Building a Budget AM5 Gaming PC from AliExpress

Jul 21, 2024

Building a Budget AM5 Gaming PC from AliExpress

Introduction

  • Attempt to build the cheapest AM5 gaming PC using parts from AliExpress.
  • Process filled with challenges and setbacks.
  • Sponsored by Deep Cool's new CH160 case:
    • Mini ITX enclosure for large air coolers and thick graphics cards.
    • High airflow case for gaming with good temperatures.

Initial Unboxing

  • NVMe Drive: 250GB, $44 CAD, okay packaging.
  • CPU: Ryzen 5 7500F, no iGPU, $170 CAD, budget 6-core AM5 chip.
  • CPU Cooler: Ice 200 Pro, $10 CAD, comes with two heat pipes.
  • RAM: 16GB DDR5, $98 CAD, visually inspired but expensive.
  • Power Supply: Fake 600W with RGB fan, $40 CAD, dubious quality.
  • Motherboard: Gigabyte B650, $130 CAD, integrated rear I/O shield, no CMOS battery.
  • Graphics Card: RX 580 (AliExpress), $59 CAD + shipping ($132 CAD total).
  • Case: Golden Field, aesthetically matching other components.

Building the PC

  • Motherboard Features: Integrated I/O shield, no USB-C, Wi-Fi included, only two memory slots.
  • RAM Installation: Easy-to-use clips, simple and better design.
  • CPU Cooler Installation: Basic mounting process, satisfactory coordination in the build.
  • Power Supply Issues: Limited to 220V, solution: Step-up transformer, cable management challenges.
  • Graphics Card Issues: Initial RX 580 was defective, replacement required.

Troubleshooting

  • No Signal Issue:
    • Swap components to identify the problem.
    • Replaced defective RAM and graphics card.
    • Persistent driver issues with AliExpress RX 580.
  • Stable Setup:
    • Replacing components with known working parts (e.g. Patriot DDR5 RAM, another RX 580).

Performance and Tests

  • Basic Functionality: Managed to boot and install Windows.
  • Gaming Tests:
    • CS2: Initial crashing due to driver incompatibility.
    • Cyberpunk 2077: Decent performance at low settings, high CPU temperatures.
    • Doom Eternal: High frame rate, but visual issues and stutter.
    • General Esports titles performed well.
  • Benchmark Results:
    • Cinebench R20: Reasonable performance gap observed compared to higher-end CPUs.
    • CrystalDiskMark: SSD performance adequate but minimal.

Conclusion

  • AliExpress components led to mixed results:
    • Two components dead on arrival or shortly after.
    • Successful budget build produced mediocre to decent performance.
  • Final thoughts: Educational but troublesome project.

Miscellaneous

  • Sponsorship Reminder: Deep Cool's CH160 case for high airflow ITX builds.
  • Content Promotion: Suggests checking out other videos related to AM5 builds.