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Our CPU of choice for this budget is the Intel i3-6100. While it features only two cores, the 6100 also employs hyperthreading to help close the gap between it and a 4-core i5. Hyperthreading adds an additional logical core for each physical core, which is handy for streaming, video editing, and multi-tasking CPU-intensive tasks. The i3-6100 includes a stock cooler, so 3rd-party cooler isn't necessary.
We're using a sparse selection of motherboards, which will display which is the cheapest of the four. All four motherboards feature the B150 chipset and an LGA 1151 socket for compatibility with the i3-6100. They include 4 DIMM slots for up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM. They're also capable of using the CPU's integrated GPU, in case you need to RMA your GPU or are waiting for a sale or upgrade.
A parametric filter is being applied to choose the best priced 2x4GB kit of memory within Intel's recommended specifications. With this selection, we have space on the motherboards for 2 more sticks of RAM, leaving room for future expansion.
We're also using parametric filters to select the best priced 240-256GB SSD available. The SSD can be used for your OS and a good handful of games. Everyone's needs are different, so feel free to change out capacities to fit yours. For example, if 240GB feels cramped to you, I recommend picking up a mechanical hard drive for another 1 or 2TB or storage space.
We're going with a filter for the best-priced Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050ti 4GB. This will run modern games at 1080p admirably. If you plan to play significantly more DirectX 12 games than DirectX 11 or other APIs, the AMD Radeon RX 480 or RX 470 may perform better, but there aren't enough DX12 games out to justify that as a general recommendation.
The newly released Corsair 270R is a mid tower case that can fit all of our components. It offers decent cable management, a power supply shroud, a large window, room for multiple radiators, and there's space to expand with 3.5" hard drives or 2.5" solid state drives. It also has 2 front panel USB 3.0 ports. Cases tend to be highly personal choices, so make sure you browse our listed cases to see what suits you.
For the PSU, we're using a parametric selection of a few well-reviewed semi-modular and modular units, which are all rated for good power efficiency and can provide plenty of power for this build.
Component | Selection | Base | Promo | Shipping | Tax | Price | Where | |||
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CPU | ![]() |
$290.16 | $290.16 | Amazon Canada | Buy | |||||
Motherboard |
No Matches Available
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Memory | ![]() |
From parametric filter
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$64.99 | $64.99 | Newegg Canada | Buy | ||||
Storage | ![]() |
From parametric filter
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$38.99 | $38.99 | Mike's Computer Shop | Buy | ||||
Video Card | ![]() |
From parametric filter
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$259.00 | -$30.00 | $229.00 | Canada Computers | Buy | |||
$30.00 mail-in rebate |
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Case | ![]() |
$69.99 | -$10.00 | $59.99 | Canada Computers | Buy | ||||
$10.00 mail-in rebate |
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Power Supply | ![]() |
From parametric selection
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$77.82 | FREE | $77.82 | Mike's Computer Shop | Buy | |||
Base Total: | $800.95 | |||||||||
Mail-in Rebates: | -$40.00 | |||||||||
Total: | $760.95 |
Component | Estimated Wattage |
---|---|
Intel - Core i3-6100 3.7 GHz Dual-Core Processor | 6W - 51W |
G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-2400 Memory | 5W - 5W |
Kingston - A400 240 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | 2W - 10W |
Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 1060 3GB 3 GB Windforce OC Video Card | 30W - 120W |
Total: | 43W - 186W |