Reddit mentions of Microsoft Windows 10 Home USB Flash Drive [Old Version]

You can buy USB sticks with a Windows setup already installed on them.

The 'devil' is most likely Microsoft who is supplying the USB stick.

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

As configured by you (i7, 3TB HD, 4GB video card), the cost comes to $3099.00. I added in 16GB of memory over the stock 8 since that's pretty much standard for most builds, anymore.

5k Dell Monitor: $1,439.99

Retail i7-4790: $307.00

Gigabyte GA-Z97-HD3 Motherboard: $102.95

Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB Kit: $66.99

Corsair Carbide SPEC-01 Mid Tower Case: $48.99

Silverstone Tek 500W 80+ Gold PSU: $79.99

EVGA GeForce GTX 960 4GB Video Card: $229.99

CM Storm Devastator KB/Mouse Combo: $29.99

Total Cost: $2305.89

Video card was a bit of a toughie since the iMac uses a notebook GPU, so I went with something a bit faster, but comparable. This is a complete system with comparable to better specs.

Given the price difference, may as well go with a 980Ti for that extra graphics oomph or tack on some water cooling.

Edit: Woops! Forgot storage and OS!

WD Blue 3TB HD: $98.70

Samsung 850 EVO 120GB (configured as cache drive): $66.99

Windows 10 Home: $119.00

Revised Total: $2590.58. Still cheaper and could still sub out the 960 for a 980Ti and be under cost.

USB ..microsoft even sells windows on usb now. can confirm, just installed on a new diskless gaming rig

You're not going to get extremely great FPS or future proofing out of it for $750. You could probably multisite to save a few bucks here and there and find some bundles, but I went with Amazon. Really depends if you'd prefer convenience or wouldn't mind shopping from multiple places to compile everything. This should be an acceptable rig for everything you're looking for.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD - Ryzen 3 1200 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor | $108.99 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler | Cooler Master - Hyper T2 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler | $16.99 @ Amazon
Motherboard | MSI - B350M PRO-VDH Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard | $71.99 @ Amazon
Memory | PNY - Anarchy 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory | $124.99 @ Amazon
Storage | Seagate - FireCuda 1TB 2.5" 5400RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive | $55.99 @ Amazon
Video Card | Zotac - GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Mini Video Card | $144.99 @ Amazon
Case | Rosewill - Galaxy-02 ATX Mid Tower Case | $42.49 @ Amazon
Power Supply | Rosewill - 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply | $69.99 @ Amazon
Optical Drive | Lite-On - iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer | $17.69 @ Amazon
Operating System | Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit |$109.98
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $761.09

getchasum
https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

when i built my first pc this past september, i just bought a windows key that comes as a flash drive.

i probably wasted money, but here it is if interested, worked easy;

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01019T6O0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The PC you used to create the Win10 media has absolutely nothing to do with the other PC.


Yes, you can use the media to clean install, but the OS won't be activated once you're done. If this is a newly built PC with no prior OS, you must properly license it-- you need to buy a copy of Windows 10.


You can choose the OEM or Full copy. There's a difference of $25 between the two types of licenses; the difference is that per the licensing terms, OEM licenses are legally bound to a single piece of hardware and are not transferable to new machines. The Full license(the boxed copy), however, legally lets you move the license from one machine to another. So if you build another PC down the road, or change the motherboard in your current one, you can re-use that copy on the new machine and still be in compliance with Microsoft licensing. People often re-use OEM keys elsewhere anyway(they usually have a few grace activations), but it's technically against the OEM license terms to do so, thus they're not fully in compliance of Microsoft licensing despite having an activated OS.



http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-System-Builder/dp/B00ZSI7Y3U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452416059&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+10



http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452416059&sr=8-2&keywords=windows+10

For a first build, not bad. However, there are still changes to be made.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor | $197.43 @ OutletPC
Motherboard | MSI - B350 PC MATE ATX AM4 Motherboard | $86.98 @ Newegg
Memory | G.Skill - Trident Z RGB 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory | $152.99 @ Newegg
Storage | SanDisk - Ultra II 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $84.99 @ Amazon
Storage | Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $66.89 @ OutletPC
Video Card | MSI - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB GT OCV1 Video Card | $264.98 @ Newegg
Case | Phanteks - ECLIPSE P400 TEMPERED GLASS ATX Mid Tower Case | $69.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply | Corsair - CXM 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply | $59.99 @ Amazon
Case Fan | be quiet! - SilentWings 3 PWM 50.5 CFM 120mm Fan | $19.89 @ SuperBiiz
Case Fan | be quiet! - SilentWings 3 PWM 50.5 CFM 120mm Fan | $19.89 @ SuperBiiz
Monitor | Acer - H236HLbid 23.0" 1920x1080 60Hz Monitor | $109.99 @ Newegg
Keyboard | Hcman - Hcman H01 Wired Gaming Keyboard | $49.99 @ Amazon
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1184.00
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-08-24 01:30 EDT-0400 |

Changes

Swapped motherboards from black and red to neutral all black. Though this change is mostly aesthetic, the PC Mate mobo is still very solid. Both are, really, so that just comes down to preference.

Swapped SSDs. You had a 32GB SSD and I put in a 240GB SSD.

Swapped video cards to the 1060. The RX 580 has been sold out for so long that I can't even remember the last time I saw one online or in person.

Swapped cases to the black version with tempered glass just cause it looks a bit nicer and comes with an LED strip that syncs the color up to the power button.

Changed PSUs to have 100 more watts, just to be safe.

Removed Windows 10 cause you can get it here. Bit more expensive, but Amazon is more reputable of a seller.

Changed case fan to not use Molex adapter, added in a second one for better airflow, and made them black to blend with the case more.

Changed monitor to spend a bit less. Freesync is an Radeon card thing and you have a NVIDA GTX card so it was not too useful.

Amazon and Newegg seems to think otherwise.

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832588528&cm_re=windows_10-_-32-588-528-_-Product

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01019T6O0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1467015598&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=windows+10&dpPl=1&dpID=410meTV0GPL&ref=plSrch

Also as a side note: You can order just the (license) key and you would make your own USB Thumb drive using the Microsoft Create Windows 10 installation media:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10


Or you can order Windows 10 that comes on a USB Thumb drive already (where as they use to come on DVD)

like here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01019T6O0

but that USB will have whatever build was out at the time.. To me it is better to just make your own current Windows 10 version with the MediaCreationTool1803.exe from the Microsoft website..

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

Hope that's not for my region, but they should be easy to spot if you search them

You can also just buy Window 10 on a USB stick.

Windows 10 USB on Amazon

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(Sorry, I'm a dick)

Amazon USB or Amazon CD, both of which come with product codes. Or you can just buy it off of the official Windows 10 store. Go to Activation in the settings

The power supply should come with all the all the cables you need.

Amazon sells windows that is pre installed on a USB

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-nmvyb7B4WKAH

I probably would've just gotten an R5 1600 and not gotten an aftermarket CPU cooler. Also you can order a flash drive that already has Windows 10 on it. Other than that, doesn't look too bad.

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1478285844&sr=8-2&keywords=windows

Microsoft Windows 10 Home USB Flash Drive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2sLlzb7G5YZQ8 np billy

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

Google is easy, man.

Just buy it from newegg, I think it's 89 bucks for non-oem

Edit: Im dumb, Here it is

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_3?s=software&ie=UTF8&qid=1498163117&sr=1-3&keywords=windows+10

Sold by Microsoft on Amazon, you can get it cheaply or legitimately and due to the rules of the subreddit I can only recommend getting it legitimately

Oh yeah, USB! and it's faster too. You can purchase Windows 10 on a USB drive instead of traditional media or you can download the installer and put it on a USB stick you already own for free! In the latter, you'll still want to purchase a license, either just the key or the CD you already have in your list.

Micro

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor | $197.99 @ SuperBiiz
Motherboard | Gigabyte GA-B150M-D3H-GSM Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard | $64.99 @ Amazon
Memory | PNY Anarchy 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory | $27.99 @ Amazon
Storage | OCZ TRION 150 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $49.99 @ Newegg
Storage | Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $47.49 @ OutletPC
Case | Antec P50 MicroATX Mini Tower Case | $29.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply | EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply | $39.98 @ Newegg
Other| AMD R9 480| $200.00
Other| Windows 10 Home USB| $119.00
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $817.42
| Mail-in rebates | -$40.00
| Total | $777.42
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-06-24 20:58 EDT-0400 |

Mini

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor | $197.99 @ SuperBiiz
Motherboard | ASRock H110M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard | $67.99 @ SuperBiiz
Memory | PNY Anarchy 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory | $27.99 @ Amazon
Storage | OCZ TRION 150 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $49.99 @ Newegg
Case | Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case | $84.99 @ Directron
Power Supply | EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply | $39.98 @ Newegg
Other| AMD R9 480| $200.00
Other| Windows 10 Home USB| $119.00
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $807.93
| Mail-in rebates | -$20.00
| Total | $787.93
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-06-24 21:01 EDT-0400 |

Amazon Windows 10 USB: https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/

Yes.

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

You can buy the OS on a USB stick, or make your own bootable USB Windows installer with an empty >4GB USB stick.

No problem. Quick reminder that the Windows 10 license you're ordering is on a DVD but you don't have an optical drive. You can order a Windows 10 license pre-installed on a USB here.

If you have another PC that you can use to make your own USB you can purchase a downloadable version here. There are several free tools you can use to do it this way & it's cheaper but it's up to you. Either way you won't run into any issues running the OS once everything is built.

Good luck with the build man, hope all goes well :)

Nope! USB is the preferred way to go these days for most people. I believe the minimum is 4GB, but just be warned it will format whatever drive you use so make sure you back your files up.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/

You could alternatively just buy a USB with it already loaded like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

Thank you for the reply!

Thanks for the info on the CPU cooler, since I'm going to be staying with the i7 6700K would it be smarter to get a water cooler? Two Cryorig coolers are standing out to me, either the air cooler H5 Universal http://pcpartpicker.com/product/jK8H99/cryorig-cpu-cooler-h5universal or the water/hybrid Cryorig A40 http://pcpartpicker.com/product/kbhj4D/cryorig-cpu-cooler-a40 I'm curious about what would be most necessary for keeping everything cool.

Thanks for the heads up on the OS key, I didn't know that was a thing when purchasing OS keys. Would going with this one from Microsoft be a safe option? https://amzn.com/B01019T6O0 Would I be able to deactivate and reactivate it to use on a different computer if need be?

You've got me interested in a power line adapter now, I'm just looking for a short term solution until I'm able to run a line to where my computer is. Are there any power line adapters in particular that you recommend?

I'm planning on bumping up the PSU to a 750, would that be enough for upgrades in the future or would an 850 be a better option? I'm already pushing my upgrade limit right now so something really beefy would be a little farther in the future. A 1070 is plenty of power for me for a little while. (I think).

Thank you for the time you put into responding to me, I really do appreciate it.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor | $241.98 @ Newegg
CPU Cooler | Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler | $29.49 @ SuperBiiz
Motherboard | Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard | $100.91 @ Newegg
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory | $66.99 @ Newegg
Storage | PNY CS1311 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $39.99 @ Amazon
Storage | Samsung 850 EVO-Series 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $314.84 @ Amazon
Storage | Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $66.89 @ OutletPC
Video Card | Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 8GB G1 Gaming Video Card | $419.99 @ SuperBiiz
Case | Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case | $159.99 @ B&H
Power Supply | EVGA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply | $74.49 @ SuperBiiz
Operating System | Microsoft Windows 10 Home Full 32/64-bit | $119.99 @ B&H
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1620.55
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-17 17:05 EDT-0400 |

Build Link: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/hMs7WX

I made it better -- I think.

Motherboard:

Changed it to a Z97 motherboard because some, if not all, z87 motherboards needs a BIOS update before it can use Haswell Refresh CPUs like the one you picked.

RAM:

Changed the RAM you had to a 16 GB one because a 32 GB RAM is overkill for gaming. Most games don't need more than 8 GB of RAM. Once games start demanding more RAM then that's when you upgrade your RAM. However, a 16 GB RAM should fit your needs for now.

SSD:

Added a 120 GB SSD for your OS.

HDD:

Added a 2 GB HDD for your other personal files because the more you write data you write to your SSD, the more slower it gets. You will want to fill that 1 TB SSD with only games.

Power Supply:

Changed the power supply you had to this 650W power supply. This one is cheaper but provides more power. This power supply should power up this build really well.

Optical Drive:

Removed the optical drive for the reason below.

OS:

Windows 10 Home. You can order it from Amazon or Best Buy. It comes in a USB drive which eliminates the need for an optical drive. You can also order it from the online store mentioned by pcpartpicker.

You need to set the boot priority in the BIOS to the USB driver to install this OS. You probably knew that already though.

Notes:

About monitor resolutions, you can watch this video to learn more about them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHCGKo8c8xc

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01019T6O0?keywords=windows%2010%20home&qid=1450927990&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2

Thanks for all your help, i am going off your build here for the most part. I changed up the case to get it off Amazon so I can get it in time. This is what I am looking at: Thermaltake Commander


And if possible I would like to upgrade to the CPU a bit. Depending on how much more the upgrade is. I would not consider downgrading the GPU. I'd rather put up the extra money now than a bunch more a year from now.

EDIT: Found this 4690 and this Flash version of 10

Here, try this

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/VnKrbj

managed to fit a 1060, faster hard drive, more efficient PSU, slightly cheaper windows 10 from amazon, and a cheaper case (but this one can change based on your preferences)

*edit: link to windows 10 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01019T6O0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you are buying a windows USB like this https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01019T6O0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 then no don't format the USB.

This is the list from the post. He bought the suggested parts.

Published on Jul 5, 2019

Gaming Benchmarks & Prices for this PC: https://youtu.be/L8hmFm_Z2NM Here is my step by step tutorial on how to build my $600 Spark V2 gaming PC! Links to parts, tools, and resources are below. How to install drivers on this PC: https://youtu.be/uDHeIx9CNxA How to install windows on this PC: https://youtu.be/AfC5ViBiRQM Social Media: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/scattervolt DISCORD: https://scattervolt.com/discord TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcAranibar ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parts List: Buy the CPU here: US: https://amzn.to/2RLpfGS UK: https://amzn.to/2IZGktR CA: https://amzn.to/2Xe48mu EU: https://amzn.to/2FINgcH Buy the CPU Cooler here: (optional) US: https://amzn.to/2NmbjVh UK: https://amzn.to/2YpAib8 CA: https://amzn.to/2LuP2BR EU: N/A Buy the MOTHERBOARD here: US: https://amzn.to/2Xa6VZb UK: https://amzn.to/2FJUYU1 CA: https://amzn.to/2NxkQJk (ATX version, cheaper) EU: https://amzn.to/2xjq00m Buy the RAM here: (different brand, same specs) US: https://amzn.to/2LzikiK UK: https://amzn.to/2IXjWkW CA: https://amzn.to/2JjrtJN (single stick, still 8GB) EU: https://amzn.to/2YjTgA8 (2800mhz, still fast though) Buy the GPU here: US: https://amzn.to/2ZXbCal (different model, cheaper) UK: https://amzn.to/2xmm3Z2 CA: https://amzn.to/2RLlVLI EU: https://amzn.to/2JgfXyG (different model, cheaper) Buy the SSD here: US: https://amzn.to/2Ls5ClV UK: https://amzn.to/2XftxY6 CA: https://amzn.to/2RQ59ve EU: https://amzn.to/2xlJstn Buy the PSU here: US: https://amzn.to/2XEqgWp UK: https://amzn.to/2xrGu6x CA: https://amzn.to/2XJW9gi EU: https://amzn.to/2XeVHlW Buy the CASE here: US: https://amzn.to/2XEwuWm UK: https://amzn.to/2xvOTpX CA: https://amzn.to/2NpVKMe EU: https://amzn.to/2IYym44 (Optional) RGB case fans: US: https://amzn.to/2XhH7z4 UK: https://amzn.to/2LsQmW9 CA: https://amzn.to/2XgfNMX EU: https://amzn.to/2J2T82u ---------------------------------------------------------------- PC Upgrades: If you have $25 More to Spend: (SSD Upgrade) US: https://amzn.to/2Nxsvaa UK: https://amzn.to/2Lzj8Ei CA: https://amzn.to/2RONZy6 EU: https://amzn.to/2LptJlc If you have $75 More to Spend: (CPU Upgrade) US: https://amzn.to/2XhOou4 UK: https://amzn.to/2FCNzpB CA: https://amzn.to/2XBPkxr EU: https://amzn.to/2XimLWs -------------------------------------------------------------------- PC Accessories/Building Tools: Handy Magnetic Screw Driver Kit: US: http://amzn.to/2Fdh03o UK: http://amzn.to/2FWsndf CA: http://amzn.to/2FROG3u DE: N/A Bios Speaker (for troubleshooting): US: http://amzn.to/2FokCi6 UK: http://amzn.to/2FokKOC CA: http://amzn.to/2oK2DsU DE: http://amzn.to/2FTLSmv USB Wifi Adapter: (For a wireless connection) US: https://amzn.to/2WsrqE3 UK: https://amzn.to/2JNrNDp CA: https://amzn.to/2M8FXk9 EU: https://amzn.to/2VVLEl8 PCI Card Wifi Adapter: (For a faster wireless connection) US: https://amzn.to/2XCtslr UK: https://amzn.to/2IYnnrw CA: https://amzn.to/2ZXccVz EU: https://amzn.to/2FHN65u Cat7 Ethernet Cable: (For a wired connection, fastest, plug into router) US: https://amzn.to/2W9dShq UK: https://amzn.to/2MfphaM CA: https://amzn.to/2W4XNt0 EU: https://amzn.to/2JK1DkP Windows 10 Home: US: https://amzn.to/2EByu7c UK: https://amzn.to/2HEIIWj CA: https://amzn.to/2YRlbqJ EU: https://amzn.to/2YRIxgc *Here's how to install Windows 10 for free on your own USB drive: https://youtu.be/AfC5ViBiRQM

Is this the thing I'd want to buy for Windows? I'm looking for the 64 bit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01019T6O0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=jcunboxing-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01019T6O0&linkId=26b83874cb496c0abacb12edcfc9377d

Thanks for the advice btw. It really helped :)

Windows 10 Home, 64 bit - PC part pickers shows the OEM, but I bought a bootable USB from Amazon

I'm using my old fan to cool the cpu: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B009VCAJ7W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also I have this windows 10 USB plugged into my PC: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01019T6O0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But I don't know how to select it.

How do I check ambient temps?

To install windows into the internal disk, the PC need to start the install process by "booting" the install media. This install media can be in a USB flash drive format or CD/DVD format. Get the USB format since CD/DVD are rarely used and many new PC don't come with a DVD drive.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01019T6O0/

Note that that if you are getting a pre-build PC from a major brand builder, i.e. Dell, HP, Acer etc, there is no install process or need to buy windows since windows will come pre-installed on the disk.

That's true there's no optical drive slot but I think you can just use this https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/

Or create your own usb with the windows 10 installer and activate windows later

I always go for the USB route, usually by buying a license # and activating it once I install via USB.

However, you can also order a USB drive with Windows preinstalled

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

Every single piece of software you purchase you actually purchase a licence to make use of it. Any Steam game you get a licence to have permission to play them.

For Windows it verifies that you have purchased your OS legitimately.

If you buy a Windows OEM you are given a code that you must enter when installing Windows to be able to use it.

What you can do is get the USB flash drive edition of Windows.

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

This product comes with an USB adapter that allows you to install Windows with ease. Inside the box you will find a paper containing a code, this code is your licence that allows you to use the software.

Hi buildapc! I'm building my new pc this weekend and I need to purchase windows. Is there any special way I have to get W10 on my pc?

I planned on doing the USB Flash drive version of W10 Home but I wanted to double check this method since this is my first build! Thanks!

(this one! https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1506015608&sr=8-3&keywords=windows+10)

But those keys are not legitimate and Microsoft deactivates them as soon as they find out about them. It is in violation of the Terms Of Service.

This listing is legit: https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

The cheapest legitimate listing is $80 currently.

If you bought an optical drive

Alternatively, you could use options suggested by /u/Scooter30, or purchase a Windows 10 USB w/key from places such as Amazon

Both is possible. https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0 is the pre-installed stick, but one can also download the iso and put it on a drive.

That would make things a lot easier. The only SSD for that price and size is this Sandisk. Think it'd be decent?

And then in regards to Windows 10 do I want just the general Windows Home 10 on a flash drive or the System Builder version? Someone once told me not to get the system builder because it can't be transferred if you get a new computer?

I hate to say it, but there's a lot that could be better about your current build. The 6700 is in a bit of a strange place as a CPU. It has a bunch of cores, but it can't reach very high clock speeds and it can't overclock, which means you aren't utilizing the full potential of your Z170 motherboard. I'd change it to an i5 6600k. There are less cores, but that won't make a difference unless you're editing videos. It can be overclocked, too. It's just a better option for you.

The Hyper 212 is a great cooler, but it's loud and other options have recently come to the table that are more quiet and of higher quality. Among them is the Cryorig H7, which I think is the best in it's class of budget coolers.

There's nothing wrong with the motherboard you chose, but the Gigabyte Gaming 5 has more USB ports. Plus, Gigabyte's customer service is a lot better than Asus in my experience.

The RAM is fine. You could find an equal product for like $10 less, but it's not a huge difference. It a good product and there's no harm in keeping it.

Life without an SSD is just unbearable. There's no reason not to get an SSD these days when the prices are so much lower than they were before. Keep your 2 TB drive for storage, but I'd add a 256-512 GB SSD for your operating system, apps, and favorite games. Trust me when I say it's worth it. Would you rather boot your computer in a minute or 10 seconds?

For your purposes, the GTX 1070 will be a much better place to start. The 1070 will be able to run games on max settings at 1080p 144 FPS at least 1.5-2 years down the line. You'll be much happier with that than you would with the 1060.

The 500R retails for $99, so I don't know how you found that. There are a number of great cases that you could get around that price point. Find a mid tower ATX case that you think looks nice and go for it. I'd recommend the Fractal Design R5. It's easy to build in and looks simple and clean.

The NEX line is generally considered to be unreliable. The G2 line is of a much higher quality for only a little more money. I'd recommend going for that. If not EVGA, then look at Corsair and Seasonic PSUs. They make very good units.

You don't really need an optical drive for anything but installing Windows. I'd ditch the optical drive and get a Windows 10 USB (It costs $110). You won't be using a disc drive for much unless you have a huge CD collection with you at college, anyways.

Operating system is fine.

Paying for anti virus solutions these days is not very fruitful. Windows Defender is adequate comes default with Windows 10. If you want extra protection, download Avira for free. You'll get the occasional ad, but it offers great protection without intruding too much. Definitely download Malwarebytes.

Don't buy a sound card. They're worthless in the face of USB DACs. The AudioQuest Dragonfly is a good cheap DAC. The Schiit Modi and ODAC are better for more money.

Wired network adapters are for connecting to a second wired network. Not meny people do that, and I don't think you're one of them. You can run a wired connection from your motherboard.

That wireless adapter is too expensive. Get a Gigabyte or TP-Link adapter for under $40 and you'll be just a happy.

Most cases come with an ample amount of fans, and Corsair fans are not the best ones to buy if you need extras. I'd advise against getting extra case fans. You just don't need them. If you really want them, though, look at Noctua. Most of their fans are poop brown color, but they work really well.

The Acer is about as good as you're going to get if you want a cheap 144hz monitor. No need to change this.

The only good Razer product to this day is the Deathadder mouse, so I put it on your list instead of the RAT 7, which is notorious for breaking a lot. In place of the Blackwidow, which is pretty much a knockoff mechanical keyboard, I chose a slightly more expensive but much better keyboard. MX browns are relatively quiet and versatile switches that are just as good for freshman writing seminar as they are for gaming. It has RGB backlights, too!

The Razer Kraken is BAD. It's really bad. Just don't bother with it. I'd normally recommend the Sennheiser HD 558/598s with an Antlion Modmic, but that totals to $200, so I just put down the Kingston HyperX Cloud. It's $3 more dollars for a much better headset.

Here's a rule: $20 are bad. For $20, the improvement you get over your monitor speakers is minimal at best. Either save some money and buy a set once you have $100 to spend, or stick to monitor speakers and headphones. I chose headphones, so I can't give too much advice here.

Anyways, here's the list I put together for you:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor | $229.99 @ SuperBiiz
CPU Cooler | CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler | $34.99 @ Amazon
Motherboard | Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard | $151.75 @ Amazon
Memory | Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory | $93.99 @ Jet
Storage | Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $164.99 @ Jet
Storage | Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $71.99 @ SuperBiiz
Video Card | EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB SC Gaming ACX 3.0 Video Card | $407.99 @ Amazon
Case | Fractal Design Define R5 w/Window (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case | $84.99 @ NCIX US
Power Supply | EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply | $74.99 @ Jet
Operating System | Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit | $90.72 @ Amazon
Wireless Network Adapter | TP-Link TL-WDN4800 PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Adapter | $37.99 @ SuperBiiz
Monitor | Acer GN246HL 24.0" 1920x1080 144Hz Monitor | $188.83 @ Jet
Mouse | Razer DeathAdder Chroma Wired Optical Mouse | $49.96 @ Amazon
Headphones | Kingston HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Channel Headset | $96.95 @ Amazon
Other | iKBC F87 RGB Double-Shot PBT Tenkeyless Compact Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Cherry MX Black Switch, Black | $126.99 @ Amazon
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1907.11
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-28 04:35 EST-0500 |

$60 less and it'll last a good year longer. Probably more. Whatever happens, good luck!

You can order a flash drive from Amazon.
Microsoft Windows 10 Home USB Flash Drive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_h5lvyb9Q533K3

I won't tell you to pirate something. I will say that I just bought one of these and it was really convenient. If you do have a windows key, you can get the .iso and make a usb install drive yourself, and use your key during installation.

Edit: If you mean actually installing windows, its really easy, once you get your machine to the BIOS, you can just set it to boot from USB and windows will start installing, you just click through a few steps.

I'll just leave this here:

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

There is no disc version. You can get the USB here.

1 more link
https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=pd_sbs_65_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01019T6O0&pd_rd_r=X4FG0A40GRKPQZGV0F6E&pd_rd_w=2ZpYm&pd_rd_wg=qQabO&psc=1&refRID=X4FG0A40GRKPQZGV0F6E

Yes, from a DVD or a Flash Drive from Microsoft.

Good to know. For this build it looks like I'd be good to have Windows 10 ready to install on a USB as there will be no disk drive (which I'm OK with). This looks like what I would need.
 
https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1502889994&sr=8-3&keywords=window+10+cd

So should I buy something like this? https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

Are you implying downloading the OS? What other alternative should I go for?

Edit: Also, the OS I have listed there is not what I'm getting. This is

If you have a computer, you can use any USB drive to make your own.

I don't know if you can buy Windows 10 on a USB without purchasing a key to go along with it if you have one already and just need the install media. Otherwise, here ya go.

I can't speak up for monitors, they're not my forte.

You're welcome! Both are easy but flash drive copy is less time consuming but more expensive, maybe shop around?

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_2?s=software&ie=UTF8&qid=1493349899&sr=1-2&keywords=windows+10

Just buy a spare USB and use Media Creation Tool to get Windows 10 on it.

If you want to go the way OP went, that USB shown in the picture can be bought here Do note that it can be an old version, since Windows 10 does pretty big updates from now and then, so you might need to instantly update it when you install it. Going the Media Creation Tool way would avoid this.

The only thing that I would use the optical drive for is for installing windows 10 but if I used this https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497380005&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+10+usb could i get rid of the optical drive?

It should be more expensive but if you fine it cheaper that's good. You basically looking for Windows 10 with the lack of OEM in the description.

OEM is original equipment manufacturer and the idea it's a version for system builders that are selling the final product.

You want something like this. Or just a download if you don't want the stick.

So this will do me? https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_1?s=software&ie=UTF8&qid=1494652206&sr=1-1&keywords=windows+10+64+bit+home+usb

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

Your question about drivers is a great one and one that I had troubles getting answers to as well. It may be covered off by another reply but here was my experience on my first time build this weekend.
1)Built PC
2)Plugged wireless mouse/keyboard into USB drive
2)Turned on PC booted to Bios succesfully
3)Turned of PC
4)Inserted Windows 10 USB that i purchased from Amazon into the USB 3.0 port on the front of my case.
https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1473791516&sr=8-2&keywords=windows+10
4)Inserted LAN cable into the back of the PC
5) Turned the computer back on.
6) Windows prompt popped up asking if i wanted to install windows 10.
7) Followed the prompts for set-up. (This took 10 minutes tops) so streamlined and simple for a guy that doesn't claim to be super technical.
8) On a different PC with internet access i went to my motherboard manufactures website (MSI Gaming M3).
9) Navigated to the driver download list.
10) Located the most recent LAN driver.
11) Saved it to a USB
12) Inserted the USB into my newly built computer.
13) Opened and installed the file from the USB.
14) Once this was installed Windows 10 recognized my LAN connection
15) Windows automatically identifies all drivers that need updating, downloads and installs them.

I had a ton of heartburn around the process and was amazed out how easily it all worked. Good luck and thanks for your service. Also all of your research and time spent on this sub will totally payoff. Enjoy!

You're welcome :)

I forgot but you can also just buy Win10 already on a usb like this. But it is a couple bucks more than just getting the disc code and downloading it yourself.

Looks legit to me. What do you think?

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

This?

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0
anymore questions feel free to pm or continue here :D

buy this one https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0 $10-20 windows are a scam

Well, if you are looking to purchase a retail copy of Windows 10 then you can shop around various internet sites for deals.

Newegg - Home

Newegg - Pro

Amazon - Home

Amazon - Pro

If you have a valid Windows 7 or 8 key which you won't be using any more you can use that to get a free upgrade to Windows 10 if you can manage to get it installed on your hardware before July 29th. Just skip the step during installation which asks for your key, and enter the old key during activation after the install. You can use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to do the install - it needs either a USB thumbdrive or DVD.

You can do what /u/maddog1994 said but you will still need a license key.

An easier solution will be to buy the USB stick pre-loaded with the OS that comes with a license key.

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/

I looked up USB with Windows 10 on it, on Amazon it's listed for 119 dollars. That's 30 dollars more than the windows key, so I don't know if that's worth it unless I have absolutely 0 access to a PC to download the windows 10 iso. Unless there are cheaper listings for a Windows 10 USB?

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_2?s=software&ie=UTF8&qid=1464934401&sr=1-2&keywords=windows+10

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469906634&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+10+usb

This is an example

Win10 on Amazon

{Note: no endorsement of product or seller implied}

Here ya go.

Anything that is not the OEM version is the non-OEM version.

Just look for the version that doesn't say OEM.

Here it is on Amazon

or On premade flash drive if you prefer

I'm about to build my first PC... I don't plan on installing an optical drive on it, but I can use the item below and simply plug it into the USB drive and boot the PC to install Windows 10 right?

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

You need to have an unused license key. If you type in your own key, it might work, but you might find your own computer telling you its copy of Windows is no longer valid.

"Media" refers to a device that contains data, such as a disc or flash drive. Windows installation media is what you use to install Windows on a computer.

The proper way to install Windows on a new computer is to purchase a package that contains a new license key and an installation media, such as this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01019T6O0

With the USB option; do I purchase the Windows 10 USB Flash Drive?

Here is the link to the product in the US: https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468681212&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+10+usb

I just ordered a new build and I got Windows 10 Home edition on a USB here: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465086591&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+10+usb

This is both x32 an x64 bit editions.

There are different levels of licensing though.

There are retail keys. These are the actual, and transferrable, full versions.

There are OEM keys. These can only be installed once on one computer.

There are also what are called COA or pre-installed keys that are installed by OEM manufacturers. These can't be transferred at all. They can't even be re-installed by regular means. The only route is the manufacturer supplied factory reset/restore.

All of these keys are legitimate.
Retail keys are more expensive than OEMs.

If the page you bought your key from says OEM or system builder, then you have the install once OEM license.
If it said retail or nothing, then you have a retail key.

OEM license will require doing the phone activation.
Retail key should just automatically re-activate.

OEM Win10x64 Home: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-System-Builder/dp/B00ZSI7Y3U
Retail Win10x64 Home: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

If you bought that second link, then you are fine. It's a full retail key.
Sounds like you did, so, cool beans. Should just have to install new drivers from the MoBo website.

If I am installing an optical drive on my build, and obviously have USB ports, what is the cheapest way to install Windows 10 Home 64 bit? I was going to buy a [120$ USB] (https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0?ie=UTF8&keywords=windows%2010%20home%20usb&qid=1465351233&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1) copy off of Amazon, but I assume there is a much cheaper alternative.

Oh yeah I found it https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483688613&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+10+usb+flash+drive but they are out of stock which SUCKS, so can i just do this https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/?d2784474-fdb0-4e9d-9e47-5e88c0e053ec=True

You can buy something like this

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0#nav-top


Then you just boot off the usb.

For the official flash drive version: https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Flash-Drive/dp/B01019T6O0

Oh yeah. Windows 10, usually buy it off Amazon on a disk. If your system doesn't have an optical drive it's good to get a cheap external one you can have lying around for disks or buy the USB version.

Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit System Builder OEM | PC Disc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZSI7Y3U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3gGGyb87D2TKN

flash drive version

Microsoft Windows 10 Home USB Flash Drive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01019T6O0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LhGGybTH5A08S

> You can find legit copies of Windows 10 for ~$50.

I see a legit copy for $119. Point me to one that is about $50. Can't use Dreamspark keys, because those can't be sold.