A Very Repeatable $400 || Gaming PC Build Guide

The Ultimate Budget PC Build - Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1060 6GB

Introduction

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Flipping Friday! Today, we have an incredible budget PC build that is sure to blow you away. This build features the Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1060 6GB, making it a powerhouse for budget gamers. But that's not all! We also have a budget case that is taking the PC flipping market by storm. Let's dive right into the details and see why this build is a game-changer.

The CPU: Ryzen 5 3600

Starting with the heart of the build, we have the Ryzen 5 3600. This 6-core, 12-thread CPU was once a dominant force in the mid-range market. Released in 2019, it quickly became a top choice for gamers. Today, in 2023, it has become a solid budget option in the used market. Many people who initially bought the 3600 are now selling it to upgrade, making it a hot product for budget builds and flips.

The Motherboard: Asus Prime B450M-A2

The motherboard we're using for this build is the Asus Prime B450M-A2. It may not be the most exciting part, but it serves its purpose well. As the cheapest option I could find with a white and black color scheme, it blends perfectly with the overall aesthetic of the build. While the used AM4 motherboard market can be hit or miss, it's often better to go with a brand new board, especially with the current prices. Investing a little more for a reliable motherboard is a smart choice.

The RAM: HyperX All-White 2x8GB Kit

For the RAM, we dipped into the used market and found a gem. The HyperX All-White 2x8GB kit, clocked at 3200MHz, was a steal at just $36. While it's usually recommended to go with a brand new kit, the prices of RAM these days make the difference between used and new negligible. At the time of this build, this kit was the cheapest all-white option available. However, keep an eye out for deals on new kits to score an even better price.

The Storage: Team MP33 512GB NVMe Drive

When it comes to storage, we went with the Team MP33 512GB NVMe drive. While it may not be the most exciting choice, it gets the job done. However, I want to mention an alternative option that is gaining popularity. The MSI Spatium M450 drive offers better performance with faster read and write speeds, and it's also a PCIe Gen 4 drive. This can be a selling point for those familiar with the technology. If you spot the Spatium M450 on sale, it's definitely worth considering.

The CPU Cooler: Ryzen Stock Cooler

Keeping things simple, we're using the trusty old painted stock Ryzen cooler that came with the 3600. While you can always opt for an aftermarket cooler like the Thermalright Assassin 120 SE ARGB, I prefer to save money by painting the stock cooler myself. This is a technique we've used successfully in our Frostinova V3 gaming PCs, and buyers have been more than satisfied.

The Power Supply: Bit Phoenix Formula Bronze 600W

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the power supply market. It's currently a nightmare to shop for power supplies, especially for budget builds. While the Thermaltake 550W BM2 is my go-to choice, it has been out of stock for over a month. As a result, we had to settle for the Bit Phoenix Formula Bronze 600W. It provides sufficient wattage, is 80 Plus Bronze certified, and ranks as a Tier C power supply. While I'm not fully familiar with this specific model, it should be more than adequate for a budget gaming PC.

Cable Extensions: Asia Horse White Extension Kit

Since the power supply comes with ketchup and mustard cables, which are not ideal for a gaming PC flip, we paired it with the Asia Horse white extension kit. These cable extensions elevate the aesthetics of the build and ensure a clean and professional look. Lately, the Asia Horse kit has been on sale for just $19, making it the go-to choice for builders on a budget.

The Case: DIY PC ARGB Q3

Finally, let's talk about the star of the show: the DIY PC ARGB Q3 case. This case has been dominating the budget PC flipping scene, and for good reason. It features a sleek all-glass design with an Lian Li O11 knockoff aesthetic. With three pre-installed RGB fans and a price tag of only $60, it offers incredible value for money. The dual-chamber design allows for easy cable management, and its low-to-the-ground design is currently favored by many gamers. However, due to high demand, the case may be out of stock or on backorder. Keep an eye out for restocks and act quickly when it becomes available.

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The Graphics Card: Asus Dual GTX 1060 6GB

To complete this build, we have the Asus Dual GTX 1060 6GB, which perfectly complements the all-white aesthetic. Despite being an older GPU, the GTX 1060 is still capable of running every game in 1080p with impressive FPS numbers. We managed to snag this beauty from a reliable seller on Java for just $68. If you're on a tight budget, the GTX 1060 6GB is a solid choice.

RGB Fan Control

Controlling the RGB lighting on the three pre-installed fans is a breeze. You have two options: connect the fans to your motherboard's ARGB header or utilize the provided connector that allows you to control the colors using the reset switch button on the case. If you're using a budget motherboard without an ARGB header, the second option is ideal. While you lose the reset button's functionality, it's a small sacrifice for stunning RGB lighting.

Performance Benchmarks

Now, let's dive into the performance benchmarks to see just how impressive this budget build truly is. We tested a range of games, including demanding titles like Hogwarts Legacy. The Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1060 6GB combo handled every game with ease, delivering smooth gameplay and solid FPS numbers. Even for less demanding games like Valor and Minecraft, this PC can achieve exceptional performance. To provide a consistent measure across all our builds, we also ran the Time Spy benchmark, which further emphasizes the value this build offers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1060 6GB combo paired with the DIY PC ARGB Q3 case is an unbeatable budget PC build. Whether you're a PC flipper looking to make a profit or a gamer on a tight budget, this build delivers exceptional value for money. With careful component selection and attention to detail, you can achieve a build that looks and performs like a much more expensive system. Don't hesitate to reach out for personalized assistance on your gaming PC journey. Happy building!