Description
I needed a desktop to replace my old laptop so I could do more pc gaming, so I planned a christmas build and did that for the holidays. I already had all the other peripherals, which consist of my ASUS MX279H monitor, razer firefly and deathadder, and corsair k67, so I was set there. Although this build is overkill for 1080p gaming I wanted to ensure high fps not matter what and overall have a beastly computer. I cannot be more satisfied with the build, and all these parts are very solid in general. I had no problems building it and starting it up for the first time, everything went well, and the only complaint I have it that the magnetic rgb strips are kind of weak. Furthermore, the ryzen 5 2600 overclocks to 4.2 ghz which is awesome, and I love the rgb on the ASUS strix graphics card as well as the motherboard and the memory, as they all nicely contribute to my joker theme.
Part Reviews
CPU
For the best value of 6 cores, 12 threads, and a cpu boost of 3.9 ghz(mine goes to 4.2) for $160, I made no mistake using this cpu. I absolutely love it and would recommend for anyone looking to go with team red or a great value cpu
CPU Cooler
Not going to lie the budget ran a bit short here, but this cooler still looks very nice with the white led and doesn't deliver that bad of temps. At idle with no overclock it keeps the cpu at 31 degrees celcius, overclocked it sits idle in the 40s range, and at load in most games the max temp I've ever reached is 60 degrees celcius overclocked or not, so thats not bad. However, when I overclock to 4.2 ghz and really stress it with an application like AIDA64, it can hit a scorching 105 degrees celcius max, so consider a better cooler if you're going to do some serious overclocking with your cpu on constant max load.
Motherboard
Simply put, great MOBO. The rgb backlight as well as the headers all work nicely in sync, and it looks very good in my case with that smooth metal finish. Had no problems building with it, the manual was very helpful in showing were the fan headers and everything else was, and it supports my build very well. The BIOS is easy to work with and in conclusion I have no complaints.
Memory
These are some of the best and budget rgb sticks of memory I've ever seen, they look very sexy, and run nicely at the advertised 3000 mhz rate. No complaints, its memory.
Storage
Works like a charm and boots programs and the computer very fast. Computer goes from shutdown to windows in a blink of the eye, and this is definitely a great value SSD for the amount of storage you get
Storage
Uh works. No problems. Stores stuff. Makes no noise.
Video Card
I got this for $355, and it is the toughest gtx 1070 out there in my opinion. Runs any game at at least 75-85 FPS at 1080p at ultra settings, has great cooling, and nice rgb backplate. Although it sags in the slot like any other STRIX card, I would still recommend it to anyone looking for an amazing gtx 1070 for the value.
Case
Boring, simple, and easy, and that is great. Very easy to work in, although the thumbscrews were screwed in very tight from the factory which was very odd. Easy cable management however, and a great quality case
Power Supply
Great modular psu, comes with a nice pouch to hold excess cables and parts when you're done building, and powers the computer efficiently and nicely while giving room for future expansion and overclocking.
Wireless Network Adapter
I don't have Ethernet so I had to pick this up. Worked out of the box, gives my home wifi's rated speeds, and doesn't drop connection. What can I say, it works.
Custom
Work with the rgb header, however the magnet and tape feature are both very weak. I honestly recommend a better quality strip if you can afford it. However, they do shine nicely and the black matches with the case, and they work, so they aren't a total bust.
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