Images are for reference only. Refer to the linked store for actual product images.For a desk used mainly for documents, browsing and lighter games, the Ryzen 5 5600GT lets you start without a separate graphics card. The two-stick 16 GB kit keeps memory modest; the 500 GB SSD is the first capacity to check against your files. Moving to AM5 later would also mean replacing the board and DDR4 memory. Budget is a planning target, not a retailer quote. Image is an illustration.
Based on selected hardware and published requirements
The CS2 video-memory requirement still needs verification.
Integrated graphics share system memory. Do not count system RAM as dedicated VRAM.
These two checks use Valve’s Windows minimum requirements. They do not establish frame rate, preferred settings or support for another game.
Capacity references only · meeting these is not a performance score or full application approval.
| Recorded hardware | This build | Reference | Capacity check |
|---|---|---|---|
| System memory | 16 GB | 8 GBCS2 minimum RAM | Reference met |
| Dedicated video memory | Not verified | 1 GBCS2 minimum video memory | Not verified |
This changes the comparison advice below. Valve’s minimum memory requirements stay the same.
Verify the exact graphics configuration against Valve’s requirements before deciding whether a separate card is needed.
Compare game tests and graphics requirementsCS2 official requirements ↗References checked: 2026-10-17
Choose this list for an everyday desktop when you want to start without a separate graphics card. It keeps the initial purchase to an AM4 platform, 16 GB of memory and a 500 GB SSD. It is also worth examining when you already own compatible DDR4; record your exact existing kit before removing the listed memory from the purchase.
When to consider another list. Start with a different list if a required application needs a discrete GPU from day one, or if keeping the motherboard for a later AM5 CPU is part of your plan. This B550 board and its DDR4 cannot make that AM5 move.
The 5600GT supplies the display engine, so the first build does not need a discrete GPU or its power cabling. Connect the display to the motherboard. If you already own a suitable graphics card, reconsider whether integrated graphics is a requirement before choosing this CPU.
The memory kit is two 8 GB modules, 16 GB total. Its DDR4-3200 figure is an XMP profile; the default is DDR4-2400. Boot successfully at default settings before trying the profile. A capacity shortage and a profile-setting problem call for different fixes.
The Q300L keeps the enclosure to a micro-ATX layout. The Assassin X heatsink is 148 mm against the case's 159 mm cooler limit, leaving 11 mm nominal height allowance. Keep the fan in its intended position; a taller replacement cooler needs a new combined fan, memory and side-panel check.
Choose a larger first SSD and install it in M2_1. If keeping the 500 GB drive and adding another M.2 later, account for M2_2's Gen3 x2 connection and its shared SATA ports 5 and 6.
Keep the CPU and graphics plan when storage space is the problem; adding a graphics card does not create file space.
Choose the exact GPU first, then check its power inputs, manufacturer PSU guidance and dimensions against the A550BN and Q300L. Include any PSU or cooling change in the same plan.
Retain the board, RAM and SSD where the new workload permits. Do not replace the whole platform solely to add a graphics card.
Compare the AM5 integrated-graphics starter now, including its board and DDR5 kit. The AM4-to-AM5 transition replaces those three platform components together.
A compatible SSD, case and PSU may carry over, but verify the new layout and power requirements instead of counting them as automatic savings.
Make the first change answer a named shortage: more storage for a full drive, more memory for a repeatedly memory-limited workload, or a discrete GPU for a graphics requirement. Recheck the altered parts together, while keeping the components that still meet the task.
Manufacturer documents, checked against the original parts list. These are not assembly or benchmark results.
Ryzen 5 5600GT (100-000001488) + B550M Pro4
ASRock's exact CPU support row names P3.20 for this combination.
Build decision: Ask the seller to confirm a suitable installed BIOS or arrange the update before assembly.
Still to check: The shipped BIOS has not been read. A supported CPU entry does not establish that old stock boots this CPU out of the box.
Document review:Kingston KF432C16BBK2/16
16 GB total: two 8 GB modules. DDR4-3200 is an XMP profile; default SPD is DDR4-2400.
Build decision: Count this as 16 GB, not 32 GB. Establish a stable default boot before applying XMP.
Still to check: The exact board firmware, memory training and stability of the purchased kit remain untested.
Document review:ASRock B550M Pro4
M2_2 is limited to Gen3 x2 and shares lanes with SATA3_5_6. M2_1 has the wider CPU connection.
Build decision: Start with M2_1. Before adding a second M.2 drive, move any SATA drive using ports 5 or 6 to an available independent port.
Still to check: M2_1 link generation depends on the CPU; this check does not promise a measured SSD transfer rate.
Document review:Assassin X 120 Refined SE + MasterBox Q300L
148 mm heatsink; 159 mm case cooler limit: 11 mm nominal difference.
Build decision: Use the standard fan position as the starting layout. Do not spend the entire nominal margin by raising the fan.
Still to check: This compares published dimensions only; fan clips, memory interference, mounting kit and closed-panel clearance still need inspection.
Document review:This is an editorial parts-list explanation. The planning target is not a current retailer total, and this configuration has not been benchmarked by RigAtlas.
Each comparison includes a model in this list. Check what the alternative would solve and which other parts would need to change.