Build a Stunning Budget ITX PC for under SGD1500!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Budget and Component Selection
3. CPU and Motherboard
   • 3.1 Ryzen 5600X and B550I ITX Motherboard
   • 3.2 Core i5 10600 and Mid-range ITX Motherboard
   • 3.3 Ryzen 3600 and Gigabyte B450 ITX Motherboard
4. RAM
5. GPU
6. PC Case Selection
   • 6.1 Lian Li 011 Dynamic Mini
   • 6.2 NZXT H210i
   • 6.3 CoolerMaster NR200P
7. Power Supply
8. SSD Selection
9. Graphics Card
10. RGB Fans and CPU Cooler
    • 10.1 Corsair LL120 Fans
    • 10.2 CoolerMaster Hyper212 RGB Edition
    • 10.3 Cryorig H7 with CoolerMaster MF120 Halo Fan
11. Conclusion

Building a Budget PC with Lights: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are You on a tight budget but still want to build a PC that looks impressive with vibrant RGB lights? Look no further! In this guide, we will walk you through the process of building a budget PC that not only meets your performance requirements but also satisfies your aesthetic cravings. Join us as we select the best components within a budget of SGD1500 and design a visually stunning PC.

1. Introduction

Building a PC can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when you have a limited budget to work with. However, with careful planning and knowledge of the right components, you can build a budget PC that suits your needs without compromising on style. In this guide, we will help you navigate through the various considerations and choices involved in building a visually appealing PC that fits within your budget.

2. Budget and Component Selection

Before diving into the details of each component, it's important to establish the budget and make informed decisions Based on it. For this particular build, we have a cap of SGD1500. This budget will determine the options available for each component, ensuring that we stay within the desired price range without sacrificing performance or aesthetics.

3. CPU and Motherboard

The CPU and motherboard are the heart of any PC build. They determine the performance and compatibility of the system. In this section, we will explore three options based on our budget: Ryzen 5600X and B550I ITX motherboard, Core i5 10600 and a mid-range ITX motherboard, and Ryzen 3600 with a Gigabyte B450 ITX motherboard.

3.1 Ryzen 5600X and B550I ITX Motherboard

The Ryzen 5600X paired with a B550I ITX motherboard offers excellent performance and compatibility. However, the Current price of $839 at PCThemes may be a bit over the budget.

3.2 Core i5 10600 and Mid-range ITX Motherboard

If you're open to Intel-based systems, the Core i5 10600 with an Asus B560 ITX motherboard is a viable option. This combination costs $639 and provides satisfactory performance for both gaming and productivity tasks. However, keep in mind that the Ryzen 3600 provides better results overall in productivity tasks.

3.3 Ryzen 3600 and Gigabyte B450 ITX Motherboard

Considering the budget constraints, we recommend the Ryzen 3600 paired with a Gigabyte B450 ITX motherboard. This combination costs only $478 and provides a good balance between performance and affordability. While the Core i5 10600 performs better in gaming, the Ryzen 3600 outshines it in productivity tasks.

4. RAM

When it comes to RAM, your client has expressed a preference for RGB lights. Initially, Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro was considered, with a price of $179. However, after further research, we suggest using Klevv, the same brand used in your previous PC build. The Klevv Cras-X 16GB 3600MHz kit averages at about $175, but we found a deal for $149 on Lazada.

5. GPU

Unfortunately, due to current stock levels and the scalper market, getting an RTX 3060 within the budget is nearly impossible. The average price for one on the scalper market is around $1000, which is way beyond the budget. As a temporary solution, we recommend considering the GTX 1650 or 1660, which are priced at $289 and $419, respectively.

6. PC Case Selection

To fulfill the client's desire for a visually appealing PC with lights, we need an ITX case with a window side panel. Initially, the Lian Li 011 Dynamic Mini and NZXT H210i were considered. However, upon analyzing the client's current PC, which is already using a mini-tower, those cases seemed a little large in comparison. Instead, we recommend the CoolerMaster NR200P, which costs $138 and provides a more compact form factor.

7. Power Supply

With the accumulated costs so far, the remaining budget for the power supply, graphics card, SSD, and accessories is $735. Considering the budget, a Corsair SF600 80+ Gold PSU seems like the most suitable option. Going up to a platinum-rated power supply doesn't seem necessary for this budget build, considering the cost difference.

8. SSD Selection

For the SSD, options such as the Samsung Evo 980 500GB, Samsung 970 Plus 500GB, and Western Digital Black N850 500GB have been considered. Among these options, the ADATA SX8200 Pro stands out as a cheaper alternative that offers better benchmark scores compared to the Samsung 970 Plus. You can get the ADATA SX8200 Pro for just $122.

9. Graphics Card

As Mentioned earlier, the budget does not allow for an RTX 3060 due to inflated prices in the scalper market. Considering the client's preference for productivity tasks over gaming, we suggest going for the more affordable GTX 1650. This card fits within the remaining budget at $289 and provides decent performance for non-demanding games.

10. RGB Fans and CPU Cooler

To add the desired RGB lighting effect, we initially considered the Corsair LL120 fans, which sell for $57 each. However, given that the NR200P case will have the fans mounted at the top, the halo rings on the fans might not be visible. As an alternative, we suggest considering an RGB CPU cooler instead.

10.1 Corsair LL120 Fans

Corsair LL120 fans are indeed a great option for adding RGB lighting to the system. However, in the NR200P case, the top-mounted position of the fans may prevent the halo rings from being visible. Therefore, we recommend exploring other options.

10.2 CoolerMaster Hyper212 RGB Edition

The CoolerMaster Hyper212 RGB Edition is an attractive option as it provides RGB lighting. However, it's important to note that the Hyper212 may not work with the NR200P's tempered Glass side panel, as per comments on Reddit.

10.3 Cryorig H7 with CoolerMaster MF120 Halo Fan

After thorough research, we recommend the Cryorig H7 CPU cooler paired with the CoolerMaster MF120 Halo fan. The Cryorig H7 cooler costs $60 and the CoolerMaster MF120 Halo fan is currently on sale for $30 on Lazada, making it a more affordable and visually appealing option compared to the Corsair LL120 fans.

11. Conclusion

By carefully selecting the components and optimizing the budget, we were able to build a visually stunning PC within the given budget of SGD1500. The total bill for this build comes to $1450, leaving ample room for customization and additional accessories. With this guide as your reference, you can confidently Create a budget-friendly PC that not only performs well but also looks impressive. Happy building!

Highlights

• Build a budget PC with visually stunning RGB lights
• Carefully select components within a tight budget of SGD1500
• Explore CPU and motherboard options: Ryzen 5600X and B550I ITX, Core i5 10600 and mid-range ITX, or Ryzen 3600 and Gigabyte B450 ITX
• Consider RGB RAM options such as Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro or Klevv Cras-X
• Explore affordable GPU options like GTX 1650 or 1660
• Choose an ITX case with a window side panel, such as CoolerMaster NR200P
• Opt for a Corsair SF600 80+ Gold PSU to stay within budget
• Select an SSD like the ADATA SX8200 Pro for affordability and performance
• Consider the GTX 1650 for gaming within the budget
• Optimize RGB lighting with alternatives like the CoolerMaster MF120 Halo fan with Cryorig H7 CPU cooler

FAQ

Q: Can I upgrade the graphics card in the future?

A: Yes, one of the advantages of building a PC is the ability to upgrade components in the future. You can easily upgrade the graphics card to a more powerful one when your budget allows.

Q: Are there any alternative ITX cases with RGB lighting options?

A: While the CoolerMaster NR200P is a great choice, there are other ITX cases available with RGB lighting options. You can explore models from brands like NZXT, Lian Li, or Phanteks, depending on your preferences and budget.

Q: Can I add additional RGB fans to the NR200P case?

A: Yes, the NR200P case supports additional fan mounts, allowing you to add more RGB fans for enhanced cooling and visuals.

Q: Is there any AdVantage to choosing a higher-rated power supply, such as platinum instead of gold?

A: While higher-rated power supplies offer more efficient power delivery, it's usually not necessary for budget builds. Gold-rated power supplies like the Corsair SF600 80+ Gold PSU provide sufficient efficiency and performance while being more budget-friendly.

Q: Can I add more RAM in the future?

A: Most motherboards support additional RAM slots, giving you the option to expand the RAM capacity in the future. Make sure to check the specifications of your chosen motherboard for the maximum RAM capacity it supports.

Q: Will the Cryorig H7 fit in other cases too?

A: The Cryorig H7 CPU cooler is compatible with various case sizes and form factors. It is always recommended to check the specifications of the case you plan to use to ensure compatibility with the cooler.

Q: Can I overclock the Ryzen 3600 for better performance?

A: Yes, the Ryzen 3600 can be overclocked for improved performance. However, keep in mind that overclocking may require additional cooling measures and can potentially void the warranty of the processor. Make sure to research and follow proper overclocking techniques if you decide to pursue it.

Q: Are there any other budget-friendly RGB CPU cooler options?

A: Yes, there are several budget-friendly RGB CPU cooler options available in the market. Some alternatives to consider are the CoolerMaster Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition and the Deepcool Gammaxx GT RGB. These coolers offer good performance with RGB lighting at a more affordable price point.