Question Question about builds in general for proposed use.

[thestrangebrew1]

Hey all. I haven't built a rig since around 2010 and haven't been really keeping up with the tech. Lately my daughter's been asking for a desktop rig to play games. Thing is, she only plays Minecraft and Roblox. I've been doing some research and I'm leaning towards an AMD rig, but I have no idea:

1) go pre-built
2) build it myself and if building myself, how long will AM4 be around, or if I should just go with AM5?
3) if building myself, should I even bother with a dedicated gpu considering the games she plays? I'd like to think she'll branch out to more games since she'll have her own rig, but who knows with early teen girls haha

If I go pre-built, I have no idea what brands are good. I just recently got a Lenovo Legion laptop and love it, and was thinking of just getting the Legion Tower 5i and be done with it but I know that's way over kill for her.

Ideally, I'd like to keep the budget around $700-$800, but again, potentially looking at the Legion (don't really want to spend that much lol). I'm looking on Newegg and they've got some good spec'd pre-builts, but I've never heard of any of those brands in that budget range or less. Suggestions welcome!

 

[In2Photos]

Normally I'd say go AM5 because you still have options to upgrade down the road. But at $700-$800 that's going to be tough. You'll need a dedicated GPU unless you go with a "G" CPU from AMD. AM4 didn't have a built in GPU except for the "G" chips and the built in GPU in AM5 isn't that great for gaming even for Minecraft and Roblox. Especially if you start modding Minecraft.

If you have the knowledge to build your own I'd do that. I took the opportunity to build both my kids' PCs with them so they could learn. It was a fun way to spend extra time with them too.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Normally I'd say go AM5 because you still have options to upgrade down the road. But at $700-$800 that's going to be tough. You'll need a dedicated GPU unless you go with a "G" CPU from AMD. AM4 didn't have a built in GPU except for the "G" chips and the built in GPU in AM5 isn't that great for gaming even for Minecraft and Roblox. Especially if you start modding Minecraft.

If you have the knowledge to build your own I'd do that. I took the opportunity to build both my kids' PCs with them so they could learn. It was a fun way to spend extra time with them too.

Thanks for the suggestion. I've built systems before, but it's been at least 10 years since I've built a new one so I'm still reading up on some of the new tech. My daughter currently doesn't do any modding, but she may if the new system can handle it. Here's my proposed build:

 

[In2Photos]

Can you post the link to your list? I'll see if there are any better choices for what you picked.

Also, you can get Windows keys for much less than that. Check out YouTube tech folks like Bitwit, Greg Salazar, or Tech Source. They post links to keys with discounts all the time.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Here you go. https://pcpartpicker.com/user/bguerrero12/saved/#view=hqg64D

Also thanks for the Windows tip. Was wondering if those were legit or not haha

 

[In2Photos]

Here you go. https://pcpartpicker.com/user/bguerrero12/saved/#view=hqg64D

Also thanks for the Windows tip. Was wondering if those were legit or not haha

You need to change the settings to public for your list.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

You need to change the settings to public for your list.

Try again.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Also, you can get Windows keys for much less than that. Check out YouTube tech folks like Bitwit, Greg Salazar, or Tech Source. They post links to keys with discounts all the time.

I'm on cdkeyoffer and was wondering how long I have to install/activate windows after purchase. Or do I just download it to a bootable usb drive or something?

 

[In2Photos]

I'm on cdkeyoffer and was wondering how long I have to install/activate windows after purchase. Or do I just download it to a bootable usb drive or something?

You are just buying the key so there's no time limit. But they usually email the key within like 5 minutes after you buy. You'll still download windows and create your USB media from Microsoft.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

It looks like the 7600 comes with a cooler so I probably wouldn't need the 212 so I've removed that and the OS.

 

[In2Photos]

It looks like the 7600 comes with a cooler so I probably wouldn't need the 212 so I've removed that and the OS.

I was going to mention that. The stock cooler is good enough for now, you can always change it out if you don't like the temps and want to try and squeeze a little more power out of it.

If it were me I would try to stretch and go with the RX 6650. I think there is an XFX model for $210. I would also look for a 750W PSU to give you a little more headroom. At 600W you have no room to upgrade. At 750W you could still go all the way to an RX7800XT or equivalent down the road. Best Buy has a 750W EVGA for $63. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/evga-7...=198&refdomain=pcpartpicker.com&skuId=6505301

For the case the one you picked only has 1 fan included so either add a couple of more fans or maybe look for a case that includes some more. Fractal Pop Air is a nice small case that has 3 fans included. Plus it has a "basement" that will hide the PSU and cables better. Just something to consider. It also comes with some nice colors, but that adds to the price a bit. Montech has some nice cases that can be less expensive too so check them out.

Do you live near a MicroCenter?

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Thanks for the feedback. No I don't live near an MC. Wish I did haha. I'll pick up the EVGA PSU and take a look at the 6650 and suggested case!

 

[manly]

Here you go. https://pcpartpicker.com/user/bguerrero12/saved/#view=hqg64D

Also thanks for the Windows tip. Was wondering if those were legit or not haha

People consider them "gray market" keys, although I don't believe Microsoft has ever revoked one after the fact. (This is a speculation people have, that MS could revoke a key if they consider it "fraudulent.")

For under $5, it's worth the "risk":

Cheap Operating System Keys - Get Windows 10 and More!

We know that having a Windows 10 for free is difficult, but here you can get cheap operating system keys. RoyalCDKeys is the place where you do it!

royalcdkeys.com

Great price on a 750W PSU! Although looks like it's "Tier C" on the Cultists list. 3 year warranty.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

So I'm getting ready to pull the trigger. I was able to save a little $ on a combo for the case and cpu. The RAM was a tad cheaper as well so I went with the Patriot. Since I'm saving $ on the OS, I upgraded the card to a 7600 xt. Let me know what you think.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

People consider them "gray market" keys, although I don't believe Microsoft has ever revoked one after the fact. (This is a speculation people have, that MS could revoke a key if they consider it "fraudulent.")

For under $5, it's worth the "risk":

Cheap Operating System Keys - Get Windows 10 and More!

We know that having a Windows 10 for free is difficult, but here you can get cheap operating system keys. RoyalCDKeys is the place where you do it!

royalcdkeys.com

IDK, looks kinda sketchy lol. I guess if it's no good, I can still find a key for around $30.

 

[manly]

IDK, looks kinda sketchy lol. I guess if it's no good, I can still find a key for around $30.

People have bought from them. I bought a key in November, but haven't used it yet. If I lose $4, I will survive LOL.

I don't think the 7600 XT is worth $300. Good news is you can still get the superior 6700 XT for $280:

https://slickdeals.net/f/17679267-xfx-speedster-swft309-amd-radeon-rx-6700-xt-core-gaming-graphics-card-with-12gb-gddr6-hdmi-3xdp-amd-rdna-2-rx-67xtyjfdv-279-99

However, it's a long card so you must double check it'll fit into the case before ordering.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

It's an ATX case so it should theoretically fit no?

Edit: Just looked at Fractals site and it says the max GPU length is 405mm. The GPU is almost 12" so it does appear to fit at around 305mm

 

[In2Photos]

6750XT for $300.

Check this out on @Newegg:ASRock Challenger Pro Radeon RX 6750 XT 12GB GDDR6 PCI Express 4.0 Video Card RX6750XT CLP 12GO https://www.newegg.com/asrock-chall...m_mmc=snc-social-_-sr-_-14-930-071-_-08122024

 

[In2Photos]

Also, that memory is rather slow. Sweet spot for ryzen is 6000. Here's a 32gb kit, cl30 for $88.

Check this out on @Newegg:Silicon Power DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) Zenith 6000MHz (PC5-48000) 288-pin CL30 1.35V UDIMM Desktop Memory Module RAM SU032GXLWU60AFDESK Black https://www.newegg.com/p/0RN-002K-0...c=snc-social-_-sr-_-9SIBDGPK7E6529-_-08122024

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Thanks for the suggestions. Went ahead and updated my cart and placed the order. I'm excited to get this build going! First time in 10 years at least lol. Best of all, my daughter and I can work on it together!

 

[In2Photos]

Thanks for the suggestions. Went ahead and updated my cart and placed the order. I'm excited to get this build going! First time in 10 years at least lol. Best of all, my daughter and I can work on it together!

Awesome! Hope you guys have fun!

 

[BoomerD]

Looking at your list, I highly recommend getting a better quality PSU.

For just a few $ more, you can get one of the best rated power supplies in the biz.

https://www.newegg.com/super-flower-leadex-iii-argb-sf-750f14rg-750w/p/1HU-024C-00002?item=9SIAMNPAY18599

Pretty much everything on this list will be much better than the EVGA unit.

https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?storeId=&storeName=Power-Supplies&pageTitle=Power+Supplies&Order=3&whifl=&ComboBundle=&tId=&Submit=ENE&N=600037998+600112163+600479296+600479295+50001459+50140136+50001697+50208610+4814+4026+4027

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Thanks for the tips Boomer. Quick question for anyone. Do I need to use thermal paste for the cpu install? Is paste a thing nowadays? lol

 

[In2Photos]

Thanks for the tips Boomer. Quick question for anyone. Do I need to use thermal paste for the cpu install? Is paste a thing nowadays? lol

The CPU cooler will have pre-applied thermal paste. You'll only need some if you mess up the install or need to reapply for some other reason.

Alternatively they make some graphite pads now that you can use in lieu of thermal paste.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

The CPU cooler will have pre-applied thermal paste. You'll only need some if you mess up the install or need to reapply for some other reason.

Alternatively they make some graphite pads now that you can use in lieu of thermal paste.

Awesome thanks!