Planning a friend's build, need advice!

[StayFrostyy]

Hi guys.

My friend and I are working together to build him a computer for Christmas. We're using the parts from his old Alienware Steam Machine to cut costs and get the best bang for buck we can.

 

Here's the build I've put together. We'll likely have a budget of $900, give or take $100.

 

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/PkTgkT
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/PkTgkT/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i7-6700T 2.8GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - M9i 48.4 CFM CPU Cooler  ($18.99 @ Newegg Marketplace)
Motherboard: Asus - STRIX B250H Gaming ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-3000 Memory  (Purchased For $0.00)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  (Purchased For $0.00)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB GAMING X Video Card  ($303.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair - SPEC-03 Red ATX Mid Tower Case  ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  (Purchased For $0.00)
Optical Drive: Asus - DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($16.29 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit  ($92.99 @ Best Buy)
Case Fan: Corsair - Air Series AF120 Red 52.2 CFM  120mm Fan  ($12.98 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Corsair - Air Series AF120 Red 52.2 CFM  120mm Fan  ($12.98 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Corsair - Air Series AF120 Red 52.2 CFM  120mm Fan  ($12.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer - GN246HL 24.0" 1920x1080 144Hz Monitor  ($187.49 @ B&H)
Total: $798.17
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-10 18:41 EST-0500

 

What do you guys think of this? Can I do better with the money allocated?

 

Thanks in advance for the help.

[TraskJ]

4 minutes ago, StayFrostyy said:

Hi guys.

My friend and I are working together to build him a computer for Christmas. We're using the parts from his old Alienware Steam Machine to cut costs and get the best bang for buck we can.

 

Here's the build I've put together. We'll likely have a budget of $900, give or take $100.

 

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/PkTgkT
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/PkTgkT/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i7-6700T 2.8GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - M9i 48.4 CFM CPU Cooler  ($18.99 @ Newegg Marketplace)
Motherboard: Asus - STRIX B250H Gaming ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-3000 Memory  (Purchased For $0.00)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  (Purchased For $0.00)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB GAMING X Video Card  ($303.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair - SPEC-03 Red ATX Mid Tower Case  ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  (Purchased For $0.00)
Optical Drive: Asus - DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($16.29 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit  ($92.99 @ Best Buy)
Case Fan: Corsair - Air Series AF120 Red 52.2 CFM  120mm Fan  ($12.98 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Corsair - Air Series AF120 Red 52.2 CFM  120mm Fan  ($12.98 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Corsair - Air Series AF120 Red 52.2 CFM  120mm Fan  ($12.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer - GN246HL 24.0" 1920x1080 144Hz Monitor  ($187.49 @ B&H)
Total: $798.17
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-10 18:41 EST-0500

 

What do you guys think of this? Can I do better with the money allocated?

 

Thanks in advance for the help.

If at all possible, I would add an SSD. Also, do you really need an i7? 8gb of RAM isn't really the right amount for an i7. I would rather see i5 + 16gb of RAM + an SSD than i7 + 8 gb of RAM for gaming purposes, even if you're going with the T processor. The i7 is also kind of overkill for a 1060. Your power supply should be fine, but I would still recommend upgrading it down the line if at all possible. More reliable power supply = greater peace of mind IMO. Other than that, build looks good for 1080p 144fps or 1440p 60fps. 

[QuantumBit]

Get Windows from kinguin, add an SSD, and do you really need those fans?

[seon123]

The Maximus 8 Ranger is available for $90 after rebate. You won't be overclocking, but it's a much higher end board, afaik. 

You can get an RX 580 or 1060 6GB for $50 less than the one you've selected. Alternatively, the 1070 is available for $90 more.

Instead of spending $50 on a case and $40 on fans, how about just getting a nicer case?

You should get an SSD, like the SL308 250GB for $78

[StayFrostyy]

@seon123 @QuantumBit I'm concerned that, with a lack of fans, the PC will get too hot. My rig has been having issues with heat during the hotter months from this specifically. Will a nicer case eliminate the need for it?

[Zucchini]

Get an i5 or a Ryzen or something. Better value for gaming than an i7 

 

[QuantumBit]

16 minutes ago, TraskJ said:

If at all possible, I would add an SSD. Also, do you really need an i7? 8gb of RAM isn't really the right amount for an i7. I would rather see i5 + 16gb of RAM + an SSD than i7 + 8 gb of RAM for gaming purposes, even if you're going with the T processor. The i7 is also kind of overkill for a 1060. Your power supply should be fine, but I would still recommend upgrading it down the line if at all possible. More reliable power supply = greater peace of mind IMO. Other than that, build looks good for 1080p 144fps or 1440p 60fps. 

OP's friend is using old PC parts

[StayFrostyy]

Just now, Zucchini said:

Get an i5 or a Ryzen or something. Better value for gaming than an i7 

 

We have a working i7 already from his Alienware rig; we figured there wasn't much point to buying a CPU when we had a very good working one already.

[TraskJ]

Just now, StayFrostyy said:

We have a working i7 already from his Alienware rig; we figured there wasn't much point to buying a CPU when we had a very good working one already.

Ah, that makes sense. 

[QuantumBit]

1 minute ago, StayFrostyy said:

@seon123 @QuantumBit I'm concerned that, with a lack of fans, the PC will get too hot. My rig has been having issues with heat during the hotter months from this specifically. Will a nicer case eliminate the need for it?

It should

[Zucchini]

1 minute ago, StayFrostyy said:

I'm concerned that, with a lack of fans, the PC will get too hot. My rig has been having issues with heat during the hotter months from this specifically. Will a nicer case eliminate the need for it?

 

A better case (airflow wise) and an average cooler will get you a long way. better than great cooler no air flow

[seon123]

4 minutes ago, StayFrostyy said:

@seon123 @QuantumBit I'm concerned that, with a lack of fans, the PC will get too hot. My rig has been having issues with heat during the hotter months from this specifically. Will a nicer case eliminate the need for it?

LTT did a video on how case fans affect temperatures. 

Spoiler

 

There are negligible improvements past 1 intake and 1 exhaust, which is what decent cases tend to come with