Advanced computer for playing games
Advanced computer for playing games
I intend to assemble a gaming computer for my son. He has a budget of approximately $400, and we plan to match his investment, with the purchase slated for July 2019.
I’ve identified two potential configurations I’m considering:
Option 1:
ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming 4
Intel i3-8100
16GB G.Skill Aegis F4-2666c19s-16gis (2x8GB)
DIYPC Ranger-R4-R Black/RED ATX Mid Tower
WD Blue 1TB 7200rpm Hard Drive
Adata XPG SX6000 250GB M.2
Rosewill Capstone 750M PSU
MSI Radeon RX 580 Armor 8G OC
Total: Approximately $930
Option 2:
ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming 4
Intel i5-8400
32GB G.Skill Aegis F4+2666c19d-32gix (2x16GB)
Deepcool Baronkase Liquid ATX Mid Tower
WD Blue 1TB 7200rpm Hard Drive
Adata XPG SX6000 250GB M.2
Rosewill Capstone 750M PSU
MSI Radeon RX 580 Armor 8G OC
Total: Approximately $1400
We’re aiming for a system with longevity – ideally capable of being upgraded in the future, such as replacing the CPU or adding more memory.
Could you provide your assessment of these configurations and individual components? Thank you.
Significant shifts are anticipated this summer, notably the arrival of Ryzen 3rd generation processors. This will encompass the R3 3300, a variant of the R5 2600 featuring increased speed, reduced cost, and superior performance compared to models like the 8100/8400 due to its added processing cores. It’s advisable to investigate these options approximately two weeks before making a purchase, as availability and recommendations are likely to evolve considerably over time.
There’s a significant difference in costs available, causing challenges.
I personally wouldn't select the SX6000 model.
An i3+motherboard would be outperformed by a Ryzen 2600 paired with a B450 motherboard at a similar price point. This configuration would include 16GB of DDR4-3000 memory for approximately $90 (in the United States).
Recently, I’ve located reasonably priced RX580 8GB graphics cards for as little as $165 (also in the United States).
For $60, I could alternatively choose the WD Blue 3D NAND 250GB PC SSD or the WD Blue 3D NAND 250GB PC SSD m.2 2280 for $65.
However, if I were to purchase now, what’s your opinion on those particular systems and their parts? Frankly, I don't have a strong view – the Ryzen 2600 offers considerably superior value for its cost compared to either of those options.
My knowledge of AMD processors is limited; I'm unsure about their long-term viability. It seems likely that Intel’s i9 processors will become more accessible in two years, allowing for a computer system that remains functional for at least five years through upgrades like replacing the CPU and expanding memory.
Would it be a sensible approach to maintain a limited spending plan by purchasing an i3-8100 processor and allocating a greater portion of funds toward a more powerful graphics card?