Upgrade Your PC with an Intel Core i5 Processor
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Specs of the PC Build
- The Intel Core i5 Processor
- The ASRock Z170 Pro4 Motherboard
- The Graphics Card Choice: ZOTAC NVIDIA GTX 960
- Kingston SSD and WD Caviar Blue Hard Drive
- The Paint Job on the Fans
- The NZXT S340 Case
- Performance Comparison: i3 vs. i5
- Conclusion
Building a Powerful PC with the Intel Core i5 Processor
Are you in the market for a new PC build? If so, you might be interested in the specifications of a PC that I recently completed using the Intel Core i5 processor. In this article, I'll be sharing all the details about the components I chose and why I made those decisions. So, let's dive right in and explore the world of PC building with the Intel Core i5.
1. Introduction
Building a PC can be an exciting project, especially when you want to ensure top-notch performance. The choice of components plays a crucial role in achieving the desired outcome. In this PC build, I decided to go with the Intel Core i5 processor, which offers a significant upgrade from the budget-friendly Intel Core i3. Let's discuss the specifications and reasoning behind each component selection.
2. Specs of the PC Build
Before we delve into the individual components, let's take a look at the overall specifications of the PC build:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 6400
- Motherboard: ASRock Z170 Pro4
- Graphics Card: ZOTAC NVIDIA GTX 960 4GB
- RAM: PNY Anarchy DDR4 2400MHz (8GB)
- Storage: Kingston SSD (120GB) + WD Caviar Blue Hard Drive (320GB)
- Case: NZXT S340
Now that we have an overview let's explore each component in detail.
3. The Intel Core i5 Processor
In this PC build, I made the decision to invest in the Intel Core i5 6400 processor. Upgrading from the Intel Core i3, I wanted to experience the power of a true quad-core processor. While the i3 provides great value for money, the i5 seemed worth the extra investment. Since I didn't plan on overclocking, I chose the non-K version to save some money. Surprisingly, even with the stock cooler, the i5 6400 was stable at 4GHz, delivering excellent performance.
Pros:
- True quad-core performance
- Stable at 4GHz with stock cooler
Cons:
4. The ASRock Z170 Pro4 Motherboard
For this PC build, I opted for the ASRock Z170 Pro4 motherboard. This motherboard offers impressive features such as 5.1 surround sound and AMD Crossfire support. Having used this motherboard in the past, I knew it would be reliable and provide all the necessary functionalities for this build.
5. The Graphics Card Choice: ZOTAC NVIDIA GTX 960
Breaking away from my usual preference for budget-oriented AMD graphics cards, I decided to try something different. In this build, I selected the ZOTAC NVIDIA GTX 960 4GB graphics card. To my surprise, it performed exceptionally well, often matching or even surpassing the performance of the previous AMD R9 380. Stay tuned for a future video where I showcase the gaming performance and compare it to the R9 380.
Pros:
- Impressive gaming performance
- Surpasses expectations compared to the AMD R9 380
6. Kingston SSD and WD Caviar Blue Hard Drive
To ensure fast boot times and smooth operation, I included a Kingston SSD as a boot drive. With just 120GB, it proves to be sufficient for the operating system and essential applications. Additionally, I incorporated a WD Caviar Blue 320GB hard drive, which has served me reliably in the past. This allows me to keep all my games and data intact, without the hassle of reinstalling everything.
Pros:
- Fast boot times with Kingston SSD
- Reliable storage with WD Caviar Blue
7. The Paint Job on the Fans
In this build, I took the opportunity to add a creative touch by painting the fans. Using the same Plasti Dip process as before, I coated the stock Intel fan, including the blades. Surprisingly, the painted blades still turn smoothly, without any noticeable drag or clicking noises. While the painting on the NZXT fans came out a little rustic, it offers a unique contrast to the black glossy finish of the NZXT S340 case.
8. The NZXT S340 Case
Speaking of the case, the NZXT S340 is a beauty to behold. Its sleek gray design, paired with a large window, allows for a captivating view of the components inside. I am particularly fond of the white and black color scheme, which adds a stylish touch to the overall build. The case offers ample space for cable management, making the build process effortless.
Pros:
- Sleek and stylish design
- Spacious for easy cable management
9. Performance Comparison: i3 vs. i5
Having made the switch from the Intel Core i3 to the Intel Core i5 processor, it's worth discussing the notable performance improvement. While it's challenging to quantify the exact gains, it's safe to say that the Intel Core i5 outperforms its i3 counterpart, especially in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, the PC build featuring the Intel Core i5 processor has been a success. The added power and performance are noticeable, making it a worthy investment for those seeking an upgrade from the i3. Combining the i5 with the ASRock Z170 Pro4 motherboard, the ZOTAC GTX 960 graphics card, and other carefully selected components has resulted in a top-notch PC build.
Get ready to explore the world of gaming and productivity with the Intel Core i5 processor. Say goodbye to compromises and enjoy a smooth computing experience.
Highlights
- Upgraded from the Intel Core i3 to the Intel Core i5 for enhanced performance.
- Utilized the ASRock Z170 Pro4 motherboard for reliable functionality.
- Surprisingly impressive performance from the ZOTAC NVIDIA GTX 960 4GB graphics card.
- Boosted boot times with the Kingston SSD and kept Game data intact with the WD Caviar Blue hard drive.
- Added a touch of creativity by painting the fans for a unique aesthetic.
- The NZXT S340 case offers a sleek design and spacious interior for easy cable management.
- Notable performance improvement when comparing the i3 and i5 processors.
- Overall, a successful PC build with enhanced power and performance.
FAQ
Q: Can I overclock the Intel Core i5 6400 processor?
A: No, the i5 6400 is a non-K version, which means it cannot be overclocked. However, it still offers excellent performance even at stock speeds.
Q: How does the ZOTAC NVIDIA GTX 960 4GB graphics card compare to the AMD R9 380?
A: Surprisingly, the ZOTAC GTX 960 often matches or even surpasses the performance of the AMD R9 380. Detailed comparison and gaming performance will be showcased in a future video.
Q: Is the NZXT S340 case suitable for cable management?
A: Yes, the NZXT S340 case provides ample space for cable management, making it easy to keep your build tidy and organized.
Q: Should I upgrade from an Intel Core i3 to an Intel Core i5?
A: If you're looking for a significant performance boost, upgrading to an Intel Core i5 is recommended. The i5 offers a true quad-core experience and improved overall performance.
Q: How much does the Kingston SSD cost?
A: The Kingston SSD used in this PC build is a 120GB model and can be purchased for approximately $40, offering excellent value for improved boot times.
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