[SOLVED] Gaming system for illustration purposes under $700

[RoguishThoughts]

Good evening.

I would appreciate help from the local gurus.

Necessity has me looking for a system that runs under $700 US dollars, geared towards two points:

1. Creative design
2. Gaming

The primary aspect is actually for creative design (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.), while gaming, being important, is a close second. For the creative design aspect, I need it for static 2D illustrations though I would like to leave it open for the possibility of 3D rendering (Autodesk, for example) in the distant future, a year more likely.

In terms of gaming itself, the system does not need to be able to run every game in existence. For example, I do more retro gaming and my more sophisticated games are MMOs, Dishonored, ReCore, etc.

I don't know if this rig would require additional cooling, so that would be an important point to note.

Is a good, stable system feasible within the requested budget?

Thank you

 

[siaan312]

Without checking exact budgets

a ryzen 5 3600
a b450 board
and a 1660 super or 1650 super depending on what gets inside that budget.
a 550w or 450w powersupply.
8x2gb of 3200mhz cl16 ram.
and the rest doesnt really matter just get what fits in the budget.

 

[kevinburrow]

I tried this ^^^^ and couldn't get it under $700 at pcpartpicker

I got to about $750 with a 1660 so it could be possible with a 1650 but I ran out of time before I could check.

 

[RoguishThoughts]

Thank you.

Looking at the pricing for several components, if I went this way, it seems it would go over budget, and that's not even including the hard drives and chassis, as well.

The Asus B450 board seems to have an integrated graphics card. Would it be recommended to perhaps use the discrete graphics card instead of a dedicated card for a time, then install the 1660 Super? That could bring it under budget, if temporarily.

 

[Vic 40]

Would this work for you?
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($174.15 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI B450M PRO-VDH MAX Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($83.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team T-FORCE VULCAN Z 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: ADATA XPG SX850 256 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($40.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate BarraCuda 1 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($45.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon RX 570 8 GB Video Card ($143.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($57.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX (2017) 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($79.97 @ Newegg)
Total: $697.03
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-25 10:47 EDT-0400

Maybe you rather use Nvidia with the programs you use,
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB WINDFORCE OC Video Card (GV-N1650OC-4GD) - PCPartPicker
might bring it just over budget. Can look around for a used gpu like maybe a gtx 970 if for a good price.

a 2tb hdd isn't much more expensive, but brings thing over budget,
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/mw...tb-35-7200rpm-internal-hard-drive-st2000dm008

Case is subjective.

You see windows isn't included.

 

[siaan312]

Would this work for you?
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($174.15 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI B450M PRO-VDH MAX Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($83.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team T-FORCE VULCAN Z 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: ADATA XPG SX850 256 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($40.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate BarraCuda 1 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($45.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon RX 570 8 GB Video Card ($143.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($57.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX (2017) 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($79.97 @ Newegg)
Total: $697.03
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-25 10:47 EDT-0400

Maybe you rather use Nvidia with the programs you use,
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB WINDFORCE OC Video Card (GV-N1650OC-4GD) - PCPartPicker
might bring it just over budget. Can look around for a used gpu like maybe a gtx 970 if for a good price.

a 2tb hdd isn't much more expensive, but brings thing over budget,
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/mw...tb-35-7200rpm-internal-hard-drive-st2000dm008

Case is subjective.

You see windows isn't included.

a 1650 super (msrp atleast, might need to search for one at that price) is 159$, that is 14$ above the 700$ mark and is quite a bit better than the 570.)

 

[RoguishThoughts]

Vic 40 and Siann312 have given, I believe, the pathway to go.

I was wondering, would it be viable or recommended to use an old case? I have an old Cooler Master HAF X (https://pcpartpicker.com/product/JG4gXL/cooler-master-case-rc942kkn1) that can accommodate this build, as well as an old Cosair 600 watt power unit. I was wondering if it'd be feasible, or even recommended, to use the HAF X case, the power unit, and an old HD that has windows 8 on it (all apparently work), and with the savings, update components? The vid card to the GTX 1650 Super 4 GB, MoBo to MSI's 450B Gaming Plus, the storage to a 2 TB Seagate Barracuda Compute, and RAM to Patriot Viper Steel 16 gb 3600. Update the Windows 8 to 10 since I already have the license for it.

With a bit more funds in the future, switch out the power unit, then the case as the last component, to a newer Cooler Master in the ATX form.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7MnHL2

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($173.85 @ Walmart)
Motherboard: MSI B450 Gaming Plus MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard ($108.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper Steel 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: ADATA XPG SX850 256 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($40.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda Compute 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB WINDFORCE OC Video Card ($140.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $604.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-26 18:34 EDT-0400

Or would it be recommended to just put in a new power unit anyway, the Corsair CX (2017) 550?

 

[Vic 40]

Case would be fine to reuse. Not sure about that psu to be honest, sounds like the old Green CX which isn't great.

Using W8 and then updating it would be a good idea. Might want link that to a microsoft account when done, then after that do a fresh install.

 

[RoguishThoughts]

Case would be fine to reuse. Not sure about that psu to be honest, sounds like the old Green CX which isn't great.

Using W8 and then updating it would be a good idea. Might want link that to a microsoft account when done, then after that do a fresh install.

The case and HD with W8 it is. I was mistaken on the PSU, though. It's an old Antec 1000 W unit.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/GDH323/antec-power-supply-tpq1000

It's been in storage for a few years, and when last tested, was working normally. But of course, if a new unit would be the wiser step, then I'll add that unto the list.

 

[siaan312]

The case and HD with W8 it is. I was mistaken on the PSU, though. It's an old Antec 1000 W unit.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/GDH323/antec-power-supply-tpq1000

It's been in storage for a few years, and when last tested, was working normally. But of course, if a new unit would be the wiser step, then I'll add that unto the list.

Having a bad powersupply is just... not the kind of fun you want.
Its usually the thing that causes the hardest problems to detect and if its really bad can cost you your system.
also, a 1000w is overkill and a half for that pc.
450w or 550w will suffice.

 

[Vic 40]

The case and HD with W8 it is. I was mistaken on the PSU, though. It's an old Antec 1000 W unit.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/GDH323/antec-power-supply-tpq1000

It's been in storage for a few years, and when last tested, was working normally. But of course, if a new unit would be the wiser step, then I'll add that unto the list.

Thought it could do for now, but saw an old review where they tested ripple and that was already @ 100, which technically is within atx specs (max is 120), but is very high and with capacitors aged probably could go over so think it would be wise to get a new psu.

 

[Andyme177]

with windows 10 home 64 bit

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/NF6vhg

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Best Buy)
Motherboard: MSI X570-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($159.90 @ B&H)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Focus G ATX Mid Tower Case ($60.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA BR 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($46.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $732.82
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-27 11:57 EDT-0400

 

[RoguishThoughts]

Having a bad powersupply is just... not the kind of fun you want.
Its usually the thing that causes the hardest problems to detect and if its really bad can cost you your system.
also, a 1000w is overkill and a half for that pc.
450w or 550w will suffice.

Very good point, it would be overkill for this kind of build.

Thought it could do for now, but saw an old review where they tested ripple and that was already @ 100, which technically is within atx specs (max is 120), but is very high and with capacitors aged probably could go over so think it would be wise to get a new psu.

Hadn't thought of that. If the unit is aged enough, it may go over and fried system.

You guys have convinced me. New PSU.

 

[RoguishThoughts]

with windows 10 home 64 bit

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/NF6vhg

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Best Buy)
Motherboard: MSI X570-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($159.90 @ B&H)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Focus G ATX Mid Tower Case ($60.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA BR 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($46.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $732.82
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-27 11:57 EDT-0400

Attractive choice, too. A bit over but not by much. Thank you, Andyme!

Will compare the system options that are coming out and see what we can get out of this!

 

[RoguishThoughts]

So far, this may be the system. I already have the Cooler Master Haf X that I will use to drop these into, plus several Samsung Spinpoints and Intel SSD that are still function and have windows 8 on them. This should allow me to just upgrade to windows 10, while saving a few bucks. Some prices have gone up due to being out of stock, so I expect some prices to drop in the next few weeks, hopefully.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($172.76 @ Walmart)
Motherboard: MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Best Buy)
Memory: Patriot Viper RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($100.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel X25-M 120 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Storage: ADATA XPG SX850 256 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F1 RAID 1 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F1 RAID 1 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Storage: Seagate Barracuda Compute 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.36 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB WINDFORCE OC Video Card ($140.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX (2017) 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($69.73 @ Amazon)
Total: $698.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-27 23:14 EDT-0400

 

[Vic 40]

I would spend the few extra $ to use the 550watt CX, a 450 watt psu is pretty limiting when wanting to upgrade to a maybe more powerfull gpu in the future.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Fd...onze-certified-atx-power-supply-cp-9020121-na
difference is about $4,-, well via this link it is.

 

[RoguishThoughts]

I would spend the few extra $ to use the 550watt CX, a 450 watt psu is pretty limiting when wanting to upgrade to a maybe more powerfull gpu in the future.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Fd...onze-certified-atx-power-supply-cp-9020121-na
difference is about $4,-, well via this link it is.

Then an upgrade to the 550 W CX will be implemented!

 

[RoguishThoughts]

Went with the Corsair CV 550 W 80 Bronze instead. The Corsair CX 2017 550W went up in price. A lot.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Hc...onze-certified-atx-power-supply-cp-9020210-na

Happen to have enough Hard Drives to use at least 5 of the Sata off the bat, and then planned to get one more. Don't think I did, but I hope I didn't mess up somewhere.

 

[Vic 40]

No real reviews about it ,but personally would try this one over the CV,
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/vH...old-certified-atx-power-supply-100-gd-0500-v1
or if you can wait until in stock,
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Xg...old-certified-atx-power-supply-100-gd-0600-v1
with a $10 rebate not bad, but question is when wil it be in stock again.

 

[RoguishThoughts]

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/vH...old-certified-atx-power-supply-100-gd-0500-v1

Got the recommended EVGA GD instead. If I may ask, why is this one a preferred unit? I'm fine with getting it, the reviews seem to be good, and it does use Japanese capacitors which the Corsair CV, from what I read, doesn't do so.

 

[Vic 40]

I like that it has a 5 year warranty vs 3 for the VS and that it can do it's rated wattage as output. Being gold rated for efficiency is a bonus.

 

[RoguishThoughts]

I like that it has a 5 year warranty vs 3 for the VS and that it can do it's rated wattage as output. Being gold rated for efficiency is a bonus.

Sounds like good reasons. Bought it, and it's being shipped now! Thank you!

 

[Vic 40]

You're welcome.😄