Stimulus Payment Build, for streaming with high expansion potential

[Uttamattamakin]

A build that MUST come in at no more than $800 US but has high upgrade potential was my goal.  If the financials make sense when I get my stimulus payment I will have to build it.  My laptop while capable has never been able to handle both streaming for hours and doing productivity/gaming work for hours without serious thermal issues.   It is a good laptop that though only rated for 1.99GhZ turbos up to north of 3 GHz and stays there for most task, good in most ways but after teleconferencing for work (On a big science project and to teach class) it is so hot it could reheat my coffee.   Completely unusable and will severely throttle during class. 

 

I am just lucky enough to have a job where I can work remotely but not lucky enough for that job to pay well.  PLUS I lost one of my other jobs.  Suffice to say money is tight. BUT I need a computer that can take on this task and have good cooling and endurance.  I also want it to have a good upgrade path for hardware that will be released latter in the year.   So I can afford to spend a good amount of the stimulus payment to... stimulate the economy... but I also want to have some money to pay some bills. 

 

Here's what I've picked. 

 

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Athlon 3000G 3.5 GHz Dual-Core Processor	$54.99 @ Newegg
Memory	Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory	$152.99 @ Amazon
Storage	Samsung 970 Evo 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive	$99.99 @ Amazon
Case	Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case	$49.79 @ Amazon
Power Supply	Thermaltake Smart Pro RGB 750 W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply	$109.99 @ Amazon
Custom	ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3	$219.00
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$686.75
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-12 21:27 EDT-0400

Link for the motherboard. https://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/X570 Phantom Gaming-ITXTB3/index.asp

 

For the OS I would go with either POP OS or maybe Kubuntu whichever causes the least trouble for me.   I seriously considered System 76 but a system that could potentially give me most of what this one does will cost more than the total stimulus money.   
 

Here are the reasons for each.   CPU,  It is good enough to run a browser with a session of Blackboard/BrightSpace Collaborate Ultra (Like recording to YouTube directly via the website  BUT also running a got to meeting/Zoom like experience all in browser).  It is inexpensive, with a decent IGPU.  Plus AMD is supposedly going to have a desktop 8 Core APU latter in the year. Memory, 32G is I believe the max for this motherboard if I could find a single stick of that memory 16GB for sale so I could upgrade with the second stick latter in the year I would.  As it is 2 stick sets are all there is and I need the computer soon.  Storage:  Evo 970 of course.  Considered a TB but Linux is really very able to use other drives as if they were part of the boot drive.  So if I need more a SATA SSD will do. Case: I wanted a case that was inexpensive and small but I could pack a lot of punch into it.  It had to have really good airflow for air cooling.  Mesh sides and a big honking fan on the front give me that.   Powersupply: I wanted something with the capacity to power much more powerful components in the future such as a GPU for high performance CUDA calculations or pass through to a windows VM for gaming (Or just low compromises Windows productivity).  Motherboard: That particular Motherboard is an AMD Mobo with built in TB 3, wifi 6, Sound blaster 5.1... the killer is TB 3 which means having just one slot is not an issue.  I have an EGPU already and I could just use it for a GPU and use that expansion slot for anything else. 

SO what say the tech wizzards?  Is there anything I missed that I would really NEED to have a working system that is not on this list?  Any other comments? 

[cbigfoot]

44 minutes ago, Uttamattamakin said:

A build that MUST come in at no more than $800 US but has high upgrade potential was my goal.  If the financials make sense when I get my stimulus payment I will have to build it.  My laptop while capable has never been able to handle both streaming for hours and doing productivity/gaming work for hours without serious thermal issues.   It is a good laptop that though only rated for 1.99GhZ turbos up to north of 3 GHz and stays there for most task, good in most ways but after teleconferencing for work (On a big science project and to teach class) it is so hot it could reheat my coffee.   Completely unusable and will severely throttle during class. 

 

I am just lucky enough to have a job where I can work remotely but not lucky enough for that job to pay well.  PLUS I lost one of my other jobs.  Suffice to say money is tight. BUT I need a computer that can take on this task and have good cooling and endurance.  I also want it to have a good upgrade path for hardware that will be released latter in the year.   So I can afford to spend a good amount of the stimulus payment to... stimulate the economy... but I also want to have some money to pay some bills. 

 

Here's what I've picked. 

 

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Athlon 3000G 3.5 GHz Dual-Core Processor	$54.99 @ Newegg
Memory	Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory	$152.99 @ Amazon
Storage	Samsung 970 Evo 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive	$99.99 @ Amazon
Case	Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case	$49.79 @ Amazon
Power Supply	Thermaltake Smart Pro RGB 750 W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply	$109.99 @ Amazon
Custom	ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3	$219.00
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$686.75
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-12 21:27 EDT-0400

Link for the motherboard. https://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/X570 Phantom Gaming-ITXTB3/index.asp

 

For the OS I would go with either POP OS or maybe Kubuntu whichever causes the least trouble for me.   I seriously considered System 76 but a system that could potentially give me most of what this one does will cost more than the total stimulus money.   
 

Here are the reasons for each.   CPU,  It is good enough to run a browser with a session of Blackboard/BrightSpace Collaborate Ultra (Like recording to YouTube directly via the website  BUT also running a got to meeting/Zoom like experience all in browser).  It is inexpensive, with a decent IGPU.  Plus AMD is supposedly going to have a desktop 8 Core APU latter in the year. Memory, 32G is I believe the max for this motherboard if I could find a single stick of that memory 16GB for sale so I could upgrade with the second stick latter in the year I would.  As it is 2 stick sets are all there is and I need the computer soon.  Storage:  Evo 970 of course.  Considered a TB but Linux is really very able to use other drives as if they were part of the boot drive.  So if I need more a SATA SSD will do. Case: I wanted a case that was inexpensive and small but I could pack a lot of punch into it.  It had to have really good airflow for air cooling.  Mesh sides and a big honking fan on the front give me that.   Powersupply: I wanted something with the capacity to power much more powerful components in the future such as a GPU for high performance CUDA calculations or pass through to a windows VM for gaming (Or just low compromises Windows productivity).  Motherboard: That particular Motherboard is an AMD Mobo with built in TB 3, wifi 6, Sound blaster 5.1... the killer is TB 3 which means having just one slot is not an issue.  I have an EGPU already and I could just use it for a GPU and use that expansion slot for anything else. 

SO what say the tech wizzards?  Is there anything I missed that I would really NEED to have a working system that is not on this list?  Any other comments? 

SSD: For me i would look at spending the additional $10 and get a 1TB SSD i have one of these personally and several friends do as well and keep up with the best of them. 

Crucial P1 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive

$109.99

FREE

$109.99

PSU: As for the PSU i would look at something that is better Performance 80+ Gold Like the seasonic 750watt could easily go to a 650 and could still run a 2080ti or a titan rtx and since its a Micro ITX would think a 650 would even be overkill but remember PSUs are most power efficient at ~50% usage.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1349722-REG/seasonic_electronics_ssr_750fx_focus_plus_750w_80.html

 

Memory: 32GB would be good and always best to have matching memory so no criticism here...look at sig lol...

 

IO: Do note that it appears it only has 2 video out HDMI and i would assume DP over USBC should work...i know you said you have an egpu but just want to make sure you where aware as that is different from my itx Adventures.

 

other wise looks like a good little system.

 

 

[NickDawg41]

Build is pretty good. My only advice is If there is a Micro Center near you, I would pick up a Ryzen 3 3200G for 79.99 and see if they have a decent motherboard in-stock. They'll take $20 off the motherboard as a bundle.

Does it HAVE to be ITX form factor? X570 is for someone who is going to heavily overclock... I would suggest a B450 if you plan on using an APU

Also on-board Wi-Fi is a bust - save $$ and get a dongle  

You can get a ddecently small MicroATX desktop case and save A TON on a board.

 

Case:  Thermaltake Core V21 MicroATX Mini Tower - 69.99 Amazon

Motherboard: MSI PRO B450M PRO-VDH MAX - $100 Newegg

 

CPU: Ryzen 3 3200G - 74.99 Micro Center

RAM: No change - 152.99 - Amazon (149.99 Micro Center)

PSU: PowerSpec 750Watt 80 Plus Gold Fully Modular - 109.99 - Micro Center (I've used a BUNCH of these PSU's and they're all FANTASTIC)

 

SSD: Crucial P1 1TB 3D NAND NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD - CT1000P1SSD8 - 119.99 - Newegg

 

Subtotal before shipping is: 627.95 - Better CPU and Graphics

 

 

Edited April 13, 2020 by NickDawg41
Wi-Fi Comment

[Herman Mcpootis]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (12nm) 3.2 GHz 6-Core Processor  ($85.00 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: MSI B450I GAMING PLUS AC Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard  ($129.99 @ B&H) replacing the wifi module with an AX200 doesn't cost that much, and you won't really notice the audio difference.
Memory: OLOy 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory  ($117.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Silicon Power A80 512 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive  ($68.98 @ Amazon) same performance for $30 less.
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER 4 GB OC Video Card  ($159.99 @ B&H) 
Case: Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case  ($49.79 @ Amazon) 
Power Supply: GAMDIAS KRATOS P1 G 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply  ($77.99 @ Best Buy) you don't actually need 750w btw, i'm only including this because it wasn't much more than the CX550.
Total: $689.73
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-12 23:44 EDT-0400

[Uttamattamakin]

53 minutes ago, cbigfoot said:

SSD: For me i would look at spending the additional $10 and get a 1TB SSD i have one of these personally and several friends do as well and keep up with the best of them. 

Crucial P1 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive

$109.99

FREE

$109.99

I'll have to look at the details of that one.  I was all about having a Samsung NVME SSD.    Another option if I really want to go cheap is... I could sacrifice my laptop, which hasn't been used as a portable in over a year, and put its 512GB Samsung Evo 960 equivalent OEM NVME SSD in this new build.  At least for a while.    Thanks for this tip. 

 

57 minutes ago, cbigfoot said:

PSU: As for the PSU i would look at something that is better Performance 80+ Gold Like the seasonic 750watt could easily go to a 650 and could still run a 2080ti or a titan rtx and since its a Micro ITX would think a 650 would even be overkill but remember PSUs are most power efficient at ~50% usage.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1349722-REG/seasonic_electronics_ssr_750fx_focus_plus_750w_80.html

I did not know that but it makes sense.  If the device is not being pushed to its limit then rather than drawing more current and generating more heat and radiating off power that power goes to actually running the board. 

 

1 hour ago, cbigfoot said:

IO: Do note that it appears it only has 2 video out HDMI and i would assume DP over USBC should work...i know you said you have an egpu but just want to make sure you where aware as that is different from my itx Adventures.

This is a strange feature of that particular board. It has a DP in which is a bit confusing of a label.  That would lead me to believe it can take video input into it. 

 

31 minutes ago, NickDawg41 said:

Build is pretty good. My only advice is If there is a Micro Center near you, I would pick up a Ryzen 3 3200G for 79.99 and see if they have a decent motherboard in-stock. They'll take $20 off the motherboard as a bundle.

 

I hadn't even considered MicroCenter.  There arent any nearby but not SUPER far away either.  One place that is not nearby but usually has, or can get, just about everything is called Computer Discount Warehouse.  Specialist computer online retailers were a bigger deal before Amazon ate the world.  So happens the actual warehouse is in my area.   20 more bucks for a quad core experience. 

 

The thing  is I expect to more or less discard this processor after the Ryzen 4000 Desktop APU's come out.  

41 minutes ago, NickDawg41 said:

Does it HAVE to be ITX form factor? X570 is for someone who is going to heavily overclock... I would suggest a B450 if you plan on using an APU

Also on-board Wi-Fi is a bust - save $$ and get a dongle  

You can get a ddecently small MicroATX desktop case and save A TON on a board.

 

Case:  Thermaltake Core V21 MicroATX Mini Tower - 69.99 Amazon

Going for such a small form factor of a PC in a case so cheap its almost disposable gives me two options.  I could build a second ITX system to run windows at full speed, no compromises and not bother with any virtualization.   Which if I do that that could be a new home for the older processor...which argues in favor of not cheaping out on it.  however it is crucial the total cost be kept low.   

A good advantage of your suggestion is that with expansion slots come options.  Like being able to add a TB 3 or USB 4 card or ... a card for whatever the heck I want...in addition to a full fat GPU. 

 

As for overclocking and performance.  My long term goal would be to push this system once the Ryzen 4000 series is available.  To upgrade this system to an octocore APU (supposedly which will be a thing in late 2020), and a RTX or better GPU.  Then be able to run demanding Linux based scientific computations which used the Nvidia card. ... and game while I wait for it to finish calculations which can .... take a while.    Like, go have a 5 course meal...in Paris...then fly back to Chicago a while.   Since I can't afford Paris, gaming will do!  That is theoretically something my current computer could do but not without serious thermal issues which can be fatal for a lap top.

 

54 minutes ago, NickDawg41 said:

SSD: Crucial P1 1TB 3D NAND NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD - CT1000P1SSD8 - 119.99 - Newegg

 

Subtotal before shipping is: 627.95 - Better CPU and Graphics

 

 The one thing that build lacks that is kinda important to me is thunderbolt three 

 https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-Alpine-Thunderbolt-Components-GC-Alpine/dp/B0722SV69N  Another 59 bucks.   That brings it to 686.  About the same price BUT I'd get two TB 3 ports  So maybe one to connect to the GPU and another for a super fast network to my laptop.  Which I could then use via RDP or Steam in home streaming for gaming on.  
 

BUT your build I think would be better to reccomend to the general public for a ... not cheap but reasonable computer to work from home with.  

A step up from the iBuy Power work from home PC which is 399 but ehhh.  https://www.ibuypower.com/gaming-pcs/remote-desktops 

 

 

 

 

 

[Uttamattamakin]

41 minutes ago, Herman Mcpootis said:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (12nm) 3.2 GHz 6-Core Processor  ($85.00 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: MSI B450I GAMING PLUS AC Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard  ($129.99 @ B&H) replacing the wifi module with an AX200 doesn't cost that much, and you won't really notice the audio difference.
Memory: OLOy 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory  ($117.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Silicon Power A80 512 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive  ($68.98 @ Amazon) same performance for $30 less.
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER 4 GB OC Video Card  ($159.99 @ B&H) 
Case: Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case  ($49.79 @ Amazon) 
Power Supply: GAMDIAS KRATOS P1 G 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply  ($77.99 @ Best Buy) you don't actually need 750w btw, i'm only including this because it wasn't much more than the CX550.
Total: $689.73
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-12 23:44 EDT-0400

Not a bad attempt but isn't a Ryzen 5 1600 a bit ... long in the tooth for a new computer.   That said I notice how we are all bumping up against a hard limit of around $689.  For my use the lack of thunderbolt is a bit of a problem since it eliminates being able to use my EPGU box with it.  

 

One possible scenario I am considering is that I could just run my GPU's in that box.  Thus keeping the major heat sources completely separate.  For sustained computations thermal issues become a real concern and this is, for me, a cheap way to handle that.     

  

 

 

[NickDawg41]

I completely missed the Thunderbolt 3 necessity! haha sorry!

 

In all seriousness, though,  it's waaaaay more than a step-up from anything from iBuyPower.... I have fixed/upgraded a lot of pre-builts in my day; iBuy and CyberPower are 2 of the worst I have ever had to perform surgery on.

 

10 minutes ago, Uttamattamakin said:

The thing  is I expect to more or less discard this processor after the Ryzen 4000 Desktop APU's come out.  

 

I went from the Athlon to the Ryzen 3 3200G and finally to a 5 3600. the Athlon is complete junk compared to the Ryzen 3 3200G. I know it's just to tie you over, but for the extra $20-$30 the performance difference is night and day. Only thing would be thermals, but i highly doubt that would be an issue with the right fan curves.

 

you could also re-purpose that 3200G for some F@H

 

all-in-all, your build seems very solid; It's just the form factor is quite expensive.

 

[Shrekpad]

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor	$174.99 @ Amazon
Motherboard	MSI B450 Gaming Plus MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard	$104.99 @ Amazon
Memory	OLOy 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory	$137.99 @ Newegg
Storage	Western Digital Blue 500 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive	$69.98 @ Amazon
Case	Fractal Design Focus G ATX Mid Tower Case	$57.98 @ Newegg
Power Supply	Cooler Master MWE Gold 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply	$99.99 @ B&H
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$645.92
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-13 00:53 EDT-0400

 

[GoldenLag]

2 hours ago, Uttamattamakin said:

For my use the lack of thunderbolt is a bit of a problem since it eliminates being able to use my EPGU box with it.  

Why would you ever want to use an eGPU on a desktop...........

2 hours ago, Uttamattamakin said:

For sustained computations thermal issues become a real concern and this is, for me, a cheap way to handle that.     

You add 3 fans........ Done. No thermal issue with sustained computation..... You are adding an expencive solution for an issue that really doesnt exist.....

2 hours ago, Uttamattamakin said:

Not a bad attempt but isn't a Ryzen 5 1600 a bit ... long in the tooth for a new computer.

Its far supirior to any other CPU suggested here........

 

3 hours ago, NickDawg41 said:

I've used a BUNCH of these PSU's and they're all FANTASTIC

Im assuming you have done actual testing on it then, and not just said it "it works" ---> "therefore good"

 

4 hours ago, Uttamattamakin said:

Power Supply Thermaltake Smart Pro RGB 750 W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply $109.99 @ Amazon

Pretty poor powersupply with way more wattage than it ever going to be needed. 

 

 

 

 

Honestly tho, if you need computational power, grab 2 GPUs and run Linux Natively. Then have an rx 570 and a gtx 1650 super for calculations, or a differebt card. 

 

Run games through Proton and you dont have to deal with passthrough on Nvidia cards when virtualized. Which iirc is blocked on consumer cards. Could be wrong about it being locked, as i havent looked deeply into it. 

[GoldenLag]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor  ($119.99 @ Newegg) 
Motherboard: MSI X470 GAMING PLUS MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($119.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: OLOy 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory  ($117.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Silicon Power A80 512 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive  ($68.98 @ Amazon) 
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB Phoenix OC Video Card  ($209.99 @ B&H) 
Case: Cougar MX330-G ATX Mid Tower Case  ($44.98 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: be quiet! System Power U9 700 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($74.98 @ Amazon) 
Total: $756.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-13 03:09 EDT-0400

 

Spesifically made to run 2 GPUs in the near future. Grab a secondary rx 570 for cheap. 

 

Case is really well ventilated providing you buy another 3 fans for it. Tho not antirely neccesary. 

[NickDawg41]

26 minutes ago, GoldenLag said:

Im assuming you have done actual testing on it then, and not just said it "it works" ---> "therefore good"

Your assumption is correct. Very skeptical when I was in a pinch and needed a PSU to replace a Corsair in a PC based NVR for a big client. Turned out to be an awesome unit and have been using them ever since, unless budget allows for a more well known brand.

 

Used a bunch in machines all OCed, multi-gpu, all stress tested for 72-hours with no issues (prime95, OCCT). All still going strong. I know 3 of them run their systems 24x7 and haven't had any issues going back to 2017 if I remember correctly. Have replaced drives and GPU's before these PSU's

 

Anything less than 80 Plus Gold, I wouldn't touch (as far as PowerSpec goes). I can't speak for their lower-end products.

 

 

[GoldenLag]

7 minutes ago, NickDawg41 said:

unless budget allows for a more well known brand.

This has nothing to do with brand. Every brand has their good and bad units. 

 

Im just slamming down on the merrit: "it works, therefore good", which is often as far as people go into PSUs. Sadly, such is not the case. 

 

8 minutes ago, NickDawg41 said:

All still going strong. I know 3 of them run their systems 24x7

Sadly this doesnt really ammount to actual PSU testing. 

 

Afaik the spesific unit you mentioned is probably fine, im running off memmory so do not quote me on that. 

 

9 minutes ago, NickDawg41 said:

Anything less than 80 Plus Gold, I wouldn't touch

Well its never about efficiency, its about the spesific unit. Its about topology, transientd, ripple, crossloads, etc, etc. 

[NickDawg41]

24 minutes ago, GoldenLag said:

This has nothing to do with brand. Every brand has their good and bad units. 

 

Im just slamming down on the merrit: "it works, therefore good", which is often as far as people go into PSUs. Sadly, such is not the case. 

Agreed, but it all comes down to ease of RMA, Support, etc. And a lot of well known brands do put a little more into their products to keep up image.

 

25 minutes ago, GoldenLag said:

Well its never about efficiency, its about the spesific unit. Its about topology, transientd, ripple, crossloads, etc, etc

I'm not that well versed in PSU's but if you can recommend a video or an article, I would love to get more into it.

 

26 minutes ago, GoldenLag said:

Sadly this doesnt really ammount to actual PSU testing. 

 

Afaik the spesific unit you mentioned is probably fine, im running off memmory so do not quote me on that. 

I agree, but this was to compliment the actual stress testing I perform before releasing the unit to the client. 

 

I can't say I actually know how to stress a PSU besides attempting to stress the hell out of components (prime95, OCCT, etc.)

 

 

You've provided a lot of good info. Definitely going to look into how to properly stress test PSU and look at what those terms you mentioned mean

 

 

 

[Sauron]

8 hours ago, Uttamattamakin said:

Memory, 32G is I believe the max for this motherboard if I could find a single stick of that memory 16GB for sale so I could upgrade with the second stick latter in the year I would.

You could just go for a different brand. RAM is RAM and the timings and frequency Corsair offers aren't particularly rare. Here is your build with the two most glaring problems fixed:

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Athlon 3000G 3.5 GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper Steel 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory  ($64.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Silicon Power A80 512 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive  ($68.98 @ Amazon)
Case: Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case  ($49.79 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12III 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($54.99 @ B&H)
Custom: ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3 ($219.00)
Total: $512.73
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-13 06:27 EDT-0400

 

That's over $150 cheaper with no compromise in performance or upgrade potential (you couldn't make good use of 32GB of RAM with that CPU anyway).

 

Now, I still wouldn't go for something like this; even as a placeholder that CPU is extremely underpowered. It's not going to play games or stream well, let alone handle virtual machines. I would go with a 1600 or a 2600 and buy a used dedicated graphics card.

5 hours ago, Uttamattamakin said:

Not a bad attempt but isn't a Ryzen 5 1600 a bit ... long in the tooth for a new computer. 

It's a lot faster than the 3000G so... who cares how old it is?

[Uttamattamakin]

5 hours ago, Shrekpad said:

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor	$174.99 @ Amazon
Motherboard	MSI B450 Gaming Plus MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard	$104.99 @ Amazon
Memory	OLOy 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory	$137.99 @ Newegg
Storage	Western Digital Blue 500 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive	$69.98 @ Amazon
Case	Fractal Design Focus G ATX Mid Tower Case	$57.98 @ Newegg
Power Supply	Cooler Master MWE Gold 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply	$99.99 @ B&H
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$645.92
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-13 00:53 EDT-0400

 

But with that CPU id need a GPU.  For a good Linux experience a cheap Rx 580. It is strange to me they don't have an APU at higher for counts for desktop. At least 8 or even 16 core APU's should be a thing.  That said this leaves me with more stimulus money afterwards.

[Sauron]

8 minutes ago, Uttamattamakin said:

But with that CPU id need a GPU.  For a good Linux experience a cheap Rx 580. It is strange to me they don't have an APU at higher for counts for desktop. At least 8 or even 16 core APU's should be a thing.  That said this leaves me with more stimulus money afterwards.

Skipping the iGPU keeps the cost of the chip and the TDP down - since most people buying $150+ CPUs will pair it with a dedicated graphics card it's a smart move.

[Uttamattamakin]

3 hours ago, GoldenLag said:

Why would you ever want to use an eGPU on a desktop...........

You add 3 fans........ Done. No thermal issue with sustained computation..... You are adding an expencive solution for an issue that really doesnt exist.....

Because I have the EGPU enclosure already I've been using it for a while. I have notice it actually has some technical advantages over a card in the desktop.  In the enclosure it is it's own thermodynamic system.  A CPU heavy load need not heat up the eGPU and vice versa.  Plus the ease of moving the eGPU to another system by changing a TB3 VS that.  Plus this one adds a ton of IO.

 

The computer that has thermal issues with sustained computations is my laptop.  How do I add fans to a laptop?

3 hours ago, GoldenLag said:

Honestly tho, if you need computational power, grab 2 GPUs and run Linux Natively. Then have an rx 570 and a gtx 1650 super for calculations, or a differebt card. 

 

Run games through Proton and you dont have to deal with passthrough on Nvidia cards when virtualized. Which iirc is blocked on consumer cards. Could be wrong about it being locked, as i havent looked deeply into it. 

I am talking about running Linux natively.   The AMD APU would handle running the GUI.  A future RTX or if I win the lottery, Quadro, would only run the simulations I need. 

[GoldenLag]

1 minute ago, Uttamattamakin said:

I am talking about running Linux natively

well i realized i read it wrong, but it doesnt change the fact that you can skip virtualizing windows by running with proton. 

 

2 minutes ago, Uttamattamakin said:

The computer that has thermal issues with sustained computations is my laptop.  How do I add fans to a laptop?

how do you add a GPU to a laptop?

 

if you are using it spesifically for that, then it makes sense. 

 

3 minutes ago, Uttamattamakin said:

I have notice it actually has some technical advantages over a card in the desktop.  In the enclosure it is it's own thermodynamic system.  A CPU heavy load need not heat up the eGPU and vice versa.

that really doesnt change much if anything in terms of a well ventilated desktop. a little in a perticularly poor airflow one. also it has the dissadvtange of limiting performance a bit. varies on a workload to workload basis however. 

4 minutes ago, Uttamattamakin said:

Because I have the EGPU enclosure already I've been using it for a while.

that makes more sense then. still a fairly costly solution, but it makes more sense. 

 

grab the thunderbolt board then. i realize ive missunderstood a bit. 

[Uttamattamakin]

22 minutes ago, Sauron said:

You could just go for a different brand. RAM is RAM and the timings and frequency Corsair offers aren't particularly rare. Here is your build with the two most glaring problems fixed:

 

PCPartPicker Part ListCPU: AMD Athlon 3000G 3.5 GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper Steel 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory  ($64.98 @ Amazon)

The reason I choose that ram wasn't for brand or some vapid reason.  It was because that ram is on the list of parts tested and recommended by the manufacturer to work.  I need this computer to be rock solid and reliable. BUT you are essentially right RAM is RAM theoretically it should all work if it meets the same standards. 

 

29 minutes ago, Sauron said:

Storage: Silicon Power A80 512 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive  ($68.98 @ Amazon)
Case: Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case  ($49.79 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12III 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($54.99 @ B&H)
Custom: ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3 ($219.00)
Total: $512.73
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-13 06:27 EDT-0400

 

That's over $150 cheaper with no compromise in performance or upgrade potential (you couldn't make good use of 32GB of RAM with that CPU anyway).

 

Now, I still wouldn't go for something like this; even as a placeholder that CPU is extremely underpowered. It's not going to play games or stream well, let alone handle virtual machines. I would go with a 1600 or a 2600 and buy a used dedicated graphics card.

It's a lot faster than the 3000G so... who cares how old it is?

I care how old it is.  I may have another purpose for this CPU.  Plus the computer will have only one slot.  That said I do have an old 1050 I could use.  Problem is a Linux native system is hobbled by Nvidia graphics these days.  Their drivers need to be re written for Wayland. 

 

That power supply is a good suggestion though. 

[Uttamattamakin]

12 minutes ago, GoldenLag said:

well i realized i read it wrong, but it doesnt change the fact that you can skip virtualizing windows by running with proton. 

A virtualized Windows environment would in the near future allow me to use full MS office apps with cut, copy, paste, between Linux and Windows. As well as GPU pass-through for relatively uncompromised Gaming.  This is a scenario I envision for next year after some upgrades.  

 

Remember, I am trying to address an immediate issue, a computer that can run a good quality online teaching experience without thermal throttling.   It all has to be in stock for delivery and assembly  ASAP. It has to set the stage for future upgrades.  All or which makes me think I should just go for a pre built If the parts required aren't separately available. 

 

23 minutes ago, GoldenLag said:

how do you add a GPU to a laptop?

 

if you are using it spesifically for that, then it makes sense. 

With an EGPU.  In Linux it seems the Nvidia driver, by default, treats a card in an EGPU as being there for computation.  Treats the as if they we're a Quadro. 

 

Maybe if I explain,  the simulations I would run would involve things like black hole mergers, graviton-graviton scattering,  graviton-photon scattering, all done in dynamic spacetime backgrounds to test various modifications of General Relativity.  The purpose would be to validate the models for running on a GPU based supercomputer.  

 

But for now I just need to teach my math class without frying my computer.

[Uttamattamakin]

There is a problem with this board that it does not support the cooler that one would get in the box with an AMD processor. To save money this board is designed to mount an Intel compatible cooling solution  SO I need to find an air cooler that it will work with.   The thermal systems on the list are all rather pricey.   Plus there is the frustration of getting a Wraith Spire cooler that is pretty decent but not being able to use it. This basically adds to the price of the motherboard.  The reason it seems this was one was to cram more chips and features in such a small board  Then a less featured board would not have that problem but would then not have Thunderbolt 3.  Going to have to think this over. 

[Uttamattamakin]

OK.  So I have come up with a couple of different options .  Del Cheapo Computero.    It does most of what I would want for now but does not support Thunderbolt 3.  This mobo supports AMD cooling so I don't need to spend on a cooler.  I also went with a crucial SSD since they seem to be the most cost effective. 

 

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Athlon 3000G 3.5 GHz Dual-Core Processor	$54.99 @ Newegg
Motherboard	ASRock Fatal1ty X470 Gaming-ITX/ac Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard	$169.99 @ Amazon
Memory	Patriot Viper Steel 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory	$67.98 @ Amazon
Storage	Crucial P1 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive	$68.95 @ Amazon
Case	Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case	$49.79 @ Amazon
Power Supply	SeaSonic S12III 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply	$64.99 @ B&H
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$476.69
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-14 20:27 EDT-0400

 

 

Option 2 is Medium Cheap  The key upgrade being the processor from Athlon 3000 to Ryzen 5 3400g. Closer to what I had before with the suggestions you all made.  A big issue is that the stock cooler from AMD won't work. 

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor	$149.99 @ Best Buy
Motherboard	ASRock Fatal1ty X470 Gaming-ITX/ac Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard	$169.99 @ Amazon
Memory	Patriot Viper Steel 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory	$67.98 @ Amazon
Storage	Crucial P1 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive	$68.95 @ Amazon
Case	Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case	$49.79 @ Amazon
Power Supply	SeaSonic S12III 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply	$64.99 @ B&H
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$571.69
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-14 20:26 EDT-0400

That best buy price is a bit of lie because they are sold out as of right now. PLUS there is a chance that if the bios is not up to date on that motherboard that AGP will not be supported.  It could be a pain.    

 

Last but not least is the version I would consider actually building for myself 

 

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor	$149.99 @ Best Buy
CPU Cooler	Cooler Master MasterAIR G200P 35.5 CFM CPU Cooler	$44.99 @ Amazon
Memory	Patriot Viper Steel 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory	$67.98 @ Amazon
Storage	Samsung 970 Evo Plus 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive	$119.99 @ Adorama
Case	Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case	$49.79 @ Amazon
Power Supply	SeaSonic S12III 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply	$64.99 @ B&H
Custom	AsRock X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3	$219.00
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$716.73
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-14 21:23 EDT-0400

 The one part  that might be a problem is this CPU cooler.  It has the same dimensions as one which is on the compatibility list.  However with the Mesh case I'd be able to see the insides and a little RGB can't hurt.   Again that best buy price is a bit of a lie as it is not in stock.  

So what says the Jury? 

[Uttamattamakin]

SO  I split the difference. between the above and all the suggestions.  This is the consensus build.  I also was able to find some good deals on new egg.  Microcenter had a lower advertised price but my local store is having issues.  

 

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Ryzen 3 3200G 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor	$94.99 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler	Silverstone AR11 55.76 CFM CPU Cooler	$48.99 @ Newegg
Memory	ADATA XPG GAMMIX D30 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory
Storage	ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro 512 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive	$78.98 @ Amazon
Case	Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case	$49.79 @ Amazon
Power Supply	EVGA 400 W ATX Power Supply	$32.98 @ Newegg
Custom	AsRock X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3	$219.00
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total (before mail-in rebates)	$534.73
	Mail-in rebates	-$10.00
	Total	$524.73
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-15 18:37 EDT-0400

 

 

Went with a Ryzen 3200g   had I been able to find a Ryzen 3400g for a reasonable price I would've gotten it but they are all way overpriced.  As if they are 2x or 2.5x as good as a 3200g.  PLUS if I really want to do something graphics intensive on this machine right now I can take the 1080 out of my enclosure which I have used with my Laptop and put it in there OR with this choice of motherboard since it has Thunderbolt 3 it has whatever GPU is in my enclosure.  It is not out of the question that I could have an APU driven Linux box as a daily driver for a while and occasionally use a 1080... eventually a 2080 in an enclosure if I have a tough calculation.  While having a Windows laptop for gaming, or game streaming.    The best of all possible worlds all at once without the compromises of a running one of those in a VM. 

 

Look for a build log on a computer I will call call   HOPE. 

 

As in hope my unemployment gets approved so I don't have to return all of this. 

Hope that AMD comes out with an 8 core 8 thread x570 compatible desktop APU, with Navi/RDNA graphics in late 2020 so I can upgrade. 

Hope I have a job and situation where I can afford it. 

[Uttamattamakin]

Almost have all the parts will update in a build log when appropriate.  (The 1080 is what is in my egpu enclosure.)