Emergency Build

[AubreyJr]

My primary computer built in 2008 crashed today. I've decided to replace the mobo, CPU, and memory with components that are within my immediate budget listed as editor's picks at Tom's Hardware . I intend to replace this planned purchase with more powerful/expensive components soon and build a secondary/backup system with the current purchase by adding a PSU and case while taking advantage of the mobo's on-board video. I'd like an opinion on the combination of these components as a low budget/entry-level system from Newegg for around $300.00:

Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-H170-D3HP
Processor - Intel Core i3-6100
CPU Cooler: DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX 400
Memory: CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4 2133

I also searched but could not verify if two sticks of memory are required like motherboards I've purchased in the past...otherwise, I'd purchase one stick of 16 gig or one stick of 8. Thank you.

 

[techne]

It's a cool budget setup!

I think that 16GB of RAM (two sticks of 8GB) would be enough for many years to come (considering it's a secondary/backup machine).

The CPU cooler is fine, but it seems to be a bit overkill for a CPU with a low TDP (51 W). You could use the stock cooler in this machine and put the DEEPCOOL in the stronger machine. Of course, if you feel like using it, no problem.

EDIT

Just to be more precise: 16GB of RAM (two sticks of 8GB) would be enough for the lifetime of this machine.

EDIT II

That haven't changed too much and two sticks are still required in order to have dual channel memory.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Yeah, shouldn't need a CPU cooler with an i3 CPU, the stock one should be fine.

 

[nerp]

Stock cooler is good. Quiet, too. Save your money. 16GB is fine. The i3-6100 is a great chip. You'll be happy with this rig. Please tell me you're going to use an SSD as a system drive. If not, there's no point upgrading.

 

[Ketchup]

Gotta be a cautious nerd here and ask, are you sure the power supply is ok? Since you didn't specify what happened, I am going to assume you tested it before putting this build together.

 

[AubreyJr]

Thanks for the replies. Nerp, a Mushkin Enhanced Reactor 1TB SSD is in the failed system, which I believe is still operational, and will be reused until upgraded. Ketchup, the Corsair TX750 power supply seems to be operational. The system powers up lighting a GeForce GTX 980 and powers seven fans but does not post leading me to believe the mobo has failed since CPU's rarely do (in my exp) and according to the Tom's Hardware computer troubleshooting checklist. The last time the system posted, there were BIOS issues which further support my mobo suspicion.

I intend to order the replacement parts tonight if there are no differing recommendations/suggestions. Thanks again.

 

[Ketchup]

Looks good to me!