budget gaming itx pc

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tremblayjacob6

Jan 21, 2019
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hi, i'm trying to build myself a smal (itx) gaming pc, for now i have everything figured out excluding the motherboard (which might be a little dumb) i have the list from pc parts picker here :

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/jtre27/saved/GrqFt6

i'd like to know what kind of changes i could make to make it more affordable and optimized with a motherboard, my limit for spending would hopefully not go above 700-750$

thanks for the help!
 
Solution
Barty1884
Your build is titles "i3-8100"? Just making sure you linked the correct setup?

You're going to want dual-channel memory (2x4GB or 2x8GB) and appropriate speed (3000MHz+) for optimal Ryzen performance if you go that route.

While not a concern with a single GPU like a 1060, opting for an APU is both unnecessary (no need for the iGP) and potentially detrimental for future upgrades. The APUs only have x8 available for a single GPU (I believe) vs a true x16 connection. Current GPUs are not saturating even x8, so might not be a huge concern, but if it all possible, a true CPU would be a better route to go.


Modifying the build somewhat:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen...
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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Apr 16, 2015
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Your build is titles "i3-8100"? Just making sure you linked the correct setup?

You're going to want dual-channel memory (2x4GB or 2x8GB) and appropriate speed (3000MHz+) for optimal Ryzen performance if you go that route.

While not a concern with a single GPU like a 1060, opting for an APU is both unnecessary (no need for the iGP) and potentially detrimental for future upgrades. The APUs only have x8 available for a single GPU (I believe) vs a true x16 connection. Current GPUs are not saturating even x8, so might not be a huge concern, but if it all possible, a true CPU would be a better route to go.


Modifying the build somewhat:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($164.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - B450 I AORUS PRO WIFI Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Team - Vulcan 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($89.99 @ Newegg Business)
Storage: Crucial - MX500 500 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($67.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor - Radeon RX 580 8 GB Video Card ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake - Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case ($44.91 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G2 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ B&H)
Total: $717.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-21 16:09 EST-0500

A 580 will trade blows with a 1060 with each card taking a win in certain titles. Pretty similar performance though and, given the 1060 costs ~60% more (after rebates are factored in), it's really tough to justify a 1060 right now.

Gives you a 6c/12t chip, appropraite board and 16GB of RAM.

The 650W G2 is actually cheaper than the 550.

You could switch out the PSU for a CX550 to bring you under $700 (after rebates), but for the money, the G2 is a better quality unit.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($164.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - B450 I AORUS PRO WIFI Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Team - Vulcan 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($89.99 @ Newegg Business)
Storage: Crucial - MX500 500 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($67.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor - Radeon RX 580 8 GB Video Card ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake - Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case ($44.91 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($31.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $689.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-21 16:09 EST-0500
 
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tremblayjacob6

Jan 21, 2019
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0
10


thanks for your reply! it was indeed the right build, i messed with it today and turned it into a ryzen build because i figured its more cores for less money, i just forgot to update the title

as for the memory, i was thinking of going single chanel at first with an 8gb stick and then buying another one later when i saved some money to go dual chanel, thinking that single chanel wouldn't hurt performance that much
 
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Barty1884

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
Apr 16, 2015
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Unfortunately, single channel *does* impact performance by a noticeable amount.

As I linked above, it is entirely possible to put together a 6c/12t, 16GB (2x8GB) RAM and 580 setup. Honestly, a much smarter use of a ~$700 budget.

*EDIT*
Forgot to mention... In addition to single channel does have a noticeable performance dropoff vs dual, "mixing & matching" RAM modules can be hit or miss, even modules of the same brand/model/speed/timings. Unfortunately, Ryzen only exacerbates the problem, with it's picky memory controller.

Not saying it can't be done, just that it's more of a headache than it's worth - especially when a 16GB kit is in budget.
 
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