Description
This PC has been something I've been wanting to build for about 2 years now (obviously the parts have changed dramatically but the point is the same). I wanted to build a computer that could edit video, stream, game at 1080p high settings, and also be quiet. But when i got into computers i was only a junior in high school and computers are very expensive, luckily i was given some parts from a friend and bought some of my own and made my first PC. If you go to my profile you can see it was an AMD apu computer and well to be frank it was terrible lmao. So with graduation money, money i worked for and a couple gifts i was FINALLY able to build my own, i was originally gonna go for the i5 6400 (much to my disappointment because of bad streaming and editing performance), but the Ryzen CPU's came out and i HAD to buy in.
The processor is amazing! in games the average frame rates about 5 percent slower than Intel i5's but the minimums are generally higher so it still is a very smooth experience. The motherboard is literally the CHEAPEST motherboard you can buy for the AM4 platform, but honestly ASrock's quality is great, their UEFI really surprised me as it offered memory overclocking (which we know is very beneficial to Ryzens performance) which isn't usually offered in the A320 chipset.
The memory was just some basic memory i bought a while back works fine, SSD is a bit too small but with rising prices i took what i could afford. HDD is great price as always no complaints.
NOW THIS CASE I'LL TELL YA, My previous computer went through two cases, one was 20 bucks, one was 40. When you're first building a computer you think that "oh lets just get the cheapest case it doesnt really matter" WELL DAMN I WAS WRONG. They were horrible to work in, were loud, looked gamery and restricted so much airflow. I cant stress how easy it was to work in the Fractal Define Mini C. Going from working in terrible cases, this case took me 30 minutes to build in no joke. It was like butter. it looks sleek and is quiet. Probably my favorite thing about this PC.
Lastly the GPU (RX 480) was a best buy exclusive and i got it RIGHT before the Etherium mining took off ( i was lucky). It has tasteful lighting on the fans and logo and a sleek backplate and it plays all my games perfect, power supply runs quiet and has all black cables, thermaltake fan is just for looks and is quiet.
Overall im VERY happy to finally have a BADASS computer after all this time.
Part Reviews
CPU
4 cores 8 threads for 160 bucks? very competitive and powerful CPU compared to intel's 4c8t 320 dollar cpu's.
Motherboard
Amazing motherboard for the price, even has memory overclocking which most A32O mobo's dont have, Neat!
Storage
120gb is pretty small, but its fast and functional.
Case
By far the best case I've ever worked in. Ample room for cable management, minimalistic look, audio foam on side panel, and GREAT build quality.
Power Supply
Quiet and efficient, what else could you ask for?
Monitor
Bit high of a response time for gaming, but the colors are great and its still usable in games.
Keyboard
The switches remind a little of Cherry MX browns, not too clicky, but they do offer tactile feedback. Great for people who want to feel what they're typing but dont want it to be too loud. Also the lighting software looks great just wish it was maybe a little brighter. Lastly the media keys are a MUST for me so this keyboard excels in that category. Also a much better value then Corsair and Razer's offerings.
Mouse
I like small mice, i tried the 6502 Proteus Spectrum from Logitech, but it was too big, this is light, cheaper, and fits my hand better. And lets not forget the most important part ;) RGBBBBBBBBB
Headphones
Best music experience you can get for the price hands down, not the best for gaming though (as expected)
Speakers
Damn these babies pack a punch, haven't turned them up past like a quarter volumes because they're so loud. But i'm not complaining.....my neighbors might be though ;)
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