I'm planning to build a new computer since my current setup (an i5-9600k with an RTX 2070) is a bit dated, having been built in 2019. I'm close enough to a Microcenter to consider their CPU and motherboard bundles. I usually build a new computer every 5-6 years without making upgrades in between, so I'm not too worried about future-proofing. Based on the Logical Increments guide, I'm aiming for something around the Outstanding tier, like an RTX 5070 and an R7 9700X with 32GB of RAM. However, Microcenter only offers B650 motherboards with the R7 9700X, while the guide recommends X870 motherboards. I've found that the main difference seems to be PCI-E 5.0, but it sounds like the RTX 5070 wouldn't even take full advantage of PCI-E 4.0. Are there other significant differences between these chipsets that I should consider? The B650E seems similar to the X870, but then I'd have to choose between the R7 7800X3D or R7 9800X3D, which is about the same price as the R9 9900X with an X870E motherboard. Is it worth just skipping the bundles and following the components listed in the guide instead?
5 Answers
The bundles are actually a pretty good deal, especially since they've been adjusting prices recently. A couple of months ago, they included RAM in the deals, but now that RAM prices have spiked, they're just bundling the CPU and motherboard. If you're gaming, I'd recommend looking at the 7600X3D or 7800X3D bundles instead of the 9700X. Those X3D variants perform better for gaming than the others. Plus, the B650 is fine for gaming purposes; you probably won't notice a difference from the X870.
For sure! Just keep in mind that RAM pricing has shot up, and the selection might be limited at some stores. You may end up with lower speed options.
Keep monitoring those bundles because prices can change unexpectedly. Typically, bundles are more economical than purchasing components separately, but just be aware that the values can fluctuate.
Before the RAM price hike, I got a great deal on a bundle with a 7800X3D and 32GB of RAM at Microcenter, which saved about $75 compared to buying separate components. They're not as great as they used to be, but the value is still decent.
I've noticed that while the bundles can save you some money, they might not always include the motherboard you want. For instance, the Gigabyte board paired with the 9700X seems a bit on the lower end, although it should work fine unless you decide to upgrade to a Ryzen 9 later.
Yeah, the bundles are decent, but they might not be as good as they once were. They do offer some discounts on RAM when bought together, but definitely shoot for one of the X3D bundles if gaming is your main focus; they’re really worth the extra cash.
Totally agree! The 7600X3D bundle makes a trip to Microcenter worthwhile, especially since they sometimes discount RAM and storage if you buy it along with the motherboard.