Searching for a new motherboard now.
Searching for a new motherboard now.
Hello! For your setup with an i7-8700, GTX1060, four RAM sticks, and two SATA drives, a solid motherboard would be ideal. Consider models like ASUS PRIME Z590M or MSI MEG 16, which support multiple GPUs and offer good expansion options.
Regarding the PSU, you’ll want something capable of handling at least 650W to 750W depending on your power demands, especially with a high-end GPU. A 750W or higher PSU is recommended for stability and future upgrades.
A power supply rated at 550 watts or higher from a reputable manufacturer would suffice, but the best value often comes with 650 watts even if slightly more than required. The GTX1060 uses up to 125 watts, while the 2060 reaches about 180 watts and the 2070 can go as high as 230 watts. Newer graphics cards will use less power for the same performance. Over time, your system will likely use under 400 watts, which fits easily within a solid 550-watt unit. For memory, budget plays a role—Z370 boards are perfect for overclocking, but B-series chipsets (B360/B365) work well and are sufficient. The 8700 is powerful, but you can still overclock it. An option is to upgrade your GPU and switch to an AM4 board, which offers more flexibility and better support for overclocking compared to the Z370.
Thanks! I made sure to include everything you need. Everything should fit perfectly.
This choice isn't ideal. It could function, but it falls short. Still, if you're prepared to invest heavily, a Ryzen CPU and motherboard would offer comparable results or better, plus you'd have the flexibility to upgrade later. For instance, starting at around $85, you could find similar specs on Amazon with a cooler included. Purchasing a mid-range CPU and board from $100 gives you more value and room for future upgrades.
If sticking with Intel, consider these options:
- ASRock B365M Pro4 LGA 1151 (300 Series) at $75
- Newegg’s ASUS PRIME B365M-A with Aura Sync RGB and DDR4 at $80
- EVGA BQ 500 W Bronze ATX power supply for $68
- SeaSonic S12III 550 W Bronze ATX power supply for $70
- Corsair CV 650 W Bronze ATX power supply for $77
- EVGA SuperNOVA GA 550 W Gold ATX power supply for $100
For cooling, a bronze efficiency unit from $61 works well.
When selecting a power supply, aim for at least 61 watts with a semi-modular design.
Thank you for the feedback. The image indeed features Canadian currency. I’m unsure if that affects the price too much—your 75$ MB would be around 125 CAD on Newegg. This setup follows your suggestions, and I’ve included two power supplies. Are the extra 100W really necessary?