66Mp/asus-prime-b450)

 

[WildCard999]

Asus Prime boards are nice.

 

[josephdfarkas]

Should I use the Asus Board or the AsRock board?

 

[josephdfarkas]

Also, how is the Matrexx 55 case with these fans (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00F6S10KK/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8), vs the Masterbox Lite 3.1, vs the Coolermaster Q300L, vs a thermaltake versa case?

 

[tennis2]

Double thread

triple thread

You're not going to get the best for your very tight budget by getting lists of pcpartbuilder. They don't include newegg promo codes.

Also 2x8GB DDR4-3000 = $88 with promo code AD15

 

[josephdfarkas]

Ok, thanks.