Build for Friend

[TurbulentWinds]

I'm trying to make a midrange gaming PC for my friend for about $500-600 not counting the monitor.

 

CPU: Intel - Core i3-8100 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($125.89 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI - Z370 GAMING PLUS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($121.95 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2800 Memory  ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($41.77 @ OutletPC)
Case: NZXT - S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit  ($88.89 @ OutletPC)

 

I'm thinking a 1050 Ti, 1060 3 GB, or a used 980 Ti for the build, however, I am not familiar with the good and bad cooler designs on the 1060 3 GB.

I would like a 550-650 watt PSU for future upgrades but again I am not familiar with the PSU tiers. I do have the list but I don't want to screw up the pick.

I know next to nothing about monitor companies so I just want something that is 1080p, 60 hz.

 

Thank you all for your help! 

 

[RadiatingLight]

What's the budget?

(Ryzen 1400 would be cheaper and better than i3 8100 IMO)

[TurbulentWinds]

Just now, RadiatingLight said:

What's the budget?

First sentence, bud!

3 minutes ago, TurbulentWinds said:

I'm trying to make a midrange gaming PC for my friend for about $500-600 not counting the monitor.

 

 

1 minute ago, RadiatingLight said:

What's the budget?

(Ryzen 1400 would be cheaper and better than i3 8100 IMO)

I understand that Ryzen is cheaper and is going to perform better, however, my friend is not confident in using "fringe" hardware as he is just switching over to PC.

[JaegerB]

1 minute ago, TurbulentWinds said:

I understand that Ryzen is cheaper and is going to perform better, however, my friend is not confident in using "fringe" hardware as he is just switching over to PC.

Fringe hardware omg.

[TurbulentWinds]

Just now, JaegerB said:

Fringe hardware omg.

I know, right!

[JaegerB]

2 minutes ago, TurbulentWinds said:

I know, right!

If your friend is so budget conscious, Ryzen should be his first choice. AMD are sticking with AM4 till 2020, so if he grabs a B350 and a Ryzen 1400, he can upgrade all he wants. Intel on the other hand only have z370s right now for Coffee Lake, and it's a massive waste buying a premium motherboard for an i3.

 

Going with ryzen would probably even free up enough budget for a 1060 6GB, which would absolutely crush 1080p gaming, at least for now and the next year or two.

[Herman Mcpootis]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1400 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($147.79 @ SuperBiiz) 
Motherboard: ASRock - AB350M Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($40.98 @ Newegg) 
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2800 Memory  ($74.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($41.77 @ OutletPC) 
Video Card: Asus - Radeon RX 570 4GB ROG STRIX Video Card  ($229.99 @ Amazon) for freesync support.
Case: Rosewill - SRM-01 MicroATX Mini Tower Case  ($19.99 @ Amazon) he shouldn't be spending so much on the case at a $600 budget.
Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($24.99 @ Newegg) 
Monitor: Acer - KG221Q 21.5" 1920x1080 75Hz Monitor  ($99.99 @ B&H) 
Total: $680.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-17 20:47 EST-0500

get OS from reddit for $25.

[RadiatingLight]

I'd reccomend this:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1400 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($147.79 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock - AB350M Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($50.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2800 Memory  ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($41.77 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 3GB 3GB SC GAMING Video Card  ($189.99 @ B&H)
Case: DIYPC - DIY-F2-O MicroATX Mini Tower Case  ($40.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $586.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-17 20:49 EST-0500

 

Trust me, Ryzen is not fringe hardware. it's stable, and works very well. it might've been unstable/fringe for the first month, but it's very well established.

[RadiatingLight]

1 minute ago, herman mcpootis said:

he shouldn't be spending so much on the case at a $600 budget.

+1

[TurbulentWinds]

1 minute ago, JaegerB said:

If your friend is so budget conscious, Ryzen should be his first choice.

I'm working with a normal person here. He didn't know that AMD existed and he is already nervous enough without going with a company he has never heard of. 

2 minutes ago, JaegerB said:

AMD are sticking with AM4 till 2020

I'm still a skeptic on AMD remaining relevant or releasing good enough CPUs to make the long term support on the platform worth it.

4 minutes ago, JaegerB said:

Intel on the other hand only have z370s right now for Coffee Lake, and it's a massive waste buying a premium motherboard for an i3.

I wouldn't say that since he is planning on upgrading to an unlocked CPU, 4-5 years down the line. I prefer to buy overclocking MOBOs since it leaves a better future upgrade path.

5 minutes ago, JaegerB said:

Going with ryzen would probably even free up enough budget for a 1060 6GB, which would absolutely crush 1080p gaming

I agree but I need to work in the confines I have.

[TurbulentWinds]

2 minutes ago, herman mcpootis said:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1400 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($147.79 @ SuperBiiz) 
Motherboard: ASRock - AB350M Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($40.98 @ Newegg) 
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2800 Memory  ($74.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($41.77 @ OutletPC) 
Video Card: Asus - Radeon RX 570 4GB ROG STRIX Video Card  ($229.99 @ Amazon) for freesync support.
Case: Rosewill - SRM-01 MicroATX Mini Tower Case  ($19.99 @ Amazon) he shouldn't be spending so much on the case at a $600 budget.
Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($24.99 @ Newegg) 
Monitor: Acer - KG221Q 21.5" 1920x1080 75Hz Monitor  ($99.99 @ B&H) 
Total: $680.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-17 20:47 EST-0500

get OS from reddit for $25.

I understand that Ryzen provides better value, but my friend will not go AMD. I need the i3 8100 loadout.

[TurbulentWinds]

2 minutes ago, RadiatingLight said:

I'd reccomend this:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1400 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($147.79 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock - AB350M Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($50.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2800 Memory  ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($41.77 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 3GB 3GB SC GAMING Video Card  ($189.99 @ B&H)
Case: DIYPC - DIY-F2-O MicroATX Mini Tower Case  ($40.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $586.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-17 20:49 EST-0500

 

Trust me, Ryzen is not fringe hardware. it's stable, and works very well. it might've been unstable/fringe for the first month, but it's very well established.

I know that Ryzen is well established, however, AMD does not advertise themselves well. My friend thought HP and Dell made all computers and parts until 2 days ago. He will not go with AMD as he doesn't know the space and doesn't know the company.

[RadiatingLight]

2 minutes ago, TurbulentWinds said:

4-5 years down the line

in 4-5 years, intel will have already switched sockets twice, with the coffee lake platform being in the same spot as haswell right now.

by contrast, AMD will have much better CPUs on their AM4 platform in 4-5 years, even though they too will switch sockets by then.

[TurbulentWinds]

Just now, CUDA_Cores said:

Intel coffee lake is even more "fringe" hardware than Ryzen as Ryzen has been out much longer in comparison.

I understand that. The problem is trying to make someone who just discovered AMD two days ago, that they are better than Intel, whos ads the friend has been watching their entire life.

[RadiatingLight]

Just now, TurbulentWinds said:

I know that Ryzen is well established, however, AMD does not advertise themselves well. My friend thought HP and Dell made all computers and parts until 2 days ago. He will not go with AMD as he doesn't know the space and doesn't know the company.

Well, you do know the space.

I'm sure he's never heard of NZXT before, or G.skill, or EVGA, etc. but since you're helping him pick, you're the expert. AMD is a great company which makes solid products. the fact that he's never heard of them doesn't mean that they're bad in any way.

[TurbulentWinds]

Just now, RadiatingLight said:

in 4-5 years, intel will have already switched sockets twice, with the coffee lake platform being in the same spot as haswell right now.

by contrast, AMD will have much better CPUs on their AM4 platform in 4-5 years, even though they too will switch sockets by then.

Whatever you say, I don't want to get in a argument right now. I just need to know the below three:

 

I'm thinking a 1050 Ti, 1060 3 GB, or a used 980 Ti for the build, however, I am not familiar with the good and bad cooler designs on the 1060 3 GB.

I would like a 550-650 watt PSU for future upgrades but again I am not familiar with the PSU tiers. I do have the list but I don't want to screw up the pick.

I know next to nothing about monitor companies so I just want something that is 1080p, 60 hz.

[TurbulentWinds]

 

Just now, RadiatingLight said:

Well, you do know the space.

I'm sure he's never heard of NZXT before, or G.skill, or EVGA, etc. but since you're helping him pick, you're the expert. AMD is a great company which makes solid products. the fact that he's never heard of them doesn't mean that they're bad in any way.

Again, not the point. He will not go with AMD no matter what I say. I just need a i3 8100 system.

[TurbulentWinds]

Just now, CUDA_Cores said:

When I built my first PC, I went with AMD. At the time, I had never heard of AMD but the price/performance was better in benchmarks. Since I have no brand loyalty, I went with AMD

 

Just show your friend benchmarks and they will use AMD.

They will not. I have. This is a pointless argument. I just need an i3 8100 loadout here.

[TurbulentWinds]

1 minute ago, CUDA_Cores said:

Then don't help him build a computer. If he's gonna be a fanboy, you're on your own. 

 

At least this is what I tell my friends who are fanboys. then they come crawling back to me. 

Whatever, I'll just ask separately for the parts.

[RadiatingLight]

Just now, TurbulentWinds said:

I'm thinking a 1050 Ti, 1060 3 GB, or a used 980 Ti for the build, however, I am not familiar with the good and bad cooler designs on the 1060 3 GB.

at least a 1060 3GB. and that one is pretty efficient, so basically anything will be fine. if you have some spare budget, try go for a dual-fan card, but any 1060 3GB will be fine.

ideally, a 1060 6GB would be best (or RX 480/580)

 

used 980 would be a good option

used 980Ti is great, but probably costs too much. if you can get one, go for it (note that with a 980Ti, you'll need a bigger PSU (550W+)

 

2 minutes ago, TurbulentWinds said:

I would like a 550-650 watt PSU for future upgrades but again I am not familiar with the PSU tiers. I do have the list but I don't want to screw up the pick.

TBH that's more than you need with such a tight budget.

450W is more than enough for what you need (unless buying a 980Ti, in which case it could probably still run the system, but would be under lots of load)

I have a link in my sig "you don't need a big PSU" that you should watch to see how little power modern components really use.

 

3 minutes ago, TurbulentWinds said:

I know next to nothing about monitor companies so I just want something that is 1080p, 60 hz.

then go to PC Partpicker, sort monitors by 1080p, and IPS, then choose the cheapest one.

[RadiatingLight]

8 minutes ago, TurbulentWinds said:

 

Again, not the point. He will not go with AMD no matter what I say. I just need a i3 8100 system.

Sucks. He'll be getting a much worse PC becuase of it.

maybe tell him to wait until B360 or H310 motherboards are availible (early 2018 i think), since those will save you lots of money

 

if he wants one now, then he will suffer a significant hit in framerate and overall performance by going with a Z370 motherboard. (or in the case of this build, I just went over budget)

but this would be the build that I would begrudgingly reccomend for such an unfortunate scenario

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i3-8100 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($125.89 @ B&H)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 HD3 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($111.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2800 Memory  ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($41.77 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 3GB 3GB SC GAMING Video Card  ($189.99 @ B&H)
Case: Azza - SIRIUS ATX Mid Tower Case  ($33.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $618.10
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-17 21:04 EST-0500

 

[dizmo]

As long as you wait for Black Friday, you'll be getting a good deal regardless of what you get. $99 for a Z series motherboard isn't that much more than a B or H series with a nicer feature set.

 

39 minutes ago, RadiatingLight said:

in 4-5 years, intel will have already switched sockets twice, with the coffee lake platform being in the same spot as haswell right now.

by contrast, AMD will have much better CPUs on their AM4 platform in 4-5 years, even though they too will switch sockets by then.

To be fair, he could just as easily upgrade to an 8700k, which should be more than sufficient at that time.

If it's not, and AMD has made some seriously amazing stuff, he can simply sell and upgrade. It's not like we're talking about real estate here, it's a few hundred dollars.

38 minutes ago, TurbulentWinds said:

Whatever you say, I don't want to get in a argument right now. I just need to know the below three:

 

I'm thinking a 1050 Ti, 1060 3 GB, or a used 980 Ti for the build, however, I am not familiar with the good and bad cooler designs on the 1060 3 GB.

I would like a 550-650 watt PSU for future upgrades but again I am not familiar with the PSU tiers. I do have the list but I don't want to screw up the pick.

I know next to nothing about monitor companies so I just want something that is 1080p, 60 hz.

Go with the used card for sure. 980, 980Ti. Go with whatever's cheaper if he is playing on a 1080p60 monitor.

You can probably find some good deals on video cards right after Black Friday, so I'd start checking the Reddit Hardware Swap frequently.

 

PSU, the CXM 550w is probably your best bet. It goes on sale frequently, and for a really low price. IMO one of, if not the best extremely budget (when on sale) unit.

 

I like Dell for monitors.

37 minutes ago, CUDA_Cores said:

When I built my first PC, I went with AMD. At the time, I had never heard of AMD but the price/performance was better in benchmarks. Since I have no brand loyalty, I went with AMD

 

Just show your friend benchmarks and they will use AMD.

 

Or just build them an AMD system and say it's intel. It's their first time building a PC so they'll never know the difference. 

Not really, the 1500x gets beat by the 8100. Stock I think, but still, that's what benchmarks show.

Some people do have brand loyalty, and this forum needs to realize that, recognize that, and come to terms that it's no ta problem. Different people like different things.

35 minutes ago, CUDA_Cores said:

Then don't help him build a computer. If he's gonna be a fanboy, you're on your own. 

 

At least this is what I tell my friends who are fanboys. then they come crawling back to me. 

That's incredibly petty, and if you do that you're a horrible friend.