Building assistance (Note: If you have a part already, mark as purchased in the pcpartpicker list):

https://pcpartpicker.com/
http://www.logicalincrements.com/


When posting your build ALWAYS explain the purpose of the machine.

---------------------


Skylake Chipsets main differences:

Regular-

H110: Bare minimum - 6 PCIe 2.0 lanes - 4 S-ATA ports - PCIe Storage: 0 - 1 RAM slot per channel
H170: Regular chipset - 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes (supports Crossfire) - 6 S-ATA ports  - PCIe Storage: 2 - 2 RAM slots per channel
Z170: Required for OC - 20 PCIe 3.0 lanes (supports CF and SLI) - 6 S-ATA ports  - PCIe Storage: 3 - 2 RAM slots per channel

Business-
B150: 8 PCIe 3.0 lanes - 6 S-ATA ports  - PCIe Storage: 0 - 2 RAM slots per channel
Q150: 10 PCIe 3.0 lanes - 6 S-ATA ports  - PCIe Storage: 0 - 2 RAM slots per channel
Q170: 20 PCIe 3.0 lanes - 6 S-ATA ports  - PCIe Storage: 3 - 2 RAM slots per channel

Server-
C232: 8 PCIe 3.0 lanes (max 4x) - 6 S-ATA ports - ECC RAM support
C236: 20 PCIe 3.0 lanes (max 4x) - 8 S-ATA ports - ECC RAM support

Most often B150 is the best price/value. Always thoroughly check if the chipset fulfills your needs.


If you get a Skylake K CPU, you need the Z170 chipset. Never buy one without the other.


---------------------

Kaby Lake Chipsets main differences:

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/intel-200-series-chipsets,33305.html


---------------------

Don't skimp on your PSU, ever.

Safe PSUs:

Low end:
Be quiet! Pure Power L8
Be quiet! System Power 7

Mainstream:
Cooler Master GM
Antec VPF
Fractal Design Integra M
Super Flower Golden Green HX

High-End:
be quiet! Straight Power 10
Straight Power 10 CM
Seasonic G-series
XFX TS Gold
Antec True Power Classic
Enermax Revolution X't II
Cooler Master V

Enthousiast:
The more expensive versions of previous brands



---------------------

If you want an older system to feel fast and snappy again, get an SSD.


---------------------


Windows OEM Keys:

When you use an OEM key on your self build you violate the OEM System Builder license agreement. You must install the software using the OEM Preinstallation Kit and then resell the PC to a third party. If you install that software on your own PC, you don't have a "genuine" copy of Windows.

Reference:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/a/1/6a1647ee-3fc7-47f2-9afe-470ad5e5d856/oemsoftwarelicensingrulesandrestrictions.pdf