Help with $1200 - $1300 Desktop Casual Gaming Build

I missed out on the 2600/2080 deal last week due to my budget being out by $300 - $400. So now I am trying to build a casual gaming PC which will most likely end up in a 10 year old's hands. It's mainly to play LOL and Fortnite.

I have gathered a list so far but I seriously am not up to date with computer parts for 5 years. I sourced the prices from MSY, Umart and Futu Ebay 20%.

Ryzen 2600 $223
GTX 1060 6G $309
Samsung 860 EVO 500GB $119
Corsair Vengeance LPX 2666 2x8GB $179
Asus Prime B450-PLUS $145
Corsair Carbide SPEC-02 $66
Corsair 550W $65
Windows 10 Home OEM $150
TOTAL: $1,256

I don't mind the look of the pc. CPU and GPU are set. I would like to know if the current system is fully compatible. What options I have with mobo and ram for a cheaper pc with the same performance or better performance for the same price.

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • +1

    Looks pretty good of higher speed ram isn't much more go for that as Ryzen will benefit

    • Thanks.

      Do you think 2666mhz is sufficient or I must go for 3000 or 3200mhz? I was all for 3000/3200 but then I read some think that 2666 is good enough. There is probably $20 saving in it.

      • +1

        2666 is good enough, sweet spot really.

        • Thanks. 2666 it is.

          Now I think I could save some money from Windows 10. I am thinking of only 8GB and save $80. The $200 savings I could upgrade the 1060 into a 2060.

          Do you thin it's a good idea?

          • +1

            @DarkOz: Yes, you can always add more RAM when your finances suit, invest more in the GPU.

  • +3

    get MSI B450M Mortar and better psu, also there's cheaper option for os.

    • Thanks. I will include the MSI mobo in the list. Originally I went for Asus TUF B450 but it's sold out at MSY. So it depends on availability.

      Yeah. Windows 7 and free upgrade option to 10? I might even try to use my Windows 7 OEM from my last build if I could find it.

      • +3

        OEM is a one time install.
        I just installed Win 10 and bought a cd key from a random site for $11 or something and it activated fine.

        I have basically the same build as you, but I got a 1070 second hand for $300.

        If the computer is for a kid, have you thought about a Techfast computer?

        • Thanks.

          How do I install Win 10 without the cd/USB? Do I have to borrow it from someone that has one or online download?

          I looked through Techfast systems based on 2600/1060 but I disliked the no name stuff inside. I know my kid won't know or tell the difference but I can't get over it.

          • +1

            @DarkOz: You can download from official MS site. Just buy Key from online.

          • +1

            @DarkOz: You need media to install Win 10 lol, USB is the easiest just use the install tool from Microsoft site and an 8GB+ flash drive.

          • +1

            @DarkOz: Just following this guide to create a bootable USB drive.

            Once you have the computer built and POST, select the USB as the primary boot drive and it'll open up the Win 10 installation as usual. Install to your SSD, reboot and change the primary boot back (it may automatically do this) and you're set.

  • +2

    Use https://au.pcpartpicker.com/ to put your build in, check compatibility and find the lowest component prices.

    You can also view other's builds for purpose, voted on by community ratings eg https://au.pcpartpicker.com/guide/vpYcCJ/modest-amd-gaming-b… .

    • +1

      Thanks for that.

  • +1

    I would suggest a Samsung 970 EVO M.2 NVMe drive instead of the 860 EVO.
    You can pick them up for about $150 and its about 6-7 times quicker than the 860 SSD for an extra $30.

    • +1

      Thanks.

      I will keep this option in mind. Right now I have an option for a better mobo/GPU/SSD from the savings of Win 10 and/or ram.

  • wait for another ebay techfast 20% and get yourself RTX 2070 build for under $ 1,200

  • +1

    Update.

    Thank you everyone for the recommendations and information especially on the Windows 10 installation.

    Ryzen 2600 $223
    RTX 2060 6G $579
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB M.2 $155
    Corsair Vengeance LPX 2666 2x4GB $109
    MSI B450M Mortar $149
    Corsair Carbide SPEC-02 $66
    Thermaltake 550W Bronze $75
    Windows 10 Home $20 (hopefully!)
    TOTAL: $1,376

    Only blown my old build by $100 and $76 over maximum budget. I think the performance from the RTX 2060 can't be compared by the GTX 1060.

    One last thing I am interested is the mobo upgrade to MSI B450 Gaming. Is it worth the extra $20?

    • I would just go with the cheapest ASUS B450 so the B450M-A to save $30.

  • -1

    Why not get a tech fast build with an rtx 2080 instead?

  • +1

    Thinking about doing a similar build. I'm getting $259 for the ryzen 5 CPU in Qld. Seen cheaper 550w name brand PSUs you could put the $20 towards 16gb for ram.

    • $259 is normal price everywhere. There are a couple of NSW Ebay sellers selling it for around $230 during promotions.

      I have opted for an even better PSU in a Gold Thermaltake model. Hopefully it saves me the extra money in electricity eventually. I probably upgrade the ram later on when I need it. I don't think I need over 8GB.

      I have put everything else into place except the GPU. I am changing my mind everyday on what to choose:
      1. Keep the 10 year old 24" Samsung monitor and get a RTX 2060 for around $600.
      or
      2. Get a GTX 1060 6GB and a new 24" Acer KG251QF for the same price.

      • Yeah tough choice. There's some speculation about NVIDIA prices dropping as their stock price dropped 50% recently. I'm looking at running a Vega 64 through a basic 1080p monitor.

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