Advice for Gaming PC Build (under 2k)

Hey everyone, thought about buying the current 3060ti build from techfast, but thought let me try build one myself. I don't mind spending 2k, but i would like to keep costs low where I can. I've edited the prices myself. I'm looking to upgrade my current rig (ryzen 3 1200, 1050ti, 8gb ram) and im thinking of selling the whole thing and getting this build. Open to suggestions!

https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/Z3pNt8

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($329.00)

CPU Cooler: Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 Blue 74.34 CFM CPU Cooler ($0.00)

Motherboard: Gigabyte A520M S2H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($0.00)

Memory: G.Skill Aegis 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($229.00 @ Umart)

Storage: Crucial P1 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($128.00)

Video Card: GALAX GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8 GB (1-click OC) Video Card ($900.00)

Case: Cooler Master MasterBox MB320L ARGB MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($69.00 @ PCCaseGear)

Power Supply: Corsair RM (2019) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.00)

Total: $1784.00

Comments

  • +1

    Not a bad start, but some issues:

    1 - I would go with a 5600X rather than a 3600. Given that you can get a 5600X for the < $400 now, you want to get the latest chip. The 3600 was a great chip back in its day, but its price has not fallen in line with the Ryzen 5000 chips.

    2 - Definitely get a B550 board over an A520 board. Looks like you just went with the cheapest board available. I would definitely not do this. Plenty of good B550 boards like the MSI B550 Tomahawk, Gigabyte AORUS B550 Elite, plenty from other brands, all less than $200.

    3 - RAM, SSD and GPU are all fine.

    4 - Get a better case, maybe something like a Corsair 4000D for around $120.

    5 - 3060 Ti for $900 is a good price right now

    • Im curious why you recommended a B550 instead of an X570? Is the value to performance ratio not there yet?

      I ask because I am getting ready to put together a PC when GPU's fall further and was going to get an X570 board.

      • +3

        There is practically no benefit to X570. The only difference between B550 and X570 is that the PCIe lanes going to the chipset are PCIe Gen 4 instead of Gen 3. Unless you are running multiple NVMe drives, it won't matter.

        Both B550 and X570 have PCIe Gen 4 going to the main x16 slot and the x4 M.2 slot, both of which are routed directly to the CPU. Not to mention X570 has an annoying little fan on the chipset that B550 doesn't. Have a look at some of the VRM reviews as well, e.g. from Hardware Unboxed - B550 boards, as they are generally all newer designs, have better VRM designs than basement budget X570 boards.

        At the same price, between a mid-tier B550 and bottom-tier X570, I'd go with the mid-tier B550 every day. If you're comparing boards of the same tier, B550 is probably around $50-60 cheaper, so in that case, put it towards a better cooler/faster RAM/nicer case/more storage…etc.

        • Thanks for that information, I will go back to considering B550 boards for my build.

    • Thanks man! Would i change the CPU cooler if I get the 5600x?

      What CPU cooler would you recommend if so?

      Also looking at cases Corsair 4000D, Phanteks Eclipse P400A, and corsair 200r

      • If you did get the 5600X like he suggested, the air cooler linked should be fine. No need to upgrade to liquid cooling given that you most likely won't be overclocking and fans are generally safer to work with. Liquid cooling is just for aesthetics and a premium; air cooling will suffice.

  • +1

    Personally I'd say keep your 1050 Ti for as long as you can, while going for this PSU instead for the same price (if you want more RGB xD, but also it's a very solid PSU): https://www.pccasegear.com/products/49646/super-flower-leade…

    Also is your A520 board what you're using atm? is that why it's $0?

  • +1

    Right now techfast has pretty enticing deals popping up because they get bulk buy discounts on their parts, meaning that they can usually sell their rigs for as cheap as you can build them whilst still turning a profit.

    Techfast has the option to ship the PC to you unbuilt in boxes so perhaps I’d look into a decent techfast deal and deliver unbuilt if you want to build it yourself, or it gives you the option to sell some parts and replace with others as required.

  • Advice for building a PC right now?

    The most important advice is "Wait a bit longer"

    The crazy once-in-a-lifetime GPU shortage is already easing, and 3060 Ti reverting back to the prices of the "_060 Ti" cards of previous generations (around half this price, depending how far back you go) could be only a few months away.

    • +1

      I can wait.. probably will put up search alerts for other parts though before i jump on a GPU

  • Also, if you are only just mainly gaming, and not worried about much of an upgrade path (which might be of importance if you want to venture into making/rendering videos/content creation), and based on the assumption your computer lasting 3-5 years (for gaming, and the main bottleneck will be the GPU anyway) and by then you'll be upgrading the whole pc anyway), I'd actually recommend Intel 11th gen for better value gaming, while cheaper and faster than Ryzen 3600:

    The 11400F is almost $100 cheaper than the Ryzen 3600 (however, granted the MB is can range from being similar but slightly more expensive, to quite a bit more expensive depending on what you want to pair it with), while performing neck-to-neck in application/content creation, while on average ~12-15% faster in gaming where the CPU is the bottleneck. TechSpot/Hardware Unboxed's review on the 11400F: https://www.techspot.com/review/2232-intel-core-i5-11400f/ . Cost of two options compared:


    Intel Core i5-11400F just realised it is still not in stock and unavailable at its previous competitive price of $199
    Gigabyte B560M Aorus Pro AX $179 (or cheaper with coupon code) Delivered @ MetroCom eBay: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/255002536705


    Ryzen 3600: $299 Delivered @ CentreCom
    MSI B550-A Pro: $156.88 Delivered @ JW Computers (NSW postcode tested), or $164.90 Delivered @ HT via Amazon AU
    or MSI B550M BAZOOKA: $149 @ PCCG
    or Asrock B550M Steel Legend $139 @ UMart
    or MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX II $129 @ CentreCom
    or MSI B450M Mortar Max $89 @ BPCTech, or $98.08 @ Amazon


    11400F + Good B560M MB: $398

    3600 + B550: $463.9; +B550M: $448/$438; +B450: $428; +B450M: $397.08 (used amazon prices where available as it's likely to include delivery cost better)

    I have not taken your CPU fan into account, as I'm assuming you'll be able to get kit/adaptor to mount your existing (?) Gammax onto both platforms.


    Just realised the 11400F is still out of stock, but hearing news stock will be landing within the week or next.

  • What games are you planning on playing? Your gaming build will depend heavily on this so if you want to get the most bang for your buck, then you will have to specify which games you want to play.

    PC Partpicker - I have made a list of parts for a build under 2K below:

    https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/9JhZp2

    Main changes:
    CPU: 3600 —> 5600X. This helps future proof your build, the 5600X is all-round great at everything from gaming to multitasking to productivity. A bit expensive compared to Intel's offerings at this range, but far superior in performance.
    Cooler: Upgraded to a high end CPU air cooler, the dark rock 4. High performing and probably on par with the lower tier AIO liquid coolerso nt he market (120mm and possibly 240mm).
    RAM: Upgraded to RGB modules and higher RAM speed of 3600 MHZ, as Ryzen loves high RAM DDR4 speeds.
    Case: Corsair 4000D - High quality design, aesthetically pleasing and strong airflow. Pretty sure it comes with extra fans too.
    Motherboard: Low-end B550M motherboard chosen.

    • Cheers man! Does the mobo I buy have to be 550M or can it be 550? I have no idea what the difference is

      What do you think about the Snowman MT6 compared to the dark rock 4?

      And do you think Phanteks Eclipse P400A or corsair 200r are good alternatives to the 4000D? Or Is the 4000D the best?

  • Here's better RAM for ~$200 - CMT16GX4M2Z3200C16 - just put that into staticice or pricehipster & you can pick from your place of purchase & if you want your Corsair Dominator Pro in black or white, and did I mention that it comes with RBG. BTW, I have 32GB in my comp
    https://i.imgur.com/HDmzwCj.jpg
    https://i.imgur.com/dag883w.jpg

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