Description
UPDATE: Finally got my new memory kit and installed it right away. Asus DOCP profile got it to run with 2933 MHz at C16 latency. Also added an image with the new memory.
I've been running on an Intel i3-6100 / B150 combo for a few years now and actively looking for a CPU upgrade, since the i3 was bottle-necking many of the newer games i tried (Mass Effect Andromeda for example). Good thing that I waited for the Ryzen launch, since I found the perfect deal in the Ryzen 5 1600. 6 cores with SMT with a reasonable price tag - what more can you ask for a decent gaming machine?
When online shop Alternate dropped their 25 year anniversary one-day-only sale, I said to hell with the waiting and finally ordered. I initially wanted to get a simple B350 board, but since the Asus PRIME X370 was on sale and also shipped with a free Steam code for Prey, I picked the more expensive alternative. The memory you see in the rig, is actually the 8 GB HyperX from my previous system, because unfortunately there are some shipping problems with the Corsair LPX memory and I'm still waiting on that. I will update the build once I finally have it.
For the graphics card, I decided to keep my GTX 970 from my old build and wait for AMDs Vega line-up. I am hoping to get something close to the GTX 1080 but for a more affordable price :-).
So far I am loving the new system and its looks. Its performance is stellar and the CPU usage in most games is somewhere around 20 - 30 % at 60 fps with my GTX 970 (where the i3 was at 100% most of the time). The RGB LED effect on the mainboard also looks very nice, especially when it's dark.
For the future I'm playing with the thought of adding some sleeved cables (I'm thinking black/blue) and maybe an LED strip. But that will have to wait for now until AMD unveils Vega.
Part Reviews
CPU
Absolutely great value! 6 cores with SMT for just over 220 € and the included Wraith Spire cooler is actually pretty decent (fairly quiet and keeps the CPU cool enough for my taste). I was considering buying an aftermarket cooler or even an all-in-one water cooler, but honestly I'm just fine with the stock one for now. Also I don't plan on overclocking as long as the CPU is good for 60 fps.
Motherboard
All around great board with very nice looking LED effect (configurable via ASUS AURA tool). The color scheme is a matter of taste I guess, but as long as you don't use flashy red parts you should be fine with it. BIOS also looks and works very well. The only complaint I have, is that there are only 2 chassis fan headers. The other 2 are for water pump and all-in-one liquid cooler and hooked up to those, fans will run at full speed all the time (no control options in the BIOS). Hence my be quiet Pure Wings is running a bit loudly for now, but I already ordered a Y-splitter cable to connect both front fans to one chassis fan header.
Memory
Decent memory with a sleek black look. Performs as expected and runs with 2933 MHz C16 on Asus DOCP profile.
Storage
My first M.2 drive and I'm very pleased with it. Very fast and 2 less cables to worry about for cable management :-P
Video Card
The Windforce 3X runs very quiet and cool and has been a overall good performer for the last couple of years. No complaints here, but I'm anxious to see AMDs Vega line-up.
Case
This case is gorgeous in my opinion. I generally love Corsairs design and my previous build also was housed in a Corsair case (SPEC-03 red). I actually wanted to get the white version of this case, but since this one was on sale I went with it. On the plus side, I now don't need to stick to black/white components. The side window is the number 1 feature here and an awesome way to display your components. Also the opening mechanism is very solid and sturdy, so no worries here. Building inside this case was fairly easy and straightforward, although you have to fumble a bit with the PSU cover to route the cables through there.
Power Supply
Very quiet and sturdy PSU with fully modular cables.
Case Fan
A decent and cheap fan that runs very quiet at around 60 - 80 % rpm. At 100% though you will notice it.
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