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Any PC Builders..? (Entry level gaming rig) (1 Viewer)

Budha

Budha

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Hey All,

Any gaming PC builders out there? I’m building a very entry level desktop for my son and thinking of the following CPU + MB:

- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT (integrated graphics)
- GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC (MB)

The 5600GT has integrated graphics that would seem to support basic gaming. (Future GPU would be an upgrade add-on when he gets to that point)

Appreciate any thoughts,feedback, suggestions!

Thanks!!
 
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Overspend on your MB to ensure upgradeability. You're right on the money going entry level, but as he gets older and into more serious gaming he'll appreciate the option to upgrade further.

Here is some additional feedback from Chat GTP:

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and the GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC motherboard are solid choices for an entry-level gaming desktop, especially if you're aiming for scalability. Here's an analysis of your choice and some alternatives to consider:

### **Pros of the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G + GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC**
1. **Integrated Graphics**:
The Ryzen 5 5600G features Vega 7 integrated graphics, which are great for entry-level gaming. It can handle games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and other less demanding titles without a discrete GPU.

2. **Scalability**:
The B550 chipset supports PCIe 4.0 (for the GPU and NVMe SSD slots) and is compatible with higher-end Ryzen processors (e.g., Ryzen 7 5800X or Ryzen 9 5900X). This allows future upgrades without changing the motherboard.

3. **Wi-Fi and Bluetooth**:
The "AC" in the motherboard name means it has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which is convenient and removes the need for additional adapters.

4. **Cost-Effectiveness**:
This combination provides excellent value for money in terms of performance and features.

### **Considerations for Scalability**
- **RAM Support**: The B550M supports DDR4 RAM up to high speeds. Ensure you get at least 16GB of DDR4-3200 or 3600 RAM for smooth multitasking and gaming.
- **GPU Upgrade Path**: The motherboard can handle GPUs like the RTX 3060 or RX 6700 XT in the future.
- **Storage Options**: The B550 chipset supports NVMe SSDs, which are essential for fast load times in modern games.

---

### **Alternatives to Consider**
1. **Intel i3-13100 or i5-13400 with a B760 Motherboard**:
Intel's 13th-gen CPUs with UHD 730/770 graphics are another option. They have strong performance but lack the gaming potential of the Ryzen 5 5600G's Vega graphics. However, an upgrade to a discrete GPU later could make this viable.

2. **AMD Ryzen 7 5700G**:
If the budget allows, the 5700G offers more cores and slightly better integrated graphics performance, making it more future-proof.

3. **ASRock B550M Pro4 Motherboard**:
Another great option, offering similar features to the GIGABYTE B550M but often at a slightly lower price.

4. **GPU Addition**:
If you want a better gaming experience right away, consider pairing the Ryzen 5 5600G with a used GTX 1650 or RX 6500 XT. This will outperform the integrated Vega graphics without breaking the bank.

---

### **Final Recommendation**
Your current choice of the Ryzen 5 5600G and GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC is well-balanced for an entry-level build. To maximize its scalability, ensure:
- **Power Supply**: Get a reliable 500-600W PSU to handle future upgrades.
- **Case**: Choose a mid-tower case with good airflow and space for a full-size GPU.
- **Storage**: Start with a 500GB or 1TB NVMe SSD.

If the kid wants to game more seriously in the future, you can add a discrete GPU and upgrade the CPU while keeping the motherboard. This combination gives a great starting point without overspending upfront.
 
Thanks Craig!! I need to learn how to use AI/Chat GTP - lol.

Super funny, the alternative recommendations are pretty much the other combo I was looking at - lol.

Agree 100% on focus on the motherboard and PSU to support upgrade paths!

It’s been 20 yrs since I built a PC - lol.
 
I'd ask what your budget is, and build around that. What type of games are we talking about? These will determine what kind of build to go with.

The cost of dedicated GPUs these days is ridiculous, but the used market for all your needs can get you a kick ass system. Ryzen is the way to go. AM4 is a dead platform but still offers so much value. I'm still currently on it using a 5900X and a 1080ti. Waiting to upgrade my GPU.

You can get a 5700X3D for under $200... https://www.amazon.com/AMD-Ryzen-5700X3D-16-Thread-Processor/dp/B0CQ4H4H7X

I'd spend most of my money on a GPU honestly, with as much VRAM as I could get. Your kid probably won't care so much about ray tracing so rasterized performance is what I'd focus on. AMD does pretty good in this regard.
 
Budha said:
Thanks Craig!! I need to learn how to use AI/Chat GTP - lol.

Super funny, the alternative recommendations are pretty much the other combo I was looking at - lol.

Agree 100% on focus on the motherboard and PSU to support upgrade paths!

It’s been 20 yrs since I built a PC - lol.
Click to expand...
I was just thinking “oh yeah! I love building PCs! I just built one a few years ago!”……and then I realized that was 15 years ago….

*sigh*

Good luck with build!! Let us know how it goes!! :)
 
TheJestyr said:
I was just thinking “oh yeah! I love building PCs! I just built one a few years ago!”……and then I realized that was 15 years ago….

*sigh*

Good luck with build!! Let us know how it goes!! :)
Click to expand...
Same here, I was like “shit, I’ll just build him one - lol”. Famous last words :LOL: :laugh:
 
buffalojim said:
I'd ask what your budget is, and build around that. What type of games are we talking about? These will determine what kind of build to go with.

The cost of dedicated GPUs these days is ridiculous, but the used market for all your needs can get you a kick ass system. Ryzen is the way to go. AM4 is a dead platform but still offers so much value. I'm still currently on it using a 5900X and a 1080ti. Waiting to upgrade my GPU.

You can get a 5700X3D for under $200... https://www.amazon.com/AMD-Ryzen-5700X3D-16-Thread-Processor/dp/B0CQ4H4H7X

I'd spend most of my money on a GPU honestly, with as much VRAM as I could get. Your kid probably won't care so much about ray tracing so rasterized performance is what I'd focus on. AMD does pretty good in this regard.
Click to expand...
All good questions and I’m not sure the answers TBH.

It’s his first PC and he’s not into the heavy games (yet). My budget was ~$500 including the OS ( yeah, I know - lol). Right now I’m at $575 including Win 11.

I didn’t want to go all in on a GPU until we know how into games he might get (he’s 13). My hope was to get a decent MB and CPU that would last a few years and be able to upgrade the CPU at least one level if needed.

He can save up for a GPU upgrade if he gets to into it. I have lots of yard work for him to earn $$ - lol.

Think About It GIF by Identity


EDIT: In the past I’ve tended to go kinda “all-in” on these types of projects and over do it a bit. So I’m trying to do a modest 1st step that offers a path to upgrade to “pretty decent”.
 
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Budha said:
All good questions and I’m not sure the answers TBH.

It’s his first PC and he’s not into the heavy games (yet). My budget was ~$500 including the OS ( yeah, I know - lol). Right now I’m at $575 including Win 11.

I didn’t want to go all in on a GPU until we know how into games he might get (he’s 13). My hope was to get a decent MB and CPU that would last a few years and be able to upgrade the CPU at least one level if needed.

He can save up for a GPU upgrade if he gets to into it. I have lots of yard work for him to earn $$ - lol.

Think About It GIF by Identity
Click to expand...
This is where YouTube can really be your friend. I would definitely check out builds around your budget and measure the pros and cons.

Here is one recent example...

I would highly recommend not paying a lot for Windows. You can get licenses very cheap.

This will also help for Windows.

I'm a filthy pirate and have no morals, so if you need help with free, blow up my inbox.
 
buffalojim said:
This is where YouTube can really be your friend. I would definitely check out builds around your budget and measure the pros and cons.

Here is one recent example...

I would highly recommend not paying a lot for Windows. You can get licenses very cheap.

This will also help for Windows.

I'm a filthy pirate and have no morals, so if you need help with free, blow up my inbox.
Click to expand...
For sure, it’s all about the trade offs. I’ll check that out!

100% on the OS
I used to have friends in the IT world that always had an OEM disk available - lol. Then I moved - ughh.
 
The voice of experience:

1. Don't even think about the 8008. Skip the 8080 and 8085 -- even the 8085A -- as well. The 8086 is worth the extra initial investment.

2. Go with Dynamic RAM instead of Static Ram. Again, worth the extra cash.

3. Eproms are a major convenience when updates are needed, and cassette mag tapes are a big step up from punch cards for data transfer. Ditch your ASR-33.

4. Avoid CRT displays. Even the folks who make Pac-Man are going with solid-state displays for the future. Some day they might even be available with color!

5. Make sure your RS-232 com ports have crystal controlled frequency. The RC (potentiometer) controlled ports of the Commodore machines belong in the past. And a 1200, or even 2400, baud connection is a huge advantage.

These may sound like major investments, but you'll thank me later.
 
Budha said:
For sure, it’s all about the trade offs. I’ll check that out!

100% on the OS
I used to have friends in the IT world that always had an OEM disk available - lol. Then I moved - ughh.
Click to expand...
Sent you a PM with some info.
 
You inspired me to get my kid the components for a build for himself. He's 15, but he is an advanced Fusion 360 user. So this is what Chat GPT and I came up with. Initially, I had a $500 budget, but I knew I'd end up going slightly over.

Updated Final Build Summary (Including Taxes and Shipping)​

ComponentModelPrice
CPUAMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-core, 12-thread with Wraith Stealth CoolerIncluded in bundle
MotherboardASUS Prime B550-PLUSIncluded in bundle
CPU CoolerCooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black$30.49
GPUXFX Radeon RX 580 GTS XXX Edition 8GB$129.99
RAMCORSAIR Vengeance LPX DDR4 32GB (2x16GB) 3200MHz CL16$51.99
StorageSamsung 980 Pro 2TB NVMe SSD (already owned)$0
CaseCooler Master MasterBox Q300L$39.99
Additional FansARCTIC P12 PWM PST A-RGB (3-Pack, 120mm)$42.99
Power Supply (PSU)Thermaltake Smart Series 600W 80 Plus Certified$51.94
Bundle PriceAMD Ryzen 5 5600X + ASUS Prime B550-PLUS Motherboard$244.00

Updated Total Cost​

$641.39 (including tax and shipping).

He's going to be so thrilled, I just hope he doesn't break anything putting it together, lol.

Edit to add the AI Summary and Upgrade Path:

Aidan's PC Summary​

Core Features​

ComponentSpecifications
CPUAMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6 cores, 12 threads, 3.7/4.6 GHz)
GPUXFX Radeon RX 580 8GB (GDDR5, 1386MHz OC+)
RAM32GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3200MHz (2x16GB)
StorageSamsung 980 Pro 2TB NVMe SSD (PCIe 4.0)
MotherboardASUS Prime B550-PLUS (ATX, PCIe 4.0, future-proof)
CoolingCooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black + ARCTIC P12 Fans
CaseCooler Master MasterBox Q300L (Micro-ATX)
Power SupplyThermaltake Smart Series 600W (80 Plus Certified)

Performance Overview​

  1. Gaming:
    • Best for 1080p gaming at medium to high settings.
    • Games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and GTA V will run smoothly.
    • Struggles with 1440p or 4K gaming in newer, more demanding titles.
  2. Fusion 360 (3D Modeling):
    • Capable of handling small to medium assemblies smoothly.
    • Will slow down with large assemblies or complex rendering tasks.
  3. Everyday Use:
    • Perfect for general tasks like browsing, video playback, and multitasking.
  4. Aesthetics:
    • Includes ARGB lighting on the case fans and cooler, adding a fun, customizable look.

Future Upgrade Recommendations​

When your son saves up some pocket money, these upgrades can enhance his PC’s performance significantly:

1. Graphics Card (Highest Priority)​

  • Current: Radeon RX 580 (8GB).
  • Why Upgrade: The RX 580 is great for now but will struggle with newer games and more demanding rendering tasks.
  • Upgrade Options:
    • AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (~$300): Great for 1440p gaming and Fusion 360.
    • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (~$320): Better for gaming and rendering with ray tracing and DLSS features.

2. CPU​

  • Current: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6 cores, 12 threads).
  • Why Upgrade: The 5600X is powerful but may bottleneck in very demanding tasks or if paired with a high-end GPU.
  • Upgrade Options:
    • AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (~$300): Boosts to 8 cores and 16 threads, ideal for larger assemblies in Fusion 360.
    • AMD Ryzen 9 5900X (~$400): For professional-grade multitasking and heavy simulations.

3. RAM​

  • Current: 32GB DDR4 3200MHz.
  • Why Upgrade: Already great, but could be upgraded for specialized tasks like video editing or extremely large models.
  • Upgrade Option:
    • Increase to 64GB DDR4 3200-3600MHz (~$150-200).

4. Monitor​

  • Current: Not specified.
  • Why Upgrade: A better monitor can enhance his gaming and modeling experience.
  • Upgrade Options:
    • 1080p 144Hz Monitor (~$200): For smoother gaming.
    • 1440p 144Hz Monitor (~$350): Future-proofs for a GPU upgrade.

5. Storage​

  • Current: Samsung 980 Pro 2TB (ample for now).
  • Why Upgrade: Add a second storage drive for dedicated backup or additional project space.
  • Upgrade Options:
    • 2TB SATA SSD (~$150) or a budget-friendly 4TB HDD (~$100).

6. Case Cooling​

  • Current: Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L with ARCTIC P12 fans.
  • Why Upgrade: Improve airflow for higher-end components.
  • Upgrade Option:
    • Larger Case (~$100): With better cable management and airflow (e.g., NZXT H510).

Upgrade Path Strategy​

  1. Upgrade the GPU first: This will provide the biggest improvement for gaming and modeling performance.
  2. Upgrade the CPU second: Only if he starts running into bottlenecks during heavy multitasking or rendering.
  3. Consider the monitor: To take advantage of better GPU performance.

Verdict​

This PC is an excellent starting point for gaming and 3D modeling. It provides solid performance now and a clear upgrade path for when he saves some money or his needs grow. Let me know if you'd like more recommendations or assistance setting it up!
 
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My college age stepson just upgraded his 4 year old PC with a new MB (his Christmas gift) AMD Ryzen 7 9800 GPU, new DRAM 32GB and a used GPU GeForce 4070 Super. I think he spent like a grand on his upgrade though. If you get a decent box, MB and power supply, swapping parts later could extend the life when he starts playing more resource demanding games.

Agree with PC Part Picker website. I used this site when i built my PC a few years ago. Also, I am not sure they still have it, but my Windows 11 Home version was a free download from Microsoft.

https://pcpartpicker.com/

Also you can check prices with this site. Recently ordered my Daughter's PC build from here. She wanted to upgrade her PC for her VR headset.

https://www.cyberpowerpc.com/


Good luck!
 
grandmeme said:
I do recommend running your intended setup on PCPartPicker before purchase, it was pretty useful for me when I first got into building PCs.
Click to expand...
I tried that and it confused me at first - lol. Now that I’ve narrowed a bit, it’s much more useful!

@buffalojim that video had an interesting option for the Ryzen 8600G! Paired with a MB like ASRock B650 RS offers more of an upgrade path…

Soo many trade offs - lol.

@CraigT78 - that’s a great idea. I think I’ll get all the parts and then we’ll built it together!!
 
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I've been down this road with 2 boys and multiple PC's over the years. IMO, having a dedicated GPU is a must, especially if they are going to be playing online with friends with games like Fortnite. While the minimum requirements are fairly low for the game (and ones like it), it can get frustrating real fast if the GPU and processor can't keep up. Spending a bit more now is totally worth it.
I would be careful to not match a newer GPU with an older processor as it can lead to "bottlenecking". You just won't see much improvement in the game if one of the components cant keep up with the other.

Buying a pre-built PC can be great, but I would be a bit cautious when looking at certain brands like CyberPowerPC and iBuyPower. They offer good processors and GPUs at a reasonable price, but they often put in inferior motherboards, power supplies. etc.

I have had great PC's lately from MicroCenter, which has a pre-built line called PowerSpec, and they use name-brand parts throughout. Some of their sale PC's even have better prices than if you purchased the parts separately and built it yourself. Great return policy as well.
Happy Gaming!
 
Colquhoun said:
I've been down this road with 2 boys and multiple PC's over the years. IMO, having a dedicated GPU is a must, especially if they are going to be playing online with friends with games like Fortnite. While the minimum requirements are fairly low for the game (and ones like it), it can get frustrating real fast if the GPU and processor can't keep up. Spending a bit more now is totally worth it.
I would be careful to not match a newer GPU with an older processor as it can lead to "bottlenecking". You just won't see much improvement in the game if one of the components cant keep up with the other.

Buying a pre-built PC can be great, but I would be a bit cautious when looking at certain brands like CyberPowerPC and iBuyPower. They offer good processors and GPUs at a reasonable price, but they often put in inferior motherboards, power supplies. etc.

I have had great PC's lately from MicroCenter, which has a pre-built line called PowerSpec, and they use name-brand parts throughout. Some of their sale PC's even have better prices than if you purchased the parts separately and built it yourself. Great return policy as well.
Happy Gaming!
Click to expand...
Good suggestions! I’ve read about the bottle necking potential between a GPU and CPU w/integrated graphics.

I’ll check out MicroCenter!

Thanks!
 
Budha said:
Thanks Craig!! I need to learn how to use AI/Chat GTP - lol.

Super funny, the alternative recommendations are pretty much the other combo I was looking at - lol.

Agree 100% on focus on the motherboard and PSU to support upgrade paths!

It’s been 20 yrs since I built a PC - lol.
Click to expand...
How did the build go?

We got ours done today. Very pleased with my choices.

20241230_173212.jpg
 
CraigT78 said:
How did the build go?

We got ours done today. Very pleased with my choices.

View attachment 1440408
Click to expand...
That’s awesome, glad it went well!

Our built went really well, no smoke or sparks - lolZ. we built it on Christmas Day. It’s sooo much faster than the last time I built one. It loaded windows in like 5 min - lol.

The hardest part was figuring out the wiring for the RGB fans in the case.

Haven’t tested any real games yet, but I’m sure we will soon! I’ll snap some pics tomorrow!
 

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