[SOLVED] Yet another build opinion! -$600 build

[Abstractfear]

It's been quite a while! I'm working on putting together a decent gaming PC for the gf. She doesn't need blistering hardware, but I'd like to give her A+ performance and try to make it look good as well.

Here's what I'm looking at.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 AF (12nm)

MOBO: ASRock B450 Steel Legend

RAM: G.Skill RipJaws V Series 2x8 3600Mhz

GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 1650 SC Ultra

STORAGE: WD Blue 3D NAND 500GB SSD

PSU: Seasonic Focus GX-550

CASE(OWNED): BitFenix Nova Mesh TG White

I'm sitting at around $600, case not included in the cost as I already own it.

More Information: Aiming for comfortable FPS in 1080, likely 60hz. Most games will be older (Lord of The Rings Online, Skyrim, Witcher III, Sims 4), however I'm sure there will be something AAA she'd get into. I want to give some headroom just in case.

Down the line, I'll probably install an AIO - if only to replace stock cooler and offer some nicer visuals.

What would be your recommendations on this? Better options for price/performance?

 

[Barty1884]

Assuming you're in the US?

At a glance, CPU/MB/RAM/PSU should run you ~$400, maybe a little less.

With that kind of pricepoint, a 1660Super should be in the real of possibility, a nice step up from a 1650 (Super or otherwise).

R5 2600 as a placeholder for the $85 "AF" 1600.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($85.00)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($72.98 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial BX500 480 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER 6 GB BLACK GAMING Video Card ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX (2017) 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($58.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $581.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-08 15:19 EDT-0400

 

[R_1]

looks good to me.FYI the 1600AF is currently 85$ at amazon.com.
I love my deepcool Gammax 400 LED, keeps my 1500x cool and quiet at 4.0

 

[Abstractfear]

Assuming you're in the US?

At a glance, CPU/MB/RAM/PSU should run you ~$400, maybe a little less.

With that kind of pricepoint, a 1660Super should be in the real of possibility, a nice step up from a 1650 (Super or otherwise).

R5 2600 as a placeholder for the $85 "AF" 1600.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($85.00)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($72.98 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial BX500 480 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER 6 GB BLACK GAMING Video Card ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX (2017) 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($58.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $581.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-08 15:19 EDT-0400

Apologies, yes I am in the US. Basically what I'm gathering from your reply is to save some money on the motherboard and push the gpu from a 1650 SC to a 1660 Super?

That's actually not a bad idea. Although I do like the idea of having as much unicorn vomit as possible, performance comes first. I'll be parting this computer in several orders over the next few months, life is tough lol.

I appreciate the quick response!

 

[Barty1884]

Apologies, yes I am in the US. Basically what I'm gathering from your reply is to save some money on the motherboard and push the gpu from a 1650 SC to a 1660 Super?

That's actually not a bad idea. Although I do like the idea of having as much unicorn vomit as possible, performance comes first. I'll be parting this computer in several orders over the next few months, life is tough lol.

Board & PSU, mainly, yes.
You're looking at pretty low-powered components. The GX-550 is quality, no doubt about it.... but the CX450 is more than adequate for the components (1650 or 1660Super), decent quality & roughly half the price.

While aesthetics are fine, on a budget, it makes the most sense to prioritize raw performance initially. You can always add to the aesthetics later (cheap RGB fans, for example).

As far as ordering parts over time, I'd advocate against that actually.... for a number of reasons.
1. If you order a component (example, motherboard, no CPU or RAM in order #1).... you cannot determine if the board if functional or defective. While the chances are pretty slim, you won't know for a month or two (the next order) and by that point, cannot replace with the retailer - only RMA with the manufacturer, which takes significantly longer.

2. New components may launch. While also unlikely, any new or revised products are likely to impact pricing of the 'old'. Meaning you could save money by waiting and, at worst, spend no more.


Save your money until you're ready to pull the trigger on everything at once - unless there's a great sale on something you can utilize right away (GPU into your old system, perhaps)