$1000 Gaming/Streaming Rig & $600 Passive Cooling HTPC - February 2016 Builds!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Monthly Builds Video
3. February Builds
   • Option 1: PC Streaming and Gaming System
   • Option 2: Farewell to AMD and 83 50 System
   • Option 3: Budget Skylake with LGA 1151 Pentium CPU
   • Option 4: Budget Skylake Silent Passively Cooled HTPC
4. Notes on Costs and PC Part Picker
5. AMD Gaming and Streaming System Build
6. Passively Cooled HTPC Build
7. Conclusion
8. Resources

Introduction

Welcome to Paul's Hardware! In this article, we will be diving into the world of PC builds. Each month, Paul creates a couple of builds based on popular votes and viewer feedback. While this video does not showcase an actual build, Paul does build computers behind the scenes and shares his experience and recommendations. In this article, we will be focusing on the February builds for 2016.

Monthly Builds Video

As a popular content creator, Paul gathers votes and feedback from his viewers to determine which PC builds to focus on for each month. In his most recent video, Paul shares the four options that were voted on for February builds. These options include a PC streaming and gaming system, a farewell to AMD and 83 50 system, a budget Skylake with LGA 1151 Pentium CPU system, and a budget Skylake silent passively cooled HTPC system.

February Builds

For the month of February, Paul decided to combine all four options into two separate builds. The first build is a PC streaming and gaming system, while the Second build is a budget Skylake silent passively cooled HTPC system. Let's take a closer look at each of these builds.

Option 1: PC Streaming and Gaming System

This build is designed for those who are looking to both Game and stream on the same system. While the gaming part requires powerful components, the streaming part adds additional requirements, especially when it comes to the CPU. Paul recommends the AMD FX 8350, which is an 8-core processor that provides excellent multitasking performance. Although it may not deliver the same level of gaming performance as some Intel processors, it excels in tasks that utilize multiple cores. To cool the processor, Paul suggests the InWinex CPU cooler, which not only performs well but also looks sleek with its all-black design. The build also includes a brand new AM3+ motherboard from Asus, which offers great features such as aura lighting effects and NVMe support. Memory-wise, Paul goes for a budget-friendly option with the Team Dark 16GB kit. For storage, he recommends the ADATA Premier SP550 240GB SSD and a Hitachi 2TB hard drive. The graphics card chosen for this build is the GTX 970, which offers a good balance between price and performance. The case used is the Corsair Graphite Series, which is a budget case that gets the job done effectively. To power the system, Paul selects the EVGA 600B power supply, which provides reliable and efficient power delivery. Lastly, to enhance the streaming experience, Paul includes the Logitech C920 webcam, known for its excellent performance and versatility.

Pros:

• Powerful 8-core processor for multitasking
• Stylish and efficient CPU cooler
• Feature-rich motherboard with aura lighting effects and NVMe support
• Budget-friendly memory option
• Fast SSD and ample hard drive storage
• Balanced and capable graphics card
• Affordable case that provides sufficient airflow
• Reliable and efficient power supply
• High-quality webcam for streaming

Cons:

• May not achieve the same gaming performance as some Intel processors

Option 2: Budget Skylake Silent Passively Cooled HTPC

For those looking to build a Home Theater PC (HTPC), Paul has carefully crafted a budget-friendly option that focuses on passive cooling. This build utilizes the LGA 1151 socket and features the Intel Pentium G4400 processor, which provides strong performance for HTPC tasks. With a TDP of only 65 watts, this dual-core processor is efficient and capable. To achieve passive cooling, Paul suggests the Zalman FX 70 cooler, which has received positive reviews for its performance even with higher wattage CPUs. The motherboard chosen for this build is the GIGABYTE GA-Z170M-D3H, which offers a good balance of features and affordability. The memory chosen is the G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 2400MHz 16GB kit, which provides ample capacity for HTPC tasks. The storage solution includes a Mushkin ECO2 512GB SSD, allowing for fast access to media files. The case used is the Cooler Master N200, which provides plenty of airflow with its front grilling design. To deliver power to the system, Paul recommends the SeaSonic Platinum 660W power supply, known for its high efficiency. As for accessories, the build includes the VisionTek CandyBoard, a wireless Bluetooth mini QWERTY keyboard with a built-in trackpad, and the Rosewill Windows 7 Certified Media Center Edition infrared remote controller, allowing for remote control operation of the HTPC.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly option for HTPC
• Efficient and capable dual-core processor
• Passive cooling for silent operation
• Feature-rich motherboard for expandability
• Ample memory capacity for multimedia tasks
• Fast and spacious SSD storage
• Case designed for optimal airflow
• Highly efficient power supply
• Versatile accessories for HTPC control

Cons:

• May not be suited for high-demand gaming

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the February builds recommended by Paul from Paul's Hardware. The PC streaming and gaming system offers excellent multitasking performance with the AMD FX 8350 processor, while the budget Skylake silent passively cooled HTPC provides a cost-effective solution for home theater enthusiasts. Each build has its unique advantages and caters to different needs and budgets. As always, Paul's thorough research and expertise ensure that these builds deliver a great user experience.

Highlights

• February builds: PC streaming and gaming system & budget Skylake silent passively cooled HTPC
• AMD FX 8350 processor for multitasking and streaming performance
• Sleek and efficient InWinex CPU cooler for the gaming system
• Brand new Asus AM3+ motherboard with aura lighting effects and NVMe support
• Budget-friendly Team Dark 16GB memory kit
• ADATA Premier SP550 240GB SSD and Hitachi 2TB hard drive for storage
• GTX 970 graphics card for a balanced gaming experience
• Corsair Graphite Series case for effective airflow
• EVGA 600B power supply for reliable and efficient power delivery
• Logitech C920 webcam for enhanced streaming experience
• Budget-friendly passive cooling HTPC build with Intel Pentium G4400 processor
• Zalman FX 70 cooler for effective passive cooling
• GIGABYTE GA-Z170M-D3H motherboard for features and affordability
• G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 2400MHz 16GB kit for sufficient memory capacity
• Mushkin ECO2 512GB SSD for fast access to media files
• Cooler Master N200 case with optimal airflow for passive cooling
• SeaSonic Platinum 660W power supply for high efficiency
• VisionTek CandyBoard and Rosewill Windows 7 Certified Media Center Edition infrared remote controller as HTPC accessories

FAQ

Q: Can I use the AMD gaming and streaming system for high-end gaming? A: While the AMD FX 8350 processor may not offer the same level of gaming performance as some Intel processors, it is capable of handling high-end games to a great extent. However, for the best gaming experience, it is recommended to consider higher-end Intel processors.

Q: Can I upgrade the budget Skylake silent passively cooled HTPC build to handle gaming in the future? A: Yes, the build is designed with an upgrade path in mind. By adding a dedicated graphics card, such as a GTX 970, the HTPC can be transformed into a capable gaming system.

Q: Are there alternative options for the PC cases suggested in the builds? A: Yes, there are alternative cases available that may suit individual preferences. The cases suggested by Paul provide good airflow and functionality for their respective builds, but feel free to explore other options that meet your specific requirements.