Is this worth building?

ClassicTheBlue

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Feb 1, 2016
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I'm looking into building a new PC. I'd like the build to be in a black and white color scheme. I've assembled the parts in theory but would like someone to point out if there is any incompatibilities, confusing combinations, or overpriced parts in the build. This is only the tower btw, I already have the necessary accessories (monitor, speakers, mouse, keyboard, etc.). My max budget is 850$ and would like to keep it to the low 800's.

Click here to view the build.

Ty,
Nate
 
Solution
As I mentioned, the 1060 is a solid card for 1080p. While the 6GB variant would (in theory) give you a longer lifespan at max settings, if you're comfortable dropping down to medium when the time comes, the 1060 3GB should last you a while.

I'd suggest a 2x8GB kit from the outset - mixing & matching RAM in future has the potential for some headaches.
All is compatible, but some suggestions:

1. If you plan to OC, then a more substantial cooler would be a better idea
2. Go with a 2x4 or 2x8GB kit for your RAM to utilize dual channel
3. Full black RAM would look better. Something like this 2x8GB Crucial Ballistix Elite kit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RCGJLLO/?tag=pcpapi-20
4. The SSDNow's are not the best. Something like a Samsung 850 EVO is a much better performer, and would compliment your colour scheme.
 
The build itself is not bad. However, is 240GB going to be enough for gaming? Also, I hope you don't play on doing ULTRA settings on your games. 3GB is not going to be enough down the line. For right now 8GB is good, but consider get a 2x8GB kit. You may consider dropping down your CPU and motherboard if you do not plan on overclocking.

P.S. I wish I got a t-shirt when I got my CPU
 


This right here. You're going to need a bigger HDD for games and media. Unless you only have 3 or 4 games or you like uninstalling and installing games you intend to play. I just built an i5 6600K/GTX 1070 gaming rig and I think you can save some money here by spending less on your case and PSU. The main reason I say this is because right now you can get some pretty insane deals on everything if you look at places like Amazon and Newegg. Right now Newegg is the best place to look.
 
I DON'T mean skimp on the PSU. At all. It's just I don't think a 750w PSU is needed for this build. And right now PSU's, GOOD PSU's, are extremely cheap online.

 
Where are GOOD PSUs extremely cheap at the moment @Jeff Kaos? Out of curiosity.

While 750W is unnecessary for the proposed build, it's great quality & $60. You aren't going to be able to do a whole lot better.
You might find a quality 500-550W PSU in the ~$50 range (the B2 SuperNOVA 750 is available for $50)

As for the debate on VRAM, I agree the 6GB variant would be an ever better option, but it's not as if 3GB cards are 'bad' - especially the 1060.
Provided the OP isn't looking to game at resolutions >1080p, and is happy to turn down settings over time, then it's a very solid option.
If the budget allows though, a 6GB GTX 1060 would be perfect. A GTX 1070 would be absolutely ideal, but I don't see that fitting within the OP's budget without some major sacrifices elsewhere. An 8GB RX 480 just about might, sacrificing the OCing ability though (and keeping with the Black & White theme makes it more difficult - dropping to an mATX board as a result).

i5-6500, 16GB DDR4, a larger (albeit budget) SSD and an RX480 (8GB) can work if you're prepared to drop the OCing ability and move the a mATX board:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($190.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG C7 40.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($26.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI B150M BAZOOKA Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($55.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($77.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: ADATA Premier SP550 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon RX 480 8GB GTR Video Card ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Case: BitFenix Comrade ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $791.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-11-22 18:08 EST-0500

Of course, if you're prepared to make those concessions - I'd suggest scrapping the colour scheme, as that is severely limiting some of the options.
 



Here's an update on the list.

I've decided to include your PSU suggestion. I didn't realize there has a bronze certified for that price. Ty.

I've gone with the OC 6gb version of the GTX1060.
I know you suggested the RX 480, but personally, I'm a Nvidia guy and the GTX1060 is definitely more prime for the games I intend to play (games not designed for dx12).

Also, I plan on doing 1080p gaming, not 1440p. This is why I originally had the 3gb version up (that, and the 50$ increase.) However, I could see how it might be safer to go with the 6gb version. Please tell what you think.

I also forgot to mention that I have a lot of 1tb/500gb hard drives laying around my house. So a larger SSD isn't necessary as I'll be using the spare drives for the extra storage.

I plan to overclock and have a fetish for the Z170 chipset. This is why I'm keeping to that motherboard.

I did switch the 1x8gb to 2x4gb to take advantage of the dual-channel capability. Though regardless of that change, I plan to add more ram in the future.

Btw, the Cryorig C7 cooler is only to satisfy a minor, temporary overclock. In the future, I plan to upgrade that cooler to the Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BK 68.5 CFM. Once upgraded, I'll be able to pump-up the overclocking.


Thanks for your help so far! :)
 
As I mentioned, the 1060 is a solid card for 1080p. While the 6GB variant would (in theory) give you a longer lifespan at max settings, if you're comfortable dropping down to medium when the time comes, the 1060 3GB should last you a while.

I'd suggest a 2x8GB kit from the outset - mixing & matching RAM in future has the potential for some headaches.
 
Solution


Yeah, absolutely (speaking from experience q-q). It shouldn't be a problem though, as I plan on buying another set of the same 8gbs within a few months of the purchase. I should never need more than 16gb.

I've pretty well settled on the extra 3gb and clock-speed span. It exceeds my budget just a bit, but I do agree that it will be more beneficial for the future.

Thanks for the advice!
-Nate