New Build - Help & Suggestions Please

[Ron024]

I Would really appreciate help on my first ever PC build.

Particularly
- What PSU should I get?
- Are all my parts compatible?
- Any cost effective alternatives to my components list?
- Is there much of a noticeable difference between 2133mhz DDR4 RAM and 3400mhz DDR4 RAM?
- Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
- Anything else I might need?


Parts Already Bought
- Intel i5 6600 CPU £145.29
- SSD kingston 240gb £56.30

Parts I Plan to Buy

PSU
- EVGA SuperNOVA 650 G2. £84.98. https://www.cclonline.com/product/182765/220-G2-0650-Y3...

OR

- XFX 450W Core Edition 80+ Bronze Wired Power Supply. £55.36
https://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-Bronze-Wired-Power-Supply/...

Motherboard
- ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING. £111.90. https://www.alza.co.uk/asus-z170-pro-gaming-d2905982.ht...

PC Case
- Fractal Design CORE 2300 Case. £44.90. https://www.alza.co.uk/fractal-core-2300-d2169922.htm?o...

Monitor
- 21.5 "HP 22es. £105.59. https://www.alza.co.uk/21-5-hp-22es-d4321881.htm?kampan...

RAM
- 8gb 2133mhz RAM £45 - Probably a bargain or 2nd hand off ebay


Notes
I plan to maybe add another 8gb RAM and a 4GB GTX card in about 6 months

Usage habits: Quite a lot of web browsing and office programs. Plan to use it for mid-level games in the near future too. I tend to leave my PC on all day for most days so power efficiency & safety are quite important.

 

[raisonjohn]

I Would really appreciate help on my first ever PC build.

Particularly
- What PSU should I get?
- Are all my parts compatible?
- Any cost effective alternatives to my components list?
- Is there much of a noticeable difference between 2133mhz DDR4 RAM and 3400mhz DDR4 RAM?
- Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
- Anything else I might need?


Parts Already Bought
- Intel i5 6600 CPU £145.29
- SSD kingston 240gb £56.30

Parts I Plan to Buy

PSU
- EVGA SuperNOVA 650 G2. £84.98. https://www.cclonline.com/product/182765/220-G2-0650-Y3...

OR

- XFX 450W Core Edition 80+ Bronze Wired Power Supply. £55.36
https://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-Bronze-Wired-Power-Supply/...

Motherboard
- ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING. £111.90. https://www.alza.co.uk/asus-z170-pro-gaming-d2905982.ht...

PC Case
- Fractal Design CORE 2300 Case. £44.90. https://www.alza.co.uk/fractal-core-2300-d2169922.htm?o...

Monitor
- 21.5 "HP 22es. £105.59. https://www.alza.co.uk/21-5-hp-22es-d4321881.htm?kampan...

RAM
- 8gb 2133mhz RAM £45 - Probably a bargain or 2nd hand off ebay


Notes
I plan to maybe add another 8gb RAM and a 4GB GTX card in about 6 months

Usage habits: Quite a lot of web browsing and office programs. Plan to use it for mid-level games in the near future too. I tend to leave my PC on all day for most days so power efficiency & safety are quite important.

- What PSU should I get?
It will largely depend on your GPU + CPU pairing, and, to some extent, the other minor components connected to your PSU. The CPU you currently have is only 65W in TDP (roughly translating to 65W power draw -- that's low-powered). Let's assume the GPU you will get is a powerful GTX 1080 8GB (with a 6-pin and 8-pin PCIE power connector). Theoretically, the GPU can (but not necessarily do) draw up to 300W. Other components (fans, HDD, SSD, RAM, etc.) will only draw minimal power, so, we can theoretically estimate that even a 550W PSU can safely power your entire rig (much more if the GPU you selected is lower in power requirements).

- Are all my parts compatible?
All the initial parts you selected are physically compatible (disregarding usage and performance compatibility).

Your current i5-6600 can physically fit in the socket of the Asus Z170 Pro Gaming motherboard. However, in terms of price/performance compatibility, they are not a good pair. The Z170-chipset motherboard is intended to overclock those unlocked ("K"-series) Intel CPUs (such as the i5-6600K and i7-6700K) and what you currently have is a locked (non-"K") CPU. It is best to pair that i5-6600 with any of the following motherboards: B150, B250, H110, H170, or H270-chipset for better price/performance.

The HP 22es monitor you selected is a 1080p IPS (good viewing angles and resolution) but only at 21.5" size. Though the size is relative to what your desk space clearance is, generally, a good sweet spot for 1080p-resolution is ~23" (or 24") for best visual acquity/pixel density per inch. Note also that the HP 22es only has a VGA and HDMI display input connector -- which, if you want to avoid using adapters, might consider hunting for GPUs that offers those same display outputs. The monitor also only has a 7ms response time (which, to some, might not be suitable for fast-paced gaming).

If you want to play games at Ultra/Max settings in 1080p resolution at ~60fps, the GPU to consider are the GTX 1060 (6GB) or RX 480 (8GB). If your monitor can support 1080p/120Hz+ refresh rate (or 1440p/~60Hz), then consider the GTX 1070. If your monitor supports 1080/144Hz (or 1440p/~120Hz), then the GTX 1080 is something to look into. Since you plan to do mid-level games, an RX 480 (4GB) or even an RX 470 (4GB) would suffice.

It's better to select a case that could fit longer GPUs (with dual or triple fans) without blocking any drive cages, so as not to restrict your GPU selection in the future.

- Any cost effective alternatives to my components list?
Here is how I would personally build it for less than £700 (of course, this depends on your budget):

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor (Purchased For £0.00)
Motherboard: MSI B250M PRO-VDH Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£69.64 @ CCL Computers)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory (£113.27 @ More Computers)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow UV400 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (Purchased For £0.00)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£41.80 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon RX 480 4GB G1 Gaming Video Card (£166.74 @ Aria PC)
Case: Fractal Design Define Mini C with Window MicroATX Mid Tower Case (£73.98 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G3 (EU) 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (£78.24 @ Aria PC)
Monitor: AOC I2481FXH 23.8" 1920x1080 60Hz Monitor (£136.98 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £680.65
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-04-08 10:07 BST+0100

- Is there much of a noticeable difference between 2133mhz DDR4 RAM and 3400mhz DDR4 RAM?
In benchmarking tests, there would be quantifiable differences, but in real-world experience, you can really never tell how fast one is over the other. The choice of RAM would be limited to the choice of motherboard and CPU you will get. In the case above, the B250 motherboard with a Skylake (6th-gen) CPU only supports 2133MHz speeds -- so no point in spending for a faster RAM that will only downclock to a slower speed your components supports. Also, faster RAM speeds would use more volts (higher heat/consumption) than lower RAM speeds.

- Anything else I might need?
The stock Intel CPU Cooler included in your i5-6600 will suffice as the CPU only has a low TDP. If you prefer to get an aftermarket cooler for an increase in thermal performance (lower temps) and looks, you may do so. Just check the height clearance of the case you will use. My suggestion is the affordable Cryorig M9i or Cryorig H5 Universal (depends on your budget and tastes).

You'd also need peripherals (keyboard and mouse) based on your use. A standard and very affordable KB+mouse combo will suffice. If you want better experience (and have the budget), a mechanical keyboard and a high-dpi/multi-button mouse would be great (depending on what games you play).

Speakers, headsets, and other accessories, you may purchase as you please.

 

[Ron024]

Thank you raisonjohn, your info was very helpful !

After taking your advice I've revised my shopping list to;

PSU
EVGA SuperNOVA G3 (EU) 550W 80+
£81.99
http://www.ebuyer.com/769400-550w-g3-80-modular-gold-220-g3-0550-y3

Motherboard
ASUS PRIME PLUS-B250
£67.90
https://www.alza.co.uk/asus-prime-plus-b250-d4662618.htm?catid=18842832

Case
Fractal Design Define Mini C
£69.90
https://www.alza.co.uk/fractal-design-define-mini-c-d4536342.htm?catid=18849057

Monitor
21.5 "HP 22es
105.59
https://www.alza.co.uk/21-5-hp-22es-d4321881.htm?kampan

RAM
- 8gb 2133mhz RAM £45 - Probably a bargain or 2nd hand off ebay


I'm going to keep the monitor as I really need the matte anti glare screen and I prefer 21.5 inch size over 24 inch.

Is this motherboard a good choice?

Also, if I buy a random brand 2400mhz 8GB RAM, can I pair it with another brand's 2400mhz 8GB RAM for optimised dual channel performance or do they have to be exact same?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[raisonjohn]

Thank you raisonjohn, your info was very helpful !

After taking your advice I've revised my shopping list to;

PSU
EVGA SuperNOVA G3 (EU) 550W 80+
£81.99
http://www.ebuyer.com/769400-550w-g3-80-modular-gold-220-g3-0550-y3

Motherboard
ASUS PRIME PLUS-B250
£67.90
https://www.alza.co.uk/asus-prime-plus-b250-d4662618.htm?catid=18842832

Case
Fractal Design Define Mini C
£69.90
https://www.alza.co.uk/fractal-design-define-mini-c-d4536342.htm?catid=18849057

Monitor
21.5 "HP 22es
105.59
https://www.alza.co.uk/21-5-hp-22es-d4321881.htm?kampan

RAM
- 8gb 2133mhz RAM £45 - Probably a bargain or 2nd hand off ebay


I'm going to keep the monitor as I really need the matte anti glare screen and I prefer 21.5 inch size over 24 inch.

Is this motherboard a good choice?

Also, if I buy a random brand 2400mhz 8GB RAM, can I pair it with another brand's 2400mhz 8GB RAM for optimised dual channel performance or do they have to be exact same?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

You're welcome!

The Asus Prime B250 Plus is a good choice for your motherboard too. However, it is an ATX-sized mobo and won't fit in the Fractal Design Define Mini C (an mATX case). If you prefer that motherboard, you can get the Fractal Design Define C with Window (http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-c/define-c-window) to fit that good ATX motherboard.

For the RAM, an 8GB would be the minimum nowadays for gaming purposes (though some selected games do benefit from 16GB). If you will be using this PC for multitasking/editing works, then the 16GB would be most beneficial.

I highly recommend to get a set of RAM sticks as opposed to getting two single sticks in separate batches. Even with the same brand, model, and specs, those two single sticks (as not tested/sold as a pair), might have incompatibility issues (yes, it happens... but most of the time, it works). The only way to know is to try it out and check if it works together (no guarantees).

 

[Ron024]

Thank you raisonjohn, your info was very helpful !

After taking your advice I've revised my shopping list to;

PSU
EVGA SuperNOVA G3 (EU) 550W 80+
£81.99
http://www.ebuyer.com/769400-550w-g3-80-modular-gold-220-g3-0550-y3

Motherboard
ASUS PRIME PLUS-B250
£67.90
https://www.alza.co.uk/asus-prime-plus-b250-d4662618.htm?catid=18842832

Case
Fractal Design Define Mini C
£69.90
https://www.alza.co.uk/fractal-design-define-mini-c-d4536342.htm?catid=18849057

Monitor
21.5 "HP 22es
105.59
https://www.alza.co.uk/21-5-hp-22es-d4321881.htm?kampan

RAM
- 8gb 2133mhz RAM £45 - Probably a bargain or 2nd hand off ebay


I'm going to keep the monitor as I really need the matte anti glare screen and I prefer 21.5 inch size over 24 inch.

Is this motherboard a good choice?

Also, if I buy a random brand 2400mhz 8GB RAM, can I pair it with another brand's 2400mhz 8GB RAM for optimised dual channel performance or do they have to be exact same?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

You're welcome!

The Asus Prime B250 Plus is a good choice for your motherboard too. However, it is an ATX-sized mobo and won't fit in the Fractal Design Define Mini C (an mATX case). If you prefer that motherboard, you can get the Fractal Design Define C with Window (http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-c/define-c-window) to fit that good ATX motherboard.

For the RAM, an 8GB would be the minimum nowadays for gaming purposes (though some selected games do benefit from 16GB). If you will be using this PC for multitasking/editing works, then the 16GB would be most beneficial.

I highly recommend to get a set of RAM sticks as opposed to getting two single sticks in separate batches. Even with the same brand, model, and specs, those two single sticks (as not tested/sold as a pair), might have incompatibility issues (yes, it happens... but most of the time, it works). The only way to know is to try it out and check if it works together (no guarantees).

Ooohh, thank you for pointing that out. It says it is a mATX mobo on the website I plan to buy it from. I've opted for Fractal Design Define S instead of C as it on Tom's Hardware's best PC case list (2016) and has better reviews online for near enough the same price (https://www.alza.co.uk/fractal-design-define-s-d2423592.htm).

Buying the RAM in pairs seems like a much better idea and hopefully save a tiny bit and no hassle with compatibility down the line.

Again, thank you ever so much for your help. I will start ordering the rest of my parts tomorrow.

 

[raisonjohn]

Thank you raisonjohn, your info was very helpful !

After taking your advice I've revised my shopping list to;

PSU
EVGA SuperNOVA G3 (EU) 550W 80+
£81.99
http://www.ebuyer.com/769400-550w-g3-80-modular-gold-220-g3-0550-y3

Motherboard
ASUS PRIME PLUS-B250
£67.90
https://www.alza.co.uk/asus-prime-plus-b250-d4662618.htm?catid=18842832

Case
Fractal Design Define Mini C
£69.90
https://www.alza.co.uk/fractal-design-define-mini-c-d4536342.htm?catid=18849057

Monitor
21.5 "HP 22es
105.59
https://www.alza.co.uk/21-5-hp-22es-d4321881.htm?kampan

RAM
- 8gb 2133mhz RAM £45 - Probably a bargain or 2nd hand off ebay


I'm going to keep the monitor as I really need the matte anti glare screen and I prefer 21.5 inch size over 24 inch.

Is this motherboard a good choice?

Also, if I buy a random brand 2400mhz 8GB RAM, can I pair it with another brand's 2400mhz 8GB RAM for optimised dual channel performance or do they have to be exact same?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

You're welcome!

The Asus Prime B250 Plus is a good choice for your motherboard too. However, it is an ATX-sized mobo and won't fit in the Fractal Design Define Mini C (an mATX case). If you prefer that motherboard, you can get the Fractal Design Define C with Window (http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-c/define-c-window) to fit that good ATX motherboard.

For the RAM, an 8GB would be the minimum nowadays for gaming purposes (though some selected games do benefit from 16GB). If you will be using this PC for multitasking/editing works, then the 16GB would be most beneficial.

I highly recommend to get a set of RAM sticks as opposed to getting two single sticks in separate batches. Even with the same brand, model, and specs, those two single sticks (as not tested/sold as a pair), might have incompatibility issues (yes, it happens... but most of the time, it works). The only way to know is to try it out and check if it works together (no guarantees).

Ooohh, thank you for pointing that out. It says it is a mATX mobo on the website I plan to buy it from. I've opted for Fractal Design Define S instead of C as it on Tom's Hardware's best PC case list (2016) and has better reviews online for near enough the same price (https://www.alza.co.uk/fractal-design-define-s-d2423592.htm).

Buying the RAM in pairs seems like a much better idea and hopefully save a tiny bit and no hassle with compatibility down the line.

Again, thank you ever so much for your help. I will start ordering the rest of my parts tomorrow.

No problems! Always glad to help out.

By the way, an important clarification regarding the motherboard you will buy:

There are 2 types - the Asus Prime B250-Plus (ATX-sized) and the Asus Prime B250M-Plus (mATX-sized). In the link you mentioned, the text/title reads "ASUS PRIME PLUS-B250" but the photo as well as the description in the website is the Asus Prime B250M-Plus (not the Asus Prime B250-Plus). The site you linked may have either had a typographical error on the text/title or a wrong description. Make sure you are buying what you want (as the Fractal Design cases I mentioned would entirely depend on what will fit).

Here's the link to the correct Asus Prime B250-Plus (the ATX-sized version): https://www.alza.co.uk/asus-prime-plus-b250-d4662620.htm?o=1