[SOLVED] Whole Home Theater & Game Build - 2019

mingwyo

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Jan 7, 2012
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Hi Tom's...it's been a while. My first PC build, which you all helped with has lasted since 2012 with only a new GPU, added SSD, and new monitors. While still impressively serviceable, it's time to retire it to the garage.

Here's what I need out of its replacement:

* Needs to broadcast my movie collection to various smart TVs throughout the house.
-Side question: I used to use Plex and then moved on to Kodi, which is harder to find in TVs that don't run Android. Any recommendations here for a home theater app?

* I play Civ 6 and normally stream it to a Steam Link.

* Otherwise just a typical home desktop for music, photo editing, home office work, etc. Nothing crazy.

Here's my parts picker link: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Jqq3KB

Notes popped up right after picking the SSD because of it disabling the SATA port, which I don't think I have any reason to worry about. It also mentions space concerns...but nearly everything I chose is low profile. Thoughts there?

Stupid question about 2019 vs 2012...how do I install Windows 10 on a PC without a drive or an existing OS in which to surf the internet? Do I download it to a boot thumb drive?

What do you guys think? Capable for holding me over for another 7 years? Thanks in advance, I appreciate your expertise.
 
Solution
The build is decent but you could do better for the price in a smaller package. This will outperform your system gaming wise and due to the extra threads would be better for editing. As for Windows, download the ISO onto a flash drive and boot from the drive to install Windows. When you get to the CD ket part, enter the key and continue the installation. The SATA port thing is no different then if you connected a SATA SSD instead of the M.2 SSD. Use the M.2 then lose 1 SATA connection but you have a few so no worries. The Intel 660P M.2 NVMe is a fast drive and better for the price over the 970 EVO.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:...

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
The build is decent but you could do better for the price in a smaller package. This will outperform your system gaming wise and due to the extra threads would be better for editing. As for Windows, download the ISO onto a flash drive and boot from the drive to install Windows. When you get to the CD ket part, enter the key and continue the installation. The SATA port thing is no different then if you connected a SATA SSD instead of the M.2 SSD. Use the M.2 then lose 1 SATA connection but you have a few so no worries. The Intel 660P M.2 NVMe is a fast drive and better for the price over the 970 EVO.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - X570 I AORUS PRO WIFI Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel - 660p Series 1.02 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Zotac - GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB GAMING Video Card ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design - Node 202 HTPC Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA GM 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($105.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1154.63
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-20 14:32 EDT-0400


This system will last longer then the Intel due to PCIE 4.0 and a better upgrade path (one more CPU generation before AMD moves onto a new socket). I'm not entirely sure about the networking to the smart TV's in the house but if this is hard lined to the wifi I can't imagine there being issues.
 
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Solution

mingwyo

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Jan 7, 2012
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The build is decent but you could do better for the price in a smaller package. This will outperform your system gaming wise and due to the extra threads would be better for editing. As for Windows, download the ISO onto a flash drive and boot from the drive to install Windows. When you get to the CD ket part, enter the key and continue the installation. The SATA port thing is no different then if you connected a SATA SSD instead of the M.2 SSD. Use the M.2 then lose 1 SATA connection but you have a few so no worries. The Intel 660P M.2 NVMe is a fast drive and better for the price over the 970 EVO.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - X570 I AORUS PRO WIFI Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel - 660p Series 1.02 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Zotac - GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB GAMING Video Card ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design - Node 202 HTPC Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA GM 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($105.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1154.63
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-20 14:32 EDT-0400


This system will last longer then the Intel due to PCIE 4.0 and a better upgrade path (one more CPU generation before AMD moves onto a new socket). I'm not entirely sure about the networking to the smart TV's in the house but if this is hard lined to the wifi I can't imagine there being issues.

Great stuff...thank you. I swapped memory, storage, and PSU for your recommendations. The CPU/MB/GPU combo is for Civ 6 (specifically the CPU - it bench marked 2nd best).

Is your future-proof setup a better overall performer than the one I have geared to a specific game?

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8 GHz 6-Core Processor ($198.90 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master - Hyper 212 Black Edition 42 CFM CPU Cooler ($33.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: ASRock - H370M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($93.48 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel - 660p Series 1.02 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI - Radeon RX 580 8 GB ARMOR OC Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design - Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg Business)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA GM 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($105.89 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Logitech - Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard With Optical Mouse ($19.44 @ Walmart)
Total: $1041.45
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-20 15:59 EDT-0400
 
Last edited:

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
Great stuff...thank you. I swapped memory, storage, and PSU for your recommendations. The CPU/MB/GPU combo is for Civ 6 (specifically the CPU - it bench marked 2nd best).

Is your future-proof setup a better overall performer than the one I have geared to a specific game?

Yes as the 3600 has better performance per core over the 8400.

However if you prefer Intel then the 9400F is a better choice over the 8400 and then there are i7's to consider.

The EVGA GM is a small form factor PSU so you don't need it if your going with a ATX case.

Memory speeds don't make much of a difference with Intel so you can save some money and get the 2666 (plus thats the max the motherboard supports).

I would advise against the RX 580, at least for the initial $210 price as the 1660 6gb outperforms it and has more vram.

If you want a Intel build for under $1,200 then this is what I'd get.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel - Core i7-9700 3 GHz 8-Core OEM/Tray Processor ($323.00 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master - Hyper 212 Black Edition 42 CFM CPU Cooler ($33.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: ASRock - B365 Pro4 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($90.99 @ Newegg Business)
Memory: Patriot - Viper Elite 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($132.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel - 660p Series 1.02 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Zotac - GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB GAMING Video Card ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design - Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg Business)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($51.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($105.89 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Logitech - Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard With Optical Mouse ($19.44 @ Walmart)
Total: $1163.15
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-20 16:09 EDT-0400
 

mingwyo

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Jan 7, 2012
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Coming around on your suggestions...although that MB is not available right now.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock - Fatal1ty B450 Gaming-ITX/ac Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($119.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel - 660p Series 1.02 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire - Radeon RX 580 8 GB PULSE Video Card ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design - Node 202 HTPC Case (Purchased For $0.00)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA GM 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($105.89 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Logitech - Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard With Optical Mouse ($19.44 @ Walmart)
Total: $953.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-20 20:17 EDT-0400


But I have a warning:

  • Warning!Some AMD B450 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Zen 2 CPUs. Upgrading the BIOS may require a different CPU that is supported by older BIOS revisions.

Will this MB need a BIOS update? I don't have another CPU to do this.
 

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
It does require a BIOS update for the 3rd gen to work on that board however there has been some issues with the updates which is why you may be better off grabbing that X570 board.

A local store may be able to update it for you for a fee or if you live near Massachusetts I could help you out with it.
 
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mingwyo

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It does require a BIOS update for the 3rd gen to work on that board however there has been some issues with the updates which is why you may be better off grabbing that X570 board.

A local store may be able to update it for you for a fee or if you live near Massachusetts I could help you out with it.

Thanks buddy - I appreciate the help!
 

mingwyo

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The build is decent but you could do better for the price in a smaller package. This will outperform your system gaming wise and due to the extra threads would be better for editing. As for Windows, download the ISO onto a flash drive and boot from the drive to install Windows. When you get to the CD ket part, enter the key and continue the installation. The SATA port thing is no different then if you connected a SATA SSD instead of the M.2 SSD. Use the M.2 then lose 1 SATA connection but you have a few so no worries. The Intel 660P M.2 NVMe is a fast drive and better for the price over the 970 EVO.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - X570 I AORUS PRO WIFI Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel - 660p Series 1.02 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Zotac - GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB GAMING Video Card ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design - Node 202 HTPC Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA GM 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($105.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1154.63
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-20 14:32 EDT-0400


This system will last longer then the Intel due to PCIE 4.0 and a better upgrade path (one more CPU generation before AMD moves onto a new socket). I'm not entirely sure about the networking to the smart TV's in the house but if this is hard lined to the wifi I can't imagine there being issues.

Thanks again - the final product was very similar to your original suggestion. I appreciate the help.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte X570 I AORUS PRO WIFI Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel 660p Series 1.02 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon RX 580 8 GB PULSE Video Card ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT H200 Mini ITX Tower Case ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GM 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1018.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-28 23:06 EDT-0400
 
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mingwyo

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Amazon is killing me on delays for the Gigabyte X570....up to three weeks and counting. Any tips on the "next best" for this setup so that I can get the build rolling. Even an upgrade is fine as I'm not totally comfortable that this thing will ever arrive....

Thanks!
 

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
Unfortunately Gigabyte has the only X570 ITX board out currently and I'm not seeing any B450 boards that can be updated without a CPU so you may need to either wait or buy a second gen board and pay someone to update it for you. If you have a Microcenter near you maybe contact them and see if they'll update the BIOS for you for a fee or maybe they can do it for free if you buy the board from them.