$300 Gaming PC

josephdfarkas

Prominent
Nov 19, 2018
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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!
 
Solution
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.

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
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

Retired Moderator

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator


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

Retired Moderator
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.
 
Solution

josephdfarkas

Prominent
Nov 19, 2018
118
1
695
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.
 

josephdfarkas

Prominent
Nov 19, 2018
118
1
695
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?