Build Advice I need help building a PC for my dad ?

[Samer_2]

Hi

I am building a PC for my dad who primarily wants it for Microsoft Flight Simulator, and I am kind of rushing because I need to get everything before I flight back for the summer. I have never built one before and am worried I royally f'd something up.

Is there anything wrong with this build? Any no-brainer small improvements or fatal incompatibilities?

Parts:
Case : Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L Micro ATX - 40$
MB : Gigabyte B550M - 90$
GPU : ASRock RX 6600 Challenger - $220
CPU : Ryzen 5 5600 - $111
RAM : T-Force 2x8GB 3600mhz CL18 - $30
SSD : Crucial P3 1TB M.2 - $64
PSU : Thermaltake Smart 600W 80Plus Certified - $45


its approximately 600$ with shipping, I was also considering these 2 prebuilts for $859 which is considerably more... and I'm not sure would beneficial for a casual gamer but I thought were great value especially for MSFS (maybe?):
MSI Codex R2
HZG Gaming Desktop Computer
with the obvious difference to me between the two was 16 DDR5 vs 32 DDR4.

I would really appreciate some clarity on this as I am going crazy researching every little thing. Thank you!

 

[Richj444]

Also what’s this talk about dual rank vs single rank ram? I heard getting 4x8 is apparently a wiser choice?

2x16 is a better option, 4 sticks puts more stress on the memory controller and you are more likely to have issues. Not saying you would, but as long as you still have a choice, go with 2 modules.

 

[Darkbreeze]

I will likely need it to be micro ATX just for ease of transportation on the flight. I should’ve mentioned that in my original post.

Although I am surprised you didn’t use an m.2? I thought those were the goto option these days. Also, is there something wrong with the motherboard I used in my updated build (B550M-K)? Then for the PSU I heard that with a build like mine you can get away with a C tier PSU like the MSI MAG. Though my dad is a heavy smoker, not sure if that affects the PSU and may cause a C tier to not hold up very well.

So, yes, you did not mention that it needed to be mATX, easily fixed. Also, yes, generally most will use an NVME M.2 PCIe drive these days, but since cost was a factor for you AND the fact is that between a standard SATA SSD and an NVME M.2 SSD, for gaming purposes and for MOST general purposes, the average user really isn't going to see any tremendous differences between the performance on both types of drives except in some fairly specific circumstances, didn't seem to be as much of a priority as other areas of the build. But if you desire an M.2 NVME drive, also easily fixed.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($116.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($17.89 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B550M Pro4 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($105.94 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP33 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($56.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: ASRock Challenger D Radeon RX 6600 8 GB Video Card ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone PS15 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: ADATA XPG Core Reactor II 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $708.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-01 13:02 EDT-0400

 

[Samer_2]

Okay so this what I've finalized it to. I heard 3200 cls16 had similar performance. Also changed the SSD for an extra $5 (pcparts price is wrong). Case for aesthetics. Would consider going for the CPU cooler, and calling it a day if it affects performance and especially lifetime that much (since my dad doesn't upgrade his pc for quite a while).

Let me know if it looks good so I can buy everything immediately and rest my head. Thank you for all the help so far!

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($116.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B550M Pro4 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Kingston NV3 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: ASRock Challenger D Radeon RX 6600 8 GB Video Card ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Okinos Aqua 3 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($63.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: ADATA XPG Core Reactor II 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $709.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-01 20:20 EDT-0400

 

[Darkbreeze]

Good luck with that.

The only change there that I can understand would maybe be the case, since that is generally up to a matter of personal preference so long as all the basic functionality and airflow is there. But yeah, if that's what you want. I will say this, and you do what you want.

The Aegis memory, despite the fact that it's from G.Skill, is kind of junk. It's really for much lower end builds. I guess. I'm not sure really what good it is, since the Ripjaws are usually only a couple dollars more and very often, the Ripjaws have the same IC's as much more expensive Trident kits. I think you're asking for problems with an Aegis kit on a Ryzen build. If it was an Intel build, I might not be AS concerned. So.

And personally, I think that case is not a good choice either. I see nothing that leads me to believe it is worth a dang. No good reviews. Nothing. And looking at the design, I have VERY serious reservations about it. But hey, it's your money.

 

[beyondlogic]

Okay so this what I've finalized it to. I heard 3200 cls16 had similar performance. Also changed the SSD for an extra $5 (pcparts price is wrong). Case for aesthetics. Would consider going for the CPU cooler, and calling it a day if it affects performance and especially lifetime that much (since my dad doesn't upgrade his pc for quite a while).

Let me know if it looks good so I can buy everything immediately and rest my head. Thank you for all the help so far!

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($116.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B550M Pro4 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Kingston NV3 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: ASRock Challenger D Radeon RX 6600 8 GB Video Card ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Okinos Aqua 3 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($63.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: ADATA XPG Core Reactor II 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $709.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-01 20:20 EDT-0400

I would switch out the rx 6600 with a a750

https://www.amazon.com/ASRock-Chall...cf2-4e98-a23a-d197165d61fa&pd_rd_i=B0D8VNKRY9

 

[Samer_2]

Let’s ask this. Is there a Microcenter in the area you are in? If so they have great combo deals and probably better availability on gpus. The 9060xt should be a LOT faster than the 6600. I think one comparison shows it being 41% faster possibly. Just make sure to get the 16gb version if you go that route.

I actually do have one close by. I have a few questions though:

1- Will the MSRP price actually be as stated?

2- Can I not just get the 8GB one? What’s so wrong with that given that the build is supposed to be budget friendly?

3- Surely I don’t have to like pitch a tent there the day before, right? Lol

 

[Misgar]

Will the MSRP price actually be as stated?

I have never checked MSRP for any PC component. The 'S' stands for Suggested, nothing more. Stores are usually free to charge what the market wil bear.

Insteead, look at the actual prices being charged by stores and on-line retailers. If desirable items are in short supply, the price can increase significantly above MSRP, e.g. high-end NVidia 5000 series GPUs. I wait for discounted sales.

Can I not just get the 8GB one? What’s so wrong with that given that the build is supposed to be budget friendly?

Yes, you can get an 8GB card, but as I mentioned before, Flight Simulator 2025 is very demanding on VRAM size. 8GB is regarded as the minimum. 12GB is better. 16GB is recommended (see below). You may have to turn off "eye candy" with 8GB and accept lower resolution and jerky motion. I don't know for sure.

Your dad will hopefully be delighted with his new present, but with a low initial budget, the system may soon become overwhelmed. By 2027, Flight Simulator might become unplayable on your proposed hardware, if Microsoft update the SIM too far.

Older versions of Flight Simulator were less demanding on system resources. I don't suppose you can still buy a copy of the software released between 2020 and 2022? Just a thought.

https://www.positioniseverything.ne...-simulator-2025/#Graphics_Card_Considerations

Graphics Card Considerations​

The graphics card will make your virtual skies look amazing. Here’s what to look for:

Spec	Minimum	Recommended
VRAM	8 GB	12+ GB
Generation	Current-1	Current
Performance Level	Mid-range	High-end

Surely I don’t have to like pitch a tent there the day before, right? Lol

Might not be a bad idea. Spend a week camping, pop into the store each day, then buy things on sale/special offer.

Prices are volatile, especially on Amazon where I buy most parts these days (no nearby stores). When I check Amazon the next day. the price has often increased. That's life.

 

[beyondlogic]

I actually do have one close by. I have a few questions though:

1- Will the MSRP price actually be as stated?

2- Can I not just get the 8GB one? What’s so wrong with that given that the build is supposed to be budget friendly?

3- Surely I don’t have to like pitch a tent there the day before, right? Lol

1. Some models will be MSRP how many not sure

2.
8gb is ok for 1080p no special features on but 16gb is more future proof.

When you go over the 8gb vram you then start dipping into system ram which can drop performance and other issues.

 

[DSzymborski]

This may be a budget friendly build, but it doesn't have budget friendly goals. Flight Simulator is an extremely resource-hungry game. It'd be different if your dad wanted a budget build that could run, say, Rocket League or Balatro.

And I have to second the concerns about the case. There's nothing wrong with a budget build or a budget case, but in a budget build in which you're trying to get performance, you have to take function over form.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

I actually do have one close by. I have a few questions though:

1- Will the MSRP price actually be as stated?

2- Can I not just get the 8GB one? What’s so wrong with that given that the build is supposed to be budget friendly?

3- Surely I don’t have to like pitch a tent there the day before, right? Lol

They may have a couple of models at msrp but no guarantee.

As far as 8gb vs 16gb, 8 might work but if this is something you want to last you may want the extra vram especially if he ever upgrades the monitor to 1440p for example. But by today’s standards 8gb is low. Will the game run? Probably. Would it be a smoother experience with the 16gb card? I think so.

As far as pitching a tent, I’ve had the luxury of waiting for things to come back in stock. Given how wild the gpu market has been that is your call.

 

[Misgar]

I found a review for the Okinos Aqua 3 case:
https://techguided.com/okinos-aqua-3-review/

OK(ish) if your dad likes "bling", glass panels and LED fans.

A few things gleaned from the review:-

"The case fans in this case are 3-pin DC fans, so these won’t be the quietest fans out there, but that’s probably something to be expected for a case in this price range. The fans also only operate at maximum of 1000 RPM, so they aren’t the best performing fans, either.

The case fans are all set to exhaust air out of the case, so it is a completely negative pressure setup, which, in terms of cooling isn’t necessarily bad, but it will draw in a lot of dust. If you’re looking for a case that will provide excellent airflow and top-of-the-line cooling performance, this probably won’t be the best option for you."

"... it was difficult to connect the Aqua 3’s front panel USB 3 cable. The cable is rigid and the opening slot on the Okinos Aqua 3 isn’t big enough. ... if you choose a motherboard that has the USB 3 header on the bottom-side of the motherboard, you’ll really need to make sure you force this cable down as low as possible."

Take your time when building the rig, It's relatively easy to bend the pins in a 19-way mobo USB3 header if the cable is stiff.

 

[LOGAN54321]

Guess why case is not included in the parts list?

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($116.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Assassin King SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($18.59 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B550 GAMING X V2 ATX AM4 Motherboard ($108.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($50.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital WD Blue SN5000 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($64.98 @ Amazon)
Video Card: ASRock Challenger SE OC Arc A750 8 GB Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: ADATA XPG Core Reactor II 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $639.52
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-02 07:14 EDT-0400

 

[Misgar]

Guess why case is not included in the parts list?

Case: Okinos Aqua 3 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($63.99 @ Amazon)

The Okinos Aqua 3 case was included in the OP's parts list posted earlier today.

Not sure how you build a PC without a case, unless you're breadboarding.

 

[logainofhades]

Okay so this what I've finalized it to. I heard 3200 cls16 had similar performance. Also changed the SSD for an extra $5 (pcparts price is wrong). Case for aesthetics. Would consider going for the CPU cooler, and calling it a day if it affects performance and especially lifetime that much (since my dad doesn't upgrade his pc for quite a while).

Let me know if it looks good so I can buy everything immediately and rest my head. Thank you for all the help so far!

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($116.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B550M Pro4 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Kingston NV3 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: ASRock Challenger D Radeon RX 6600 8 GB Video Card ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Okinos Aqua 3 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($63.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: ADATA XPG Core Reactor II 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $709.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-01 20:20 EDT-0400

Made a few changes to get you some better cooling, and a PSU with some upgrade headroom.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($115.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Spectrum V3 71.93 CFM CPU Cooler ($17.50 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($44.97 @ Newegg Sellers)
Storage: Silicon Power UD90 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: ASRock Challenger D Radeon RX 6600 8 GB Video Card ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Okinos Aqua 3 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($63.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Montech CENTURY II 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $711.33
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-02 08:33 EDT-0400

 

[alexbirdie]

I would recommend AMD 5700x instead of 5600, because it does have 8 cores and therefore 16 threads.

 

[Samer_2]

Guess why case is not included in the parts list?

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($116.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Assassin King SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($18.59 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B550 GAMING X V2 ATX AM4 Motherboard ($108.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($50.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital WD Blue SN5000 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($64.98 @ Amazon)
Video Card: ASRock Challenger SE OC Arc A750 8 GB Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: ADATA XPG Core Reactor II 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $639.52
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-02 07:14 EDT-0400

hahaha okay you guys convinced me I’ll get the one with better filtration. Important since my dad is a smoker. Guess I thought the Aqua 3 had decent filtration.

 

[beyondlogic]

I would recommend AMD 5700x instead of 5600, because it does have 8 cores and therefore 16 threads.

I agree with that the Ryzen 7 5700x is much better in terms of performance for heavy cpu games it's best bang for buck.

Not to be confused with Ryzen 7 5700 that's uses pci gen 3 not 4. There 2 different series of chips

 

[Samer_2]

Made a few changes to get you some better cooling, and a PSU with some upgrade headroom.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($115.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Spectrum V3 71.93 CFM CPU Cooler ($17.50 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($44.97 @ Newegg Sellers)
Storage: Silicon Power UD90 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: ASRock Challenger D Radeon RX 6600 8 GB Video Card ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Okinos Aqua 3 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($63.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Montech CENTURY II 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $711.33
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-02 08:33 EDT-0400

Are the silicone powers reliable? Both the ram and SSD? If so then I don’t honestly see why I can’t just get them now that I think about it. I am really worried they’ll get break or especially corrupt so that’s why I’m spending the extra $10 here and $10 there. My dad usually uses his pc for a decade or so before upgrading lol so they’ll have to stand that.

 

[Samer_2]

This may be a budget friendly build, but it doesn't have budget friendly goals. Flight Simulator is an extremely resource-hungry game. It'd be different if your dad wanted a budget build that could run, say, Rocket League or Balatro.

And I have to second the concerns about the case. There's nothing wrong with a budget build or a budget case, but in a budget build in which you're trying to get performance, you have to take function over form.

Ahhh. Yeah that is very true, although my dad isn’t an avid gamer that sniffs sub 60 fps drops or a disfigured shadow. For that reason I am convincing myself that if the build can at least run a stable 30+ fps on mediumish settings we’ll both be satisfied lol.

 

[LOGAN54321]

Computer case is the biggest, heaviest, pretty much cheapest part of this build.
Unless cases are way more expensive in your country, i suggest you buy one over there. I can go into examples and explanations more, but I rather save everybody's time for now.

 

[Samer_2]

Computer case is the biggest, heaviest, pretty much cheapest part of this build.
Unless cases are way more expensive in your country, i suggest you buy one over there. I can go into examples and explanations more, but I rather save everybody's time for now.

Honestly, that might be a really good idea considering I have to carry that on an international flight. Though not sure if I can get a well-reviewed case with good ventilation and filtration there. The market can be limited.

 

[Samer_2]

Honestly, that might be a really good idea considering I have to carry that on an international flight. Though not sure if I can get a well-reviewed case with good ventilation and filtration there. The market can be limited.

Computer case is the biggest, heaviest, pretty much cheapest part of this build.
Unless cases are way more expensive in your country, i suggest you buy one over there. I can go into examples and explanations more, but I rather save everybody's time for now.

Is there a budget PC cases tier list somewhere? That might be easiest way to check what’s in-stock near me back home.

 

[logainofhades]

Are the silicone powers reliable? Both the ram and SSD? If so then I don’t honestly see why I can’t just get them now that I think about it. I am really worried they’ll get break or especially corrupt so that’s why I’m spending the extra $10 here and $10 there. My dad usually uses his pc for a decade or so before upgrading lol so they’ll have to stand that.

Yes the are good budget options.

 

[Darkbreeze]

I would switch out the rx 6600 with a a750

https://www.amazon.com/ASRock-Challenger-Silent-Cooling-Graphics/dp/B0D8VNKRY9/ref=pd_aw_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_0_title?pd_rd_w=TKqEn&content-id=amzn1.sym.3aeff048-319d-41ad-90b3-930df51a9ea3:amzn1.symc.cb15e6ef-dda0-4490-a93d-da66403ab544&pf_rd_p=3aeff048-319d-41ad-90b3-930df51a9ea3&pf_rd_r=9MAYM03HZRHJY7XT60KX&pd_rd_wg=xiBXP&pd_rd_r=611fc89f-ecf2-4e98-a23a-d197165d61fa&pd_rd_i=B0D8VNKRY9

You are the ONLY person that would. They are decent options when only budget is a concern, but overall, they don't, and can't, compete. Not even in the price range. There is nothing about Intel GPU options that would make a right thinking person opt in that direction. Nothing. Name one thing.

 

[beyondlogic]

You are the ONLY person that would. They are decent options when only budget is a concern, but overall, they don't, and can't, compete. Not even in the price range. There is nothing about Intel GPU options that would make a right thinking person opt in that direction. Nothing. Name one thing.

Considering I own both and the a750 works extremely well I can do one better and use a actual benchmark.

There stable and they work.

https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-com...mist-takes-on-amd-rdna-2-in-the-budget-sector

This is a budget build last I checked.

Also latest drivers have brought them on quite well. Last I checked rx 6600 is a budget GPU.

A750 competes with it at 200 USD.

It's fine in that price bracket. Every game I've tested at 1080p it preforms better then the rx 6600. So why wouldn't I. Name one reason why you wouldn't recomend it over the rx 6600 ? Do you own both cards ?.

Also for the record haven't had any issues on a a750 on a b450 motherboard.