Guide
Great Intel Gaming/Streaming Build
Description
CPU
At this budget, we're running the Intel Coffee Lake Refresh i5-9600K. The 9600K features 6 cores and will perform exceptionally well with all your gaming needs. Since it is overclockable and does not include a stock cooler, the Hyper 212 Black Edition has been added to the list. A cooler of this stature will allow a modest overclock without breaking the bank.
Note: If you'd prefer to consider a similar build, but instead using an AMD Ryzen processor, be sure to check out our Great AMD Gaming Build Guide.
Motherboard
We're using a parametric filter to constantly select the best-priced motherboard while meeting selected criteria. In this case, we are filtering for Z390 chipsets for its enabled overclocking and to avoid potential BIOS update issues. The parametric filter also checks for 4 DDR4 DIMM slots for future expansion. The compatibility engine will filter out anything not compatible with the build. The motherboards are 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.
Memory
Memory needs are slowly but constantly increasing, and we want to stay ahead of the curve. To this end we're using a parametric filter to choose a 16GB kit of memory within Intel's recommended specifications at the best price. The filter will only select 2x8GB kits, allowing us to leave room for extra DIMMs for future expansion.
Storage
We're use parametric filters to incorporate an SSD with at least 480GB of space. We have also added a parametric filter for a 2TB mechanical drive for mass storage, such as extra games and videos. Everyone's storage needs differs, so feel free to add or remove capacity to your heart's desire.
GPU
For our GPU, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 is one of the best price for performance cards on the market. The RTX 2060 will provide a consistent 60fps on many demanding games like PUBG) at Ultra at 1080p, and even 1440p for some games like Apex Legends. It'll also handle Fortnite with zero issues. For those interested in VR, this card will have no problem playing any and and all applications currently on the market.
For streaming, the newly-updated NVENC encoding will offload the task to the GPU with a minimal performance hit using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) while providing image quality similar to or better than x264 Fast quality.
To keep the noise and temperatures down, we've updated the filter to include a minimum length to avoid "mini" versions of the card, which prioritize fitting into small builds, such as an ITX case. You can choose to use this filter instead, if you want to include the smaller cards for any reason. Note that smaller cards will be louder or hotter - or both.
Case
All of our parts are on display in the Phanteks Eclipse P300 Tempered Glass. This case features a clean design and a tempered glass window. It includes 2x front panel USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, a PSU shroud, and a number of cable management holes and tie-offs to help your build look cleaner. It can also fit full-sized video cards.
PSU
For our power supply, we're using a parametric selection of well-reviewed semi or fully modular units, all of which are 80+ Gold certified or above and can provide plenty of power for this build.
AMD Version
Compatibility: No issues or incompatibilities found.
| Component | Selection | Base | Promo | Shipping | Tax | Price | Where | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU |  |
Intel Core i5-9600K 3.7 GHz 6-Core Processor | Base$308.50 |
Promo |
Shipping |
Tax |
Price$308.50 |
Where |
Buy | |
| CPU Cooler |  |
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition 42 CFM CPU Cooler | Base$39.95 |
Promo |
Shipping |
Tax |
Price$39.95 |
Where |
Buy | |
| Motherboard |  |
ASRock Z390 Pro4 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
From parametric filter: Chipset: Intel Z390 |
Base$162.86 |
Promo-$40.00 1 |
Shipping |
Tax |
Price$122.86 |
Where |
Buy | |
| Memory |  |
G.Skill Value 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2666 Memory
From parametric filter: Speed: DDR4-2666, DDR4-2800, DDR4-3000, DDR4-3200; Type: 288-pin DIMM; Modules: 2 x 8GB |
Base$64.99 |
Promo |
Shipping |
Tax |
Price$64.99 |
Where |
Buy | |
| Storage |  |
ADATA SU630 480 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
From parametric filter: Capacity: 480 GB - 15360 GB; Type: SSD |
Base$59.99 |
Promo |
ShippingFREE |
Tax |
Price$59.99 |
Where |
Buy | |
| Storage |  |
Western Digital Blue 2 TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive
From parametric filter: Capacity: 2000 GB - 15360 GB; Form Factor: 3.5"; Interface: SATA 6 Gb/s |
Base$64.99 |
Promo |
Shipping |
Tax |
Price$64.99 |
Where |
Buy | |
| Video Card |  |
Asus GeForce RTX 2060 6 GB DUAL EVO Advanced Video Card
From parametric filter: Chipset: GeForce RTX 2060; Length: 223 mm - 403 mm |
Base$458.99 |
Promo |
Shipping |
Tax |
Price$458.99 |
Where |
Buy | |
| Case |  |
Phanteks P300 ATX Mid Tower Case | Base$89.99 |
Promo |
Shipping |
Tax |
Price$89.99 |
Where |
Buy | |
| Power Supply |  |
Corsair TXM Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply
From parametric selection: Show |
Base$104.50 |
Promo |
Shipping |
Tax |
Price$104.50 |
Where |
Buy | |
| Base Total: | $1354.76 | |||||||||
| Mail-in Rebates: | -$40.00 | |||||||||
| Total: | $1314.76 | |||||||||
Part List Promos / Discounts
- $40.00 mail-in rebate
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Wattage Breakdown
Note: Wattages are estimates only. Actual power draw may differ from listed values.
| Component | Estimated Wattage |
|---|---|
| Intel Core i5-9600K 3.7 GHz 6-Core Processor | 11W - 95W |
| Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition 42 CFM CPU Cooler | 5W - 10W |
| ASRock Z390 Pro4 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard | 17W - 70W |
| G.Skill Value 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2666 Memory | 11W |
| ADATA SU630 480 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | 2W - 10W |
| Western Digital Blue 2 TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive | 3W - 15W |
| Asus GeForce RTX 2060 6 GB DUAL EVO Advanced Video Card | 40W - 160W |
| Total: | 371W |
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