Back in the game - new PC rig help

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zabak80

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Oct 27, 2016
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So I've built many pc rigs in the past 15 years, but I haven't done one is 3-4 years and am a little bit rusty.

Here is my criteria:

Hoping to get 2-3 years out of it.

80% of my computer usage is browsing the internet and watching Netflix. 15% is gaming (TF2, GTA V), and the other 5% is basic photo editing (MS, Picasa, etc).

Should I wait for the new Kaby Lake or buy a Skylake in the next 30 days?

Here is what I was thinking

1. Intel i5 6600k

2. ASRock Fatal1ty Gaming z170 Gaming K6

3. 16 GB DDR4 3600 memory (Is the DDR4 3866 worth the price?)

So is there a better performance/value instead or in addition to those chosen pieces? Any suggestions or advice is appreciated.
 
Looks fine to me, just remember the 6600k needs an aftermarket cooler.

I think DDR4 3000C15 is a good point to be at. Any higher I don't think is worth?

I don't imagine any massive changes between Skylake and Kaby lake to be honest.. If you want it now, go for Skylake. Otherwise if you can wait, sure! But remember there's always something to 'wait' for. :p
 
Oh, wow, I had no idea the 6600k needed an aftermarket cooler. That is something I've never done and I'm not ready to dip into liquid cooling yet.

What would be the next best thing? An extra $50 or $100 bucks ain't a big deal to me. I just don't want to burn money on performance I will never notice.
 
Oh wait, sorry, just found out I can still do air cooled.

I would probably do some light overclocking to learn on. Can anyone recommend a good fan for the 6600k?
 
What case do you have? Assuming it supports up to 160mm, the tried and true Cooler Master 212 Evo or 212X are solid coolers for the price and will likely be able to take you to 4.5ghz without too much trouble too if you really wanted to.
 
Yeah very easy to fit any air cooler in that. If you're on the budget end, stick with a Cooler Master 212X. Otherwise consider a Noctua NH-D15/D15s for best air performance whilst remaining quiet. Ideally get low profile (standard size or less) RAM without tall heatspreaders, it just saves you any hassles for most air coolers.
 
Would anyone have any thoughts on the Memory or Motherboard? Too much? Better features elsewhere? Is the 3600 worth the investment over the 3866? Or are both overrated?
 
DDR4 3000 appears to be the sweet spot for Skylake. Hell, 2666 is the accepted standard.

You motherboard choice is "OK" although I'm not a huge fan of ASRock.

The savings from buying lower speed memory should allow you to purchase something like say, an Asus Z170-A.

As for cooling solutions, I'd say a Hyper 212 Evo should suit you just fine for mild overclocking. (you should be able to reach 4.0-4.2 with a simple hand clap via the multiplier)

I'm using an older revision of the same cooler, the Hyper 212+. Very solid stuff. I vouch for it 110%.

EDIT: Just bear in mind, any after-market cooling solution can be a pain in the arse to install. Especially the first time. If you have a spare set of hands, the install with be infinitely less frustrating etc.
 
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Yeah, I've used Asus ang Gigabyte mobo's in the past and have been pleased with them. Never tried ASRock before.

Any other suggestions for mobo?
 
Have you got your storage solution yet? When it comes to overall responsiveness, having a good SSD is pivotal. The newer NVMe tech is especially appealing, both in terms of performance and keeping a clean build. Speaking of which, nice choice on the case btw.
 
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