F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop The top value CPUs, MBs, and RAM today balance performance and efficiency for most users.

The top value CPUs, MBs, and RAM today balance performance and efficiency for most users.

The top value CPUs, MBs, and RAM today balance performance and efficiency for most users.

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emcb1230
Junior Member
31
08-17-2019, 10:40 AM
#1
For the average homegamer and mid-range office user, I’m checking out PCPartPicker. They have listings for the 2600 and 3600 processors. That’s why I’m asking some questions.
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emcb1230
08-17-2019, 10:40 AM #1

For the average homegamer and mid-range office user, I’m checking out PCPartPicker. They have listings for the 2600 and 3600 processors. That’s why I’m asking some questions.

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Spawn377
Member
215
08-17-2019, 11:01 AM
#2
A solid B450 with 16GB RAM, quick performance when you pay, and a R52600 or 3600 GPU for a powerful gaming setup.
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Spawn377
08-17-2019, 11:01 AM #2

A solid B450 with 16GB RAM, quick performance when you pay, and a R52600 or 3600 GPU for a powerful gaming setup.

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snoepjez
Member
60
08-17-2019, 11:52 AM
#3
Ryzen 5 3600/MSI B450 board with BIOS flashback included, paired with a 16GB DDR4-3200 setup. For the high-end version, you can opt for an RX 5700/5700XT. All set.
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snoepjez
08-17-2019, 11:52 AM #3

Ryzen 5 3600/MSI B450 board with BIOS flashback included, paired with a 16GB DDR4-3200 setup. For the high-end version, you can opt for an RX 5700/5700XT. All set.

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bellaaa_
Member
173
08-23-2019, 11:48 AM
#4
i'm weighing a $70 gap between a 2600 and a 3600 unit, which isn't a huge difference overall. right now that's what I'm considering. when it comes to ram, i tend to focus on price, brand, and cas—corsair vengeance lpx mb usually tops the list, asasus and msi are often tied, while asrock is last. for gpus, you have any solid reviews or site suggestions from reliable sources? someone with a clear accent and long hair comes to mind; i really appreciated their past reviews but haven't been following the PC component scene much since then. time really moves fast, and life keeps changing. i value having something upgradeable, but i know components evolve quickly—after five years it's all new again.
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bellaaa_
08-23-2019, 11:48 AM #4

i'm weighing a $70 gap between a 2600 and a 3600 unit, which isn't a huge difference overall. right now that's what I'm considering. when it comes to ram, i tend to focus on price, brand, and cas—corsair vengeance lpx mb usually tops the list, asasus and msi are often tied, while asrock is last. for gpus, you have any solid reviews or site suggestions from reliable sources? someone with a clear accent and long hair comes to mind; i really appreciated their past reviews but haven't been following the PC component scene much since then. time really moves fast, and life keeps changing. i value having something upgradeable, but i know components evolve quickly—after five years it's all new again.

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jambalaia93
Member
224
08-25-2019, 09:48 AM
#5
3600 if you have the budget, 2600 if you're tight—usually means grab the cheapest option, often from a team or similar, and aim for speed. Nowadays, RAM from ASUS doesn't offer great voltages, especially in mid to low-end models. MSI shines for budget builds, GB is average, and AsRock can surprise if you check the specs. Look at the board itself rather than just the brand—gamers Neus and Buildzoid are tough for overclocking, but they're solid choices.
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jambalaia93
08-25-2019, 09:48 AM #5

3600 if you have the budget, 2600 if you're tight—usually means grab the cheapest option, often from a team or similar, and aim for speed. Nowadays, RAM from ASUS doesn't offer great voltages, especially in mid to low-end models. MSI shines for budget builds, GB is average, and AsRock can surprise if you check the specs. Look at the board itself rather than just the brand—gamers Neus and Buildzoid are tough for overclocking, but they're solid choices.

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Max846
Senior Member
474
08-25-2019, 05:14 PM
#6
If you're on a tighter budget and don’t require top-tier specs, this option fits well. The GPU is left out since resolution isn’t critical. Prices reflect current deals from major retailers.
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Max846
08-25-2019, 05:14 PM #6

If you're on a tighter budget and don’t require top-tier specs, this option fits well. The GPU is left out since resolution isn’t critical. Prices reflect current deals from major retailers.