Need assistance choosing components for a PC build?
Need assistance choosing components for a PC build?
I'm setting up a PC for my mom, she doesn't need anything too advanced right now—just light editing and possibly more demanding tasks later. I was considering an APU first, and maybe adding a GPU later if needed.
Here’s what I’m thinking about buying:
- Ryzen 5 5600G
- Motherboard: MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi or MSI PRO B550M-VC WiFi (not sure which one is better)
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz C16 or G.Skill RipJaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-pin SDRAM DDR4 3200 CL16
- PSU: I haven’t chosen one yet
- Case: ASUS Prime AP201 33-Liter Micro-ATX
I found some links for these parts if you need them.
The absence of access to the switch isn’t the sole concern. Certain PSUs might need installation to draw air from inside rather than outside. Others could have incorrect plug placement for connecting to the pass-through cable provided with the unit. This cable links the front-mounted PSU to the standard three-prong outlet on the back of the case. An extension cord may fail because there’s insufficient space to rotate the plug, making it hard for the largest male prong to align with the biggest female receptacle. You’d likely need a very flexible internal cable or an adapter. I evaluated this scenario and dismissed it due to doubts about whether either PSU would fit based on plug orientation and tight surrounding space. Your PSU might actually have the right orientation without needing an adapter, though I’m uncertain. Online reviews mention similar problems. One reviewer noted that “The supplied power cable only works with certain power supplies” and explained difficulty accessing the side panel when plugged in because of the PSU’s voltage connection point. Choose what suits you—this case seems promising aside from this point.
I might suggest a more conventional case like the $55 Fractal design focus G.
https://www.newegg.com/petrol-blue-fract...6811352073
It comes in other colors.
For a normal desktop please build about a ssd; ANY ssd, that is what makes a desktop quick.
There will be no perceived difference in performance between the fastest pcie device or a normal 2.5: ssd.
Buy quality; Intel or samsung.
A 500gb intel or samsung ssd is about $35:
https://www.newegg.com/intel-512gb-670p-...klink=true
https://www.newegg.com/samsung-500gb-870...klink=true
For normal desktop work, youtube videos or HD movies, Intel integrated graphics works surprisingly well.
My most recent build used a I3-13100 processor. It is quick; more so than the 5600G and similarly priced.
Many B660/B760 motherboards will be in the $100-$150 range.
The psu you need is gated by the power supply.
Here is a handy chart for sizing a psu:
PSU REQUIREMENTS - RealHardTechX
PSU REQUIREMENTS - RealHardTechX
www.realhardtechx.com
You could do with as little as 300w but buy a quality psu of 550w or more if you might ever want a discrete gpu for fast action gaming.
The seasonic focus gb 550w is a good unit with a 7 year warranty.
https://www.newegg.com/seasonic-focus-55...klink=true
Do not buy a cheap psu or one with less than a 5 year warranty.
Sure, I’ll follow your advice and choose the Fractal design focus G. It’s more affordable and simpler to use, though I’m committed to the 5600g because it offers 6c and 12t. I’m not sure if that’s enough for someone just starting with editing, but I can add a GPU later to assist with the process.
I concur, it makes sense to stick with the 5600G, particularly from an iGPU standpoint or a budget build that prioritizes productivity.
Intel UHD 730 (i3 13100), and even UHD 750 falls far short of a Radeon Vega 7 iGPU.
I spend about 80% of my time remotely since the pandemic. I have a nearly identical setup in my hallway for office tasks, using DDR4 3600 and low CAS RAM with the 5600G. In contrast, one of my guest rooms features an 11600K running only UHD 750 because it’s a legacy component added to accommodate guests—so they can use a machine when staying overnight. It’s not meant for gaming, so no dedicated GPU is installed. From an iGPU perspective, the 5600G offers a much better value for your mom. Just ensure you have solid storage (any decent SSD works) and sufficient RAM so her system runs smoothly.