Build Compatibility

Hi there! I asked for help here awhile back, and I've saved up quite a bit of money since then. Now, I made a few changes to account for new cheaper hardware coming out. I just wanted to know if this is all compatible and good, and easily able to be upgraded (This is important). Thanks!

Build:

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard: Asus Z170-E ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport LT 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory
Storage: PNY CS1311 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (Boot drive)
Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB Mini ITX OC Video Card
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair CSM 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Red 66.4 CFM 140mm Fan
Monitor: Asus VS228H-P 21.5" 1920x1080 Monitor

Thanks for the help!!

What will be your primary use for the build ?

trs96 said:

What will be your primary use for the build ?

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For now, graphic design, some lighter video editing, and gaming (via bootcamp). I plan to eventually upgrade it when I get a solid job slowly.

Bump.

Looks good to me. Only thing I would change is to opt for an H170 motherboard to go with an I5-6500. If you might upgrade to an I7-6700K later on and want overclocking then keep the Z170 version. Looks like it has a nice discount on price right now. 85 USD after rebate at Newegg. Gotta like that price. Pull the trigger.

trs96 said:

Looks good to me. Only thing I would change is to opt for an H170 motherboard to go with an I5-6500. If you might upgrade to an I7-6700K later on and want overclocking then keep the Z170 version. Looks like it has a nice discount on price right now. 85 USD after rebate at Newegg. Gotta like that price. Pull the trigger.

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Thanks! I just wanted to know one last thing- is the Intel - Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor better than the Intel - Pentium G4560 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor? If it is, is it worth the price over the G4560?

Burndtjamb64 said:

Thanks! I just wanted to know one last thing- is the Intel - Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor better than the Intel - Pentium G4560 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor? If it is, is it worth the price over the G4560?

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The I5-6500 has 4 actual cores and 4 threads. The Pentium has only two cores and 4 threads. So if you use software that utilizes all 4 "real" cores then the I5 is a much better choice. For gaming and video editing you'll want to get the quad core I5. The other main factor in the choice is the lack of native support for the Pentium chip in macOS. It makes install and post installation much more complicated. There's also no guarantee it will even work with the next macOS version. This is why the 4560 is not in the current Buyer's Guide.

trs96 said:

The I5-6500 has 4 actual cores and 4 threads. The Pentium has only two cores and 4 threads. So if you use software that utilizes all 4 "real" cores then the I5 is a much better choice. For gaming and video editing you'll want to get the quad core I5. The other main factor in the choice is the lack of native support for the Pentium chip in macOS. It makes install and post installation much more complicated. There's also no guarantee it will even work with the next macOS version. This is why the 4560 is not in the current Buyer's Guide.

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Thanks!! You've made this exponentially easier, thank you!

trs96 said:

The I5-6500 has 4 actual cores and 4 threads. The Pentium has only two cores and 4 threads. So if you use software that utilizes all 4 "real" cores then the I5 is a much better choice. For gaming and video editing you'll want to get the quad core I5. The other main factor in the choice is the lack of native support for the Pentium chip in macOS. It makes install and post installation much more complicated. There's also no guarantee it will even work with the next macOS version. This is why the 4560 is not in the current Buyer's Guide.

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One last question- would you recommend any cheaper power supply, that works well? I use less than 300W currently, and mine is 550 in the build.

Burndtjamb64 said:

One last question- would you recommend any cheaper power supply, that works well? I use less than 300W currently, and mine is 550 in the build.

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You will often find some Corsair models like the VS400 that have 20 dollar rebates through Newegg. This can lower the price to below 20 USD on occasion. There are also other 430W PSUs from companies like EVGA that will provide basic, stable performance if you are not overclocking and doing intensive gaming. The downside is that they aren't as energy efficient and the warranty period is not as long. Main thing is to stay with a name brand like Corsair or EVGA, If you have any need for warranty service they will honor it and send a replacement.