First build - looking for feedback on components

ThomasChabot · September 9, 2018

Been looking for a PC Gaming machine for a while. Eventually decided on a desktop, so I decided to build my own - although having never done this before, I'm unsure on what parts would be best to use. I've gone through a number of reviews, videos, etc., and this is what I've come up with so far, but I'd like to get some expert feedback before I make any purchases (in case I'm missing anything).

I have my build in PcPartPicker:

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/ZXYh29

As to the main questions, here are my answers:

1. Budget & Location

Ideally looking to spend under $1600 for everything (which would include picking up a monitor & a keyboard). I'm in Canada, so all prices would be in CAD.

2. Aim

I'm in school for computer science, so it would be a mix of doing schoolwork (for programming, using programs like Android Studio and Visual Studio; some image editing using Paint.Net; and running virtual machines through VirtualBox) along with some gaming (things like Battlefield, Tomb Raider, etc.).

3. Monitors

Planning on having two monitors, both at 1080p. Ideally I'd be able to support a higher refresh rate (something around the 120-144Hz range).

4. Peripherals

I currently have an old monitor which I can use, but would like to pick up a new one at some point (although this can probably wait until a big sale, like at Black Friday). Would also need to pick up a keyboard.

5. Why are you upgrading?

The machine I've been using for work over the last year+ has been the Surface Pro 4 (with an i5, 128GB of storage, 4GB of RAM) but that's not enough to operate any of the programs I need. I'd like to pick up a stronger machine that'd be more capable of running everything.

I'm likely not going to be overclocking, although I'd be open to it (as long as I have the parts to support it).

As listed before, I have a monitor I can use, but would prefer to pick up a new one (with better colors, higher refresh rate & FreeSync or GSync capability).

I'd be open to Crossfire if I can support it & find a cheap GPU to pick up, but would be more than satisfied with something like an AMD Radeon RX 580.

As to the case, I have no real preference - although anything that'd simplify the build process (eg. cabling setup) would be preferable (would make it easier as a first-time build).

I believe that's all the questions, but if I'm missing anything, ask about it & I'll add my answers.

Thanks!

Streetguru · September 9, 2018

21 minutes ago, ThomasChabot said:

You don't need the thermal paste or all of the extra fans. Also go for MX-4 over AS5

Canadian GPU prices seem to still suck.

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

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2600 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($231.95 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock - B450M PRO4 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($114.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill - Aegis 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($178.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Kingston - SSDNow G2 240GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($60.75 @ Vuugo)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($72.75 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: XFX - Radeon RX 580 8GB GTS Black Core Edition Video Card ($319.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: Fractal Design - Focus G (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($84.99 @ PC-Canada)
Total: $1118.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-09-09 15:42 EDT-0400

ThomasChabot · September 9, 2018

27 minutes ago, Streetguru said:

-

Wow, that's awesome. That's a much better price point. I have a few questions, though:

I know the Ryzen 5 2600 is comparable to the 2600X when overclocked (and actually beats out the 2600X), but would I want to overclock with this one? Or is it better to just leave it alone at the stock clock?

And then with the motherboard - what would the difference be between a Micro ATX & standard ATX? Is it just the number of ports that would be available?

Again, thank you for that - that's awesome specs for a much better price than I thought I'd be getting. That's awesome.

Streetguru · September 9, 2018

2 minutes ago, ThomasChabot said:

Wow, that's awesome. That's a much better price point. I have a few questions, though:

I know the Ryzen 5 2600 is comparable to the 2600X when overclocked (and actually beats out the 2600X), but would I want to overclock with this one? Or is it better to just leave it alone at the stock clock?

And then with the motherboard - what would the difference be between a Micro ATX & standard ATX? Is it just the number of ports that would be available?

Again, thank you for that - that's awesome specs for a much better price than I thought I'd be getting. That's awesome.

the microATX and ATX B450 boards have the same VRM

the ATX board just has Display Port if someone were doing an APU build

Course you should overclock the 2600, takes like 2 minutes using Ryzen Master, just don't push it past like 1.3V without a fan blowing onto the VRM. Should be able to do 4-4.1ghz all core

or run it at a lower voltage and make your PC more silent.