AH 3 draft puter build...best bang for the $?

[DaddyAce]

Being only a sometimes gamer, and with AH3 my only game of interest, I'm looking at building a new machine to run AH3 that can take advantage of the eye candy potential.   My goal is to build a quality machine, and to hit the "sweet spot" between getting best performance for the $.  So combining ideas from some of you, my computer engineer son and his web site (logicalincrements.com), this is what I've got so far:

GPU:  leaning towards 6 GB GTX 1060, but still considering 3 GB GTX 1060 and the GTX 1070
CPU:  Considering I3 6100, I3 6300, or I5 6400
CPU fan:  Cryorig M9i
Motherboard:  MSI B150 Gaming
RAM:  8 GB DDR4
Power Supply:  EVGA G1 650W
Case:  Phanteks Enthoo Pro case

Currently using an old Chimei CMV 221D monitor, and may upgrade soon to a 1440p monitor....

Comments, thoughts, suggestions appreciated, thanks!

DaddyAce

[Latrobe]

Looks like a nice build 

If you really wanted to go hardcore on saving as much money as possible then the 3GB version of the 1060 should be enough for AH3. In my testing of maxing out AH3 graphics (full EM included) I maxed around 2.2GB of VRAM. This was on a 1080p monitor though and not a 1440p as you may upgrade to, so I don't know what kind of numbers you'd be looking at there but if you turned the EM option down (or off) then I think you'd be fine still with 3GB. The game also uses very little CPU. I turned off 3 of my 4 cores and disabled hyperthreading and I still ran the game at max setting over 60FPS, so any one of those CPUs should be fine. You could also save a bit with a different case choice but that's just me. I just personally never really felt a need for a case that costs more than $50. If you like the case or wanted it for a specific need then go for it 

[DaddyAce]

Thanks for the helpful info Latrobe!

I really did not inititally intend to go with a $90 case, but the Enthoo Pro has some features I find really appealing, including the 4 USB ports up front that work well with my current office space arrangement.  I also want to keep my DVD drive, and my son favors no longer provide bays for them as does the Enthoo Pro.