Assemble a PC using an Intel I5-9500 processor.
Assemble a PC using an Intel I5-9500 processor.
I have gathered my components to begin building. The Asus Prime B360-A board paired with an Intel I5-9500 processor, 16GB G-Skill DDR4-3200 RAM, and the 8x2 Samsung 960 Evo Plus M.2 SSD. I plan to use a CX750 power supply, which is semi-modular. A Rosewill Line-M case will hold everything together. I’m expecting compatibility with a 9th generation Intel CPU originally built for 8th gen chips. The intended purposes are gaming, everyday tasks like browsing and streaming, and possibly Ultra Blu Ray playback. Previously, I used a 3770 processor with 16GB DDR3 at 1600MHz. I’m hoping this setup provides a solid foundation for adding a strong GPU. The parts were affordable, costing under $500. I’m aiming to boot into BIOS for updates and then install Windows 10 Home or Pro. I also want to know whether activation will be tied to the user account or require a new license. It’s been a while since this system was last updated.
Only if your CPU matches the requirements. If it does, you likely won’t need any updates. Avoid choosing a B360 over a B365 board unless you're certain about compatibility; chances are low that it will work with the 9th generation. Production halted around the release of the 9th gen, leaving very few boards with suitable BIOS support. I don't suggest using a 9th generation Intel chip—opt for a 10th generation i3 instead, which offers better upgrade potential with a B460 or H410. Also, note that B-series boards only support DDR4 2666, so investing in faster RAM isn't advisable unless you have a 10th gen processor.
Memory was affordable, CPU was discounted, and the board cost 88 USD. It’s good to remember that memory can be transferred to a more powerful system later. Don’t worry too much about the CPU right now; it’s just part of the process. Keep an eye out for deals at unusual times. The board does list I5-9500 on the support page for Asus. The main question is what BIOS version it uses. Just power it on and it works fine. I understand there are restrictions, and the cheapest I3 model can be used to upgrade the BIOS for the 8th generation.
I constructed the device. Below are some performance targets for CPU and storage that align with what I anticipate for a drive similar to I5-9600 by CPUz. This should suffice for now. I haven’t yet recorded a GTA 5 benchmark; it should reach 60 FPS with V sync enabled in default mode. Video playback isn’t possible at the moment. I’m eager to share a capture of the bench without V sync and keep it under 20 MB. The video is already posted on the forum for reference. I’ve installed my GTX 1660 now. It costs $265, while the I5-9500 is $88. The Asus Prime Motherboard Prime B360M is $90. The Samsung 960 EVO Plus 500 GB is $150, and the Samsung 1TB 960 Evo Plus HX 850 PSU is $150—though it felt a bit too much and I didn’t need to upgrade. I also have a Rosewill Line M case with a HP card reader that works well for DVDs and Blu Ray drives. I own several of those, and they’re dependable. The GTX 1660 I purchased cost $280 at the time. My Zotac Mini twin fan cooler is still pending; it’s waiting on shipping. It appears to be limited to 2666 MHz for memory. I opted for a 3200 MHz kit since I don’t need to upgrade later.
Comparing these CPUs involves looking at their performance metrics side by side. The Mobile Ryzen 4500U and I5-9500 are both popular options, but the I5-9500 generally offers better multi-core processing and higher base clock speeds. For most users, the I5-9500 provides a more balanced power and speed profile.
The i5-9500 offers better value compared to the i5-10400, saving around $100 while providing solid performance.
Ya, only 9th gen. If I went that route, I5-10500 would be better. cost is 216 USD. I paid 88 for board I paid 215 for CPU Total 303 USD B450M-A is 143 USD I5-10500 is 216 USD Total 359 USD Compromise! Some disappointment. I can upgrade. I am stuck with 2666 Memory cap. OK for now. Also I don't want to drop below 3 GHz base clock. If I did it again, 10500 is a dollar more., but supporting Prime board is 55 more. I had a hard budget cap. Aside from that, I did buy faster memory even though it would be capped at 2666 MHz with XMP enabled. And it is guaranteed stable. I wanted turn it on and use it. Also, in 2020 enough boards were sold that the one I got had a BIOS late enough to support 9th gen out of the box. Mature BIOS. Good rule is 1 gen behind so it works right away. Short answer is it's good enough. Prices were on Newegg currently as of writing.