overclocking might cause issues for you (keep this in mind later)
overclocking might cause issues for you (keep this in mind later)
i'm currently assembling and already possess some components mainly for gaming. I plan to run both old and modern games at the highest settings, 1080p. I have a Gigabyte GA H97M D3H (already own), an Intel i5 4590 (already own), a Seagate 1TB hard drive (already own), an Antec EarthWatts Green 650W 80+Bronze (already own), and an RX 480 8GB (getting soon).
With the CPU and motherboard chipset both secured, there are no issues. Unless you intended to boost your GPU, which is definitely possible within acceptable boundaries.
This was a recurring problem that always puzzled me. Numerous individuals operate on limited budgets, investing in various products such as CLCs or aftermarket coolers for non-k series processors. Often, they overlook the fact that the price gap between a H170 / 6600 configuration and a Z170 / 6600k setup can be minimal. I once encountered a case where a box was sent in for troubleshooting two nights prior. It contained both an H170 and a 6500 model. The H170 board cost $10 more than the Z170 board from the same maker, while the 6600k was $9 higher.
Additionally, incorporating OC capabilities brings along SLI, more USB ports, and other enhancements. Another point to note is that this particular build included a $75 cooler, which offered no benefit for the 6600 model. This reminds me of the early 90s when there were 286 boards available, some upgradeable and others not. The price difference was slight, but the question remained: "Why not just keep it?"
Now that you've got my attention...
Another aspect frequently observed, influenced by H170 / Z170 setups, is the size of the power supply unit. Many builds use oversized 650 watts when a 750 watt unit would suffice, especially considering the marginal cost increase. Of course, if you don’t intend to add a second card at the time, you might reconsider—just like with overclocking. A $10 investment during build time could save you money later, but changing your mind later would require a much larger outlay.
With prices decreasing now, it’s less critical, but a tight budget paired with an SSD often leads to a drop in graphics card performance, such as switching from a 1070 to a 1060. This is something I don’t fully understand. Sure, an SSD boots up 0.9 seconds faster than an SSDHD, but is that worth the cost? Also, how many games can fit on a 120/250 GB SSD? GTAV requires 95 GB, Wicther 3 needs 40 GB before the expansion pack. If you already have a gaming box, what’s the point of getting a slightly faster boot if most of your games are on an HD that runs only 40%–60% faster than alternatives?
It’s always helpful to discuss planned builds with others to gather more ideas and options. Ultimately, it’s better to be informed before making any decisions.