Need assistance setting up a PC for your dad?
Need assistance setting up a PC for your dad?
Hi
I'm assembling a PC for my dad who mainly uses Microsoft Flight Simulator, and I'm feeling a bit pressured since I need to finish everything before returning for the summer. This is my first build, so I'm concerned about making mistakes. Is there anything problematic with this configuration? Are there any obvious small tweaks or major issues that could cause problems?
Parts:
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L Micro ATX - 40$
MB: Gigabyte B550M - 90$
GPU: ASRock RX 6600 Challenger - $220
CPU: Ryzen 5 5600 - $111
RAM: T-Force 2x8GB 3600mhz CL18 - $30
SSD: Crucial P3 1TB M.2 - $64
PSU: Thermaltake Smart 600W 80Plus Certified - $45
It comes to around $600 with shipping, and I was also looking into two prebuilt options for $859, which seems like a lot—especially since I’m not sure if they’d be worth it for someone who just plays casually, though I thought they offered good value for MSFS.
MSI Codex R2
HZG Gaming Desktop Computer
The main difference between the two models was the RAM type: 16 DDR5 versus 32 DDR4.
I really need some guidance on this, as I’m getting a lot of information and it’s overwhelming. Thanks!
Keep in mind, this also covers a very good single stack Thermalright cooler that will prevent your father from getting overly excited about the stock AMD cooling system fluctuating constantly. I've assembled numerous Ryzen setups now and own two myself; I'm not overstating it when I say you can manage with one of the standard Ryzen coolers, but you definitely shouldn't rely on them if you don't. They're sufficient to stop things from overheating, yet the frequent speed changes and high workload will diminish any pleasure you might feel.
Avoid the Smart 600w model unless you're prepared for a toaster-like mess that ruins everything inside. It's definitely not worth the hassle, and it's a total waste of effort. This power supply is the cheapest option I'd even think about for this build, given the current scarcity caused by trade issues and tariffs, plus many manufacturers halting production. Compared to what I see on PC Partpicker, every other PSU is either very doubtful or potentially risky. It's not just a suggestion—it's a warning.
Also, it's a step up from the smart series but still performs very well as a power supply.
PCPartPicker Part List
Power Supply:
ADATA XPG Core Reactor II 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($79.98 @ Amazon)
Total:
$79.98
Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-05-31 00:15 EDT-0400
The Masterbox Q300L is a poor choice for airflow, similar to the Q500L—it's just as bulky.
How much can you really spend on this, if you're trying to stay under that limit?
Where are you located, by country?
Do you need to buy from a specific online or local store, or is it okay to order from several places? Usually Amazon or Newegg will offer free shipping.
It was actually closer to $550 at first, but it ended up a bit higher which is okay. Now that I reflect on it, it seems like my budget, especially if it fits medium settings in MSFS stable at 30fps or more, might be the right choice. My dad isn’t a dedicated gamer, so that makes sense.
When comparing options, an $80 PSU is a solid pick—there’s a middle ground you could consider. I’m a bit surprised by the reviews calling it a time bomb, since they were really positive, but maybe people only check it right after use. Spending a little more on the PSU might be better then.
I’m currently in the States and personally prefer sticking to Newegg or other sites rather than Amazon unless there’s a clear advantage. Thanks a lot for your help!
Here are some reviews you can find on Amazon and Newegg. Be aware, these are casual comments from people who don’t really understand the products. The only detailed review I know comes from JonnyGuru.com, but it failed even under its rated conditions. Plus, many of us have assisted others with these Smart series units since Thermaltake stopped selling the TR2 models and switched to these. I’m telling you, they’re among the least reliable options still available from a reputable brand.
For instance, someone asked whether a Thermaltake Smart 500 Watt 80 Plus would work with their build. The specs were impressive, but when tested under full load, it didn’t meet expectations. Even more concerning, people have shared experiences since then, especially after Thermaltake replaced the TR2 units with these models. I urge caution—this isn’t one of the best choices on the market.
There are hundreds of reviews online, but most come from users who bought them and faced issues. If you go for this, be prepared for problems, particularly if you install a high-end graphics card. A system with only integrated graphics might survive longer, but it won’t last long if used heavily.
Invest in the Core Reactor II instead. The power supply is absolutely crucial—without a solid PSU, nothing else will function properly. A bad or low-quality PSU can cause all sorts of failures, making it look like another part is defective when it’s not. This component should never be cut corners on.
Choosing Amazon means paying a bit more—about 20-30% extra compared to other retailers. Sometimes you’ll find better deals at Newegg or elsewhere, especially if you need a specific part. It’s usually cheaper there, and I’ve seen savings of $60 to $200 depending on what you need. Just keep in mind, it’s often worth it to get the right power supply for your build.
I understand. I’ll definitely look into getting that PSU, but I’d like one with a comparable price on Newegg or eBay. Is there a site that provides details about PSUs? It’s similar to what I found about my PC case. It’s intriguing since both items were mentioned in the same article. Also, for Amazon versus Newegg, the parts on Newegg seemed to be more affordable overall, particularly the GPU and CPU.
For reference, I'm assembling a PC using a Ryzen 5 5600 and an RX 6600 with a 16x2 DD4 chipset.
Understanding the distinctions among these motherboards is important. There are many options available, ranging from older models to newer ones, and each has different specifications. The price differences between them are relatively small, around 10-20 dollars.
I'm seeking guidance on which one would be the most suitable given this budget range.
Thank you!
I'm working on a PC setup with an RX6600 and a Ryzen 5 5600, using 32 GB DDR4 memory. Are there notable distinctions between the two SSDs, especially given the Predator model costs $11 extra? Thank you!