MicroCenter Bundle
MicroCenter Bundle
I have an Intel 8700k, ASUS z370 board and 32GB DDR4 3200. I’m considering upgrading with three Microcenter options: 13700k, Asus Z790, or DDR5 6000 32GB for $550. Alternatively, there’s the 7700X, MSI B650, DDR5 6000 32GB for $450. I’m leaning toward the AMD bundle because it’s more affordable and should still give me good performance for gaming. Outside of games, I mainly use the PC for browsing and office work, so I probably won’t need the 7900x. The Z790 has PCIe 5 support unlike the 7700x, and it offers more USB ports—something I was hoping for. I’m also thinking about saving money by skipping a hub and using the included ports. The extra $100 feels like a good investment if it helps me get better performance later.
It's rare to find Asus Prime boards that perform well with LGA1151, most often they cause performance issues. The Micro Center Build-A-PC package isn't offering much value lately due to its high cost relative to typical bundles people would purchase for CPU, motherboard, and RAM.
This configuration centers around a 13700K processor paired with a 7700 non-X build using a CPU from Micro Center while the remaining components come from Newegg. Adjusting PBO to a 200 positive frequency offset helps bridge gaps caused by the CPU's lack of Extended Frequency Range and its higher power ceiling. PCPartPicker lists the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 3.6 GHz 8-core chip ($269.99), an ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2 Micro ATX AM5 board ($124.99 at Newegg), and G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB DDR5-6000 memory ($99.99 at Newegg). Combined cost comes to $494.97, covering shipping, taxes, and available discounts. This summary was created by PCPartPicker on July 6, 2023 at 09:12 EDT.
Consider the Microcenter bundle with free RAM. It offers 7700x plus 32GB FlareX 6000 RAM for $310. Your store also has an open box ASRock X670E Pro RS motherboard for $182, which pairs well with it for $492 if you want PCIe5. Alternatively, you could purchase a Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX for $203, totaling $513. Compare these choices to the $550 13700k bundle. Think about AM5 compatibility versus the 13700k socket—this newer generation may not support it.
Yes, while you can get the 7700 near the 7700x performance,you can get the 7700x a bit further. I'd get the $450 7700x bundle. Or at least the 7700xplus free ram, if you prefer another motherboard Side note: wasn't the 7700x plus ram under $300 a week or two ago?