Unleashing the Power of AMD Ryzen 5 1600X - Affordable $1200 PC Build

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Horizon 5 1600 X CPU
3. The AMD Wraith Maxx Cooler
4. The MSI B350 Tomahawk Motherboard
5. The G.Skill Aegis DDR4 RAM
6. The MSI RX 488 Gigabyte GPU
7. The be quiet! Pure Base 600 Chassis
8. The be quiet! Straight Power 10 600W PSU
9. The SanDisk Ultra 2 SSD
10. Performance testing and Conclusion

The Rise of the Horizon 5: Unveiling AMD's 1600 X CPU

🚀 Introduction

In this article, we are going to delve into the world of PC builds and explore the rise of the Horizon 5 featuring the AMD 1600 X CPU. This highly anticipated CPU is set to hit the market on April 11th, 2017, offering incredible performance at an affordable price. While we won't be able to discuss specific performance numbers just yet, we can still have some fun exploring the various components of this supercharged system. So, let's dive in and see what the Horizon 5 has to offer!

🔥 The Horizon 5 1600 X CPU

The centerpiece of the Horizon 5 build is the AMD 1600 X CPU. With 6 cores and 12 Threads, this CPU packs a powerful punch. Running at a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and an advertised XFR boost of 4 GHz on a single core, the 1600 X is designed to handle even the most demanding tasks. What's more, it comes with a TDP of 95 watts, making it an energy-efficient choice for gamers and content creators alike. With an enticing price tag of just $249, the 1600 X offers a winning combination of performance and affordability.

✨ The AMD Wraith Maxx Cooler

To keep the Horizon 5 running cool and quiet, we opted to use the AMD Wraith Maxx cooler. Not only does this cooler boast a stunning RGB lighting system, but it also helps keep costs down by eliminating the need for an additional CPU cooler. With its sleek design and efficient cooling capabilities, the Wraith Maxx is a perfect match for the Horizon 5 build.

🏰 The MSI B350 Tomahawk Motherboard

In terms of motherboards, the MSI B350 Tomahawk is a standout choice for the Horizon 5 build. Priced at just $110 on Amazon, this motherboard offers excellent price-to-performance value. It provides overclocking capabilities without any restrictions, making it ideal for enthusiasts looking to push their system to the limits. The sleek design of the B350 Tomahawk is complemented by red LEDs, which can be controlled or disabled using the included software. However, it is worth noting that some users have reported long load times for entering the BIOS, which may be addressed in future updates.

💪 The G.Skill Aegis DDR4 RAM

When it comes to memory, the Horizon 5 build utilizes the G.Skill Aegis DDR4 RAM. With a capacity of 16 gigabytes and a speed of 3200 megahertz, this RAM kit ensures smooth and efficient multitasking. Although the RGB lighting on the RAM dims doesn't seem to be working at the moment, the primary focus remains on testing the Horizon 5's performance, where the G.Skill Aegis shines. Priced at a reasonable $149, this memory kit strikes a perfect balance between price and performance.

🎮 The MSI RX 488 Gigabyte GPU

For graphics processing power, the Horizon 5 relies on the MSI RX 488 Gigabyte GPU. With its beastly performance and competitive price point of $260 on Amazon, this GPU is a force to be reckoned with. The RX 488 has been put through its paces in battles against the NVIDIA GTX 1060, and when it comes to DirectX 12 titles, it truly shines. Stay tuned for our full benchmark testing once we are permitted to release the results for the Horizon 5.

💼 The be quiet! Pure Base 600 Chassis

The Horizon 5 build finds a home in the be quiet! Pure Base 600 chassis. Priced at $89 for the all-black model without a windowed side panel, this budget-oriented case does not compromise on quality. While it may lack features like Rubber grommet cutouts for cable management, some zip ties can keep everything tidy on the backside. The case's sound dampening qualities are put to the test with 100% load on the CPU and GPU, demonstrating its effectiveness in minimizing noise.

⚡ The be quiet! Straight Power 10 600W PSU

To ensure a reliable power supply for the Horizon 5, we turned to the be quiet! Straight Power 10 600W PSU. Rated at 80 Plus Gold, this semi-modular PSU provides a strong and stable power source for the system. Priced at just $99, it strikes a balance between affordability and performance, while its 600-watt capacity ensures sufficient power for all components.

💾 The SanDisk Ultra 2 SSD

The Horizon 5 build relies on the SanDisk Ultra 2 SSD for storage. With a capacity of 960 gigabytes, this SSD offers ample space for all your gaming and multimedia needs. While it may not be the fastest SSD on the market, it strikes a good balance between price and performance. Priced at $260, it provides a competitive option for those seeking high-speed storage. However, for those on a tighter budget, opting for an 80-gigabyte model paired with a one terabyte mechanical drive could be a cost-saving alternative.

⚙️ Performance Testing and Conclusion

While we eagerly await the NDA lift to provide performance numbers for the Horizon 5, we encourage you to share your suggestions and requests for specific tests in the comments. We will be actively listening and taking note of what you want to see in our comprehensive performance testing. From gaming benchmarks to temperature and overclocking analysis, we aim to deliver a holistic evaluation of the Horizon 5 build. Stay tuned for our upcoming article where we unleash the true power of the AMD 1600 X CPU!

Highlights

• The Horizon 5 build features AMD's powerful 1600 X CPU, offering 6 cores and 12 threads at an affordable price of $249.
• The AMD Wraith Maxx cooler keeps the system cool and quiet while adding a touch of RGB lighting to the build.
• The MSI B350 Tomahawk motherboard provides excellent price-to-performance value and unrestricted overclocking capabilities.
• The G.Skill Aegis DDR4 RAM ensures smooth multitasking with its 16GB capacity and 3200MHz speed.
• The MSI RX 488 Gigabyte GPU delivers impressive performance at a competitive price point of $260.
• The be quiet! Pure Base 600 chassis offers a budget-oriented option with effective sound dampening.
• The be quiet! Straight Power 10 600W PSU provides reliable and stable power for the system at an affordable price of $99.
• The SanDisk Ultra 2 SSD offers ample storage capacity at 960GB, striking a balance between price and performance.

FAQ

Q: Can the AMD 1600 X CPU be overclocked? A: Yes, the AMD 1600 X CPU can be overclocked for even higher performance.

Q: Does the MSI B350 Tomahawk motherboard have RGB lighting? A: No, the MSI B350 Tomahawk motherboard does not have built-in RGB lighting, but it features red LEDs that can be controlled or disabled using the included software.

Q: Is the Horizon 5 build compatible with VR gaming? A: Absolutely! The Horizon 5 build, with its powerful components, is well-equipped for an immersive VR gaming experience.

Q: Can I upgrade the storage in the Horizon 5 build? A: Yes, the Horizon 5 build allows for easy storage upgrades. You can add additional SSDs or mechanical drives to suit your needs.

Q: Does the be quiet! Pure Base 600 chassis have good cable management options? A: While the be quiet! Pure Base 600 chassis lacks rubber grommet cutouts, with some zip ties, cable management can be kept tidy on the backside.

Q: What are the Dimensions of the be quiet! Pure Base 600 chassis? A: The be quiet! Pure Base 600 chassis has dimensions of 492mm x 231mm x 495mm (H x W x D).