CPU, motherboard RAM assistance
CPU, motherboard RAM assistance
PCPartPicker List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/pF3Bgw CPU – AMD Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core ($119.99 @ Walmart) Motherboard – MSI B450 GAMING PRO CARBON AC ATX AM4 ($149.99 @ Amazon) RAM – Team T-FORCE VULCAN Z 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 ($54.99 @ Newegg) Combined Total: $324.97 Shipping, taxes, and discounts applied where possible Created by PCPartPicker on 12 Dec 2019 11:41 EST This build excludes case and GPU. It could fit your needs.
You don’t need a lot of memory for gaming. It’s a waste of money that could go elsewhere. If you choose the right components, you can always add more RAM later if needed. The idea of a 'safety net' or 'futureproofing' is just vague reasoning to justify spending. Of course, you don’t know what you’ll need in a few years, but that doesn’t mean you should spend a lot now. A 4-core CPU isn’t helping clarify the choice either.
No clear distinction exists between 32GB and 16GB in gaming. Although my 16GB system runs slower, I didn’t perceive any noticeable gap. The only scenarios where this matters are in games like Star Citizen or heavily modded titles that demand massive memory. For typical games, such amounts aren’t necessary (I own just a 32GB unit because I avoided going under 8GB DIMMS). This applies mainly to niche experiences. When someone is after maximum performance, Ryzen edges out Intel across all price ranges starting from $50 up to $500. Intel only starts to close the gap in high-refresh-rate scenarios, especially with modern HEDT models and the recent price cuts on the X299. On the used side, older HEDT boards often have more cores and cheaper RAM options, though finding compatible motherboards can be tricky. Switching to a R5 3600 with 3200Mhz CL16 or CL14 RAM—whichever fits your budget—can boost performance. Adjusting timings manually usually yields good results. The B450 Tomahawk remains an excellent choice, but upgrading to the MAX version would be better if you can afford it; it comes with a compatible BIOS, larger storage for newer chips, and generally more reliable support.
You're on a good path, but I recommend skipping the x option. Also, consider adding 32GB of RAM—your AMD chip will appreciate it. The total comes to $373, and I’d still like to include an NVMe drive for $75.
I won’t go with 32 GB because it’s too much. In my country, the Intel Core i5 9600K costs about $20 more than the Ryzen 3600.
The Ryzen 3600 matches the Intel I7 9700K in performance. Unless you can find the 9700K for the same cost as the R5 3600, the 3600 remains the superior choice.
3600 offers improved performance. 9600K demands additional cooling, yet supports OC up to 5-5.1Ghz. However, when running discord or similar tasks in the background, you'll still achieve higher frame rates, though your low-end performance may suffer (you'll experience more dropped frames and gaming won't feel as fluid). The 3600 matches a standard 8700K in capability, making it roughly equivalent in terms of hyperthreading benefits. If you're pushing very high refresh rates, the 9600K might be viable, but for 144Hz or lower, the 3600 is the superior pick. Overall, it balances speed, efficiency, and versatility better than its counterparts.