New CPU Rig Recommendations

Lit3s

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Hi Gurus,

Lost touch with all the latest technology. Trying to help a pal get a new CPU as his is probably close to an ancient dinosaur already, too slow. Main usage would just be for surfing net and general usage. Can't put a budget but just a normal decent setup will do.

- Prefer Intel as i'm not familiar with AMD
- No gaming, so i assume won't need any graphics card
- Has 3 Hdd (1 x 3.5", 2 x 2.5" SSD), would be reusing this. Maybe get a nvme to run OS would be better?
- 8gb of ram sufficient or 16 better?
- Standard decent casing, no need for fancy lights or RGB.

Would appreciate all inputs. Thank you!
 

ragnarok95

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Just get a B860M for $200+, then get a 250K plus cpu. Done.

Nvme and DDR5 are expensive now, just get a 1TB nvme and 16GB DDR5.
 

tigerwoods

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Hi Gurus,

Lost touch with all the latest technology. Trying to help a pal get a new CPU as his is probably close to an ancient dinosaur already, too slow. Main usage would just be for surfing net and general usage. Can't put a budget but just a normal decent setup will do.

- Prefer Intel as i'm not familiar with AMD
- No gaming, so i assume won't need any graphics card
- Has 3 Hdd (1 x 3.5", 2 x 2.5" SSD), would be reusing this. Maybe get a nvme to run OS would be better?
- 8gb of ram sufficient or 16 better?
- Standard decent casing, no need for fancy lights or RGB.

Would appreciate all inputs. Thank you!
very easy
bring your HDD, SDD parts to pc theme, tell them your requirements, they will recommend based on your needs & fix up everything for you.
 

Lit3s

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very easy
bring your HDD, SDD parts to pc theme, tell them your requirements, they will recommend based on your needs & fix up everything for you.

thanks. I notice their prices are slightly on the higher side compared to other shops like Dynacore?
 

Lit3s

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Just get a B860M for $200+, then get a 250K plus cpu. Done.

Nvme and DDR5 are expensive now, just get a 1TB nvme and 16GB DDR5.

yeah i realize too. Got a shock how nvme and ram prices are doubled/triple!
 

PES1989

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thanks. I notice their prices are slightly on the higher side compared to other shops like Dynacore?
You are paying for the customer service which I don't mind. Look for Yi Long if you getting from PC Themes.

I had experience buying from a few stores including both of them.
 

tigerwoods

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thanks. I notice their prices are slightly on the higher side compared to other shops like Dynacore?
Dynacore is also fine

best is go to both shops and enquire, experience might be different
 

-Synchronicity-

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Alternatively, since your use case is so light, mini PC + 4 bay HDD enclosure supporting direct attached storage seems better and cheaper.
 

fkchon

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Do you need to use Windows? look like your usage better suit Mac Mini + some enclosure/dock for your storage needs
 

rosschang

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Do you need to use Windows? look like your usage better suit Mac Mini + some enclosure/dock for your storage needs
Yea I also think so.

either a desktop Mac Mini + enclosure for hdd expansion

or a macbook Neo + enclosure for hdd exp.

either of these is overpower for the things you are doing and for the price you get them, it's hard to get the PC Equivalent with such power.
 

Lit3s

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Yes Yilong still at PCT. Contacted them and he advised on the following:

AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT
Gigabyte B550M-DS3H
Kingston 8gb
Thermaltake Smart BX1 650W
Thermaltake Versa H16 Case

$754

Worth it? And yes need to run windows
 

nothinghere

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Yes Yilong still at PCT. Contacted them and he advised on the following:

AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT
Gigabyte B550M-DS3H
Kingston 8gb
Thermaltake Smart BX1 650W
Thermaltake Versa H16 Case

$754

Worth it? And yes need to run windows
Always get 16gb ram or more imo, also 8gb is likely single channel. Single channel cannot draw out all the speed benefits of the processor.

Very likely no need 650w PSU, probably 450w is enough. The PSU recommended seems to be rebranded, and have changed OEMs many times, so it ranges from barely decent to trash tier. You do not know which you're getting. I recommend picking your own from the tier list.

Trash tier PSUs can fail and take everything with it, so beware.

PSU tier list:
 

deepblue_82

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last year and this year price very big diff i am just saying.. dont shoot me... haha
 

86technie

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Yes Yilong still at PCT. Contacted them and he advised on the following:

AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT
Gigabyte B550M-DS3H
Kingston 8gb
Thermaltake Smart BX1 650W
Thermaltake Versa H16 Case

$754

Worth it? And yes need to run windows

Overprice most like is due to RAM prices.
That RAM proably is worth $150 now.
 

ghgan1

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must as well top up $300 to get from pinduoduo, downside as well as no warranty.
Screenshot-2026-04-18-15-51-12-48-e41039de8eaacf222a951c16e0560c66.jpg
 

yukita

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