Discussing the latest motherboard updates.
Discussing the latest motherboard updates.
Hey everyone, I’m considering a PC upgrade and need advice for a casual gamer. I’m leaning toward the 9700X and have two options in mind: Gigabyte X870E AORUS PRO ICE and Gigabyte X870 AORUS ELITE WF7 ICE. What do you think?
They both come with a high price tag. I’d pick up the Gigabyte X870 AORUS ELITE WF7 ICE since it’s much cheaper. Buying a 350 bucks motherboard for a 9700X feels unreasonable for someone who just plays casually.
I plan to retain this for some time and pair it with my 4090. I believe I can last about five years before needing an upgrade to a new GPU or CPU.
You can achieve this using a 200 dollar B650 or X870. I’m pairing it with a 5090 next year and either a 9800X3D or 10800X3D in 2026/27. It should work perfectly.
White motherboards tend to cost a bit more than black ones. Asrock Steel Legends are excellent for the AM5 platform. You can also choose the Gigabyte X870 AORUS ELITE WF7 ICE, which is solid for gaming and future GPUs/CPUs. The AORUS PRO is far too pricey to suggest. Consider the Gigabyte B650E AORUS ELITE X AX ICE instead—it’s around 220 euros and works well once you update the BIOS.
I don't have current information on whether the nzxt kraken 360mm not elite matches will fit the 9700x. You may need to check the product specifications or contact the manufacturer for confirmation.