Value Build
Value Build
I’m aiming to assemble a budget micro ATX system from a few years back. I have dual 1080p monitors and intend to handle light video editing with Power Director, plus some occasional gaming that doesn’t require heavy graphics. Based on this plan, here’s the suggested configuration for $1,001.31.
I’m open to spending an additional $100 if there’s a solid justification for it. I’d appreciate your guidance from the forum regarding better parts or more affordable options. Please let me know if any components might cause compatibility problems.
I prefer buying everything directly from New Egg and not through their partners. Thank you in advance for your assistance—I’ll choose the best recommendation.
I’d recommend a spring for a z690 board. There are some attractive AsRock DDR4 z690 options around $130 or less. I understand you’re thinking about purchasing from Newegg, but if you shop on Amazon, you’ll find the Thermalright peerless assassin and phantom spirit coolers priced between $30 and $35, which are quite solid value.
I would adjust the configuration as follows:
16gb of VRAM GPU:
PCPartPicker Part List
Processor:
Intel Core i5-12600K 3.7 GHz 10-Core CPU
($149.00 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooling Unit:
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
($32.90 @ Amazon)
Mainboard:
ASRock Z690 Pro RS ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($119.99 @ Amazon)
RAM:
TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
($47.59 @ Amazon)
Hard Drive:
TEAMGROUP MP44 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVMe SSD
($123.99 @ Amazon)
Graphics Card:
XFX Speedster SWFT 319 Core Radeon RX 6800 16 GB Video Card
($359.99 @ Newegg)
Enclosure:
Phanteks XT PRO ULTRA ATX Mid Tower Case
($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply Unit:
SeaSonic FOCUS GX-750 ATX 3.0 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($89.99 @ Amazon)
Overall Cost:
$993.44
All prices contain shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
Created by
PCPartPicker
2024-05-03 07:22 EDT-0400
The build itself would be sufficient. I have a comparable setup with a 12600kf, an msi z690 board, 32gb ddr4, and a 6800xt. It's just one level higher on the GPU, yet everything runs smoothly.
I exceeded the budget with this selection, so I apologize. Nevertheless, it could be worth your investment. If you prefer your selected PC case, the cost will decrease slightly closer to $1000.
You also have the option to choose a more affordable GPU. Here’s what I recommend:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i5-12600K 3.7 GHz 10-Core Processor
($149.00 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler:
ARCTIC Freezer 36 CPU Cooler
($35.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard:
ASRock Z690 Extreme ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory:
G.Skill Ripjaws V 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-4000 CL18 Memory
($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage:
TEAMGROUP MP44 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
($74.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card:
ASRock Challenger OC Radeon RX 7800 XT 16 GB Video Card
($479.99 @ Newegg)
Case:
Antec C8 ATX Mid Tower Case
($117.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply:
SeaSonic VERTEX GX-750 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($109.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit
($138.99 @ Newegg)
Total:
$1311.92
Prices cover shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2024-05-03 09:15 EDT-0400
The AsRock Pro offers only modest improvements over the previous generation. The Z690 Extreme was a flagship model that has now become more affordable. It provides a superior chipset and better compatibility with high-performance CPUs, making it suitable for future upgrades to i9 models if desired. Still, it’s not a game-changer.
I recommend keeping an eye on the 14700K CPU, as it’s ideal for this build.
The Scythe Fuma 3 cooler is a step up from the Arctic but not a significant leap. It allows taller RAM without issues. You can stick with the Arctic 36 if you prefer.
Never mind... the Fuma 3 isn’t available on Newegg. *sigh*
G.Skill Ripjaws V is marginally faster and it’s a reliable choice.
MP44 offers more stability for NVMe drives. The GPU choice depends on your needs; the Challenger 7800XT is pricier but delivers better performance. A ~$300 GPU won’t last long. If you don’t need much more power, consider the RTX 4060 instead of the 6750XT.
Your decision on the PSU is important. The Vertex model offers a noticeable upgrade in both price and performance. I’d suggest it.
The Win 11 download can sometimes be cheaper than buying a physical stick. If you’re unsure, creating your own USB installer with Rufus and a Windows 11 image (from Microsoft) might be worth trying.
You could also opt to skip the license purchase for now. Win 11 will function, but it will display a watermark reminding you to buy it later. It’s best to secure the license promptly, as it works on future PCs and not just OEM licenses, which are limited to one machine. Saving $20 by buying an OEM license is not ideal.
You also have the flexibility to forgo a license temporarily. Win 11 will run, though it may show a watermark prompting you to purchase it.
The smart move is to buy the license immediately. That’s up to you.