No, B450 motherboards are not expected to be marked down at this time.
No, B450 motherboards are not expected to be marked down at this time.
After the B550 boards are released soon, will the B450 boards drop in price? I'm planning a budget Ryzen build under $500 and considering a used B350 on eBay for around $80-90, a new B450 now (hard to find since everything is out of stock—maybe due to Covid), or wait until after the B550 launch to get a B450. I'm thinking pairing it with a 1200 or 1300x board, so B550 isn't an option.
It's because of covid. You should wait for the markdown (after covid and the b550/ryzen 4000 drop) and then purchase a 1600af for $85 (possibly lower) USD. Note: There is a chance that the 1600af will no longer be availible after Zen 3 (gen 4) launches, but it's unlikely considering the AF was released in 2019 (I think) even though It's named after a chip released in late 2017.
Consider waiting until the fall to purchase a new B450. Would you still be able to buy one, or would you need to look for used models? Having it over the summer sounds better. I currently have a 1300x available for $55. Is that worth it? I'm aiming to keep costs low, so I'm thinking about pairing it with a Ryzen combo or an i5 3470 for even more savings.
No way. A 1600AF and a solid b450 should cost under $160 (excluding COVID). The b450 will likely stick around, probably not the first-gen models (1200, 1300, etc.), and the b350/370 CPUs/boards too. The 1600AF is based on a first-gen CPU but uses the 12nm architecture of a 2600, which is about a generation up, and it should be close to the 3600. It's more like a guess, but I think the 1600AF won't stop production soon. The same applies to first-gen Ryzen chips/mobiles.
A decent B450 should have a sturdy build, optional OC options, three PWM case fans, and RGB lighting. It’s definitely a unique set of needs—plus it’s great to see someone from Portland, especially since I’m near Vancouver!
Additionally, just in case this clarifies things, my goal isn’t necessarily to boost returns in dollars. It’s about achieving comparable performance at a lower cost—or even better value. That means the move to a 1600AF isn’t especially appealing if it means paying more or the same. I’m also comfortable with used options.
I see, you're looking for a solid motherboard option. The MSI B450M PRO-M2 MAX fits the bill—it's a good choice with its Matx design, which sits between ITX and ATX sizes. It should work well if it drops under $80 USD. I'm not very experienced with budget B450 models, but that sounds like a solid pick.
By the way, what are you up to around 12:30? Don’t forget to rest—sleep is important! I’m not very familiar with that term, but I think you’ll manage it.
You're confused about the comparison. The 1600AF really stands out as the top performer for its price, matching the 3600's performance. It's not just similar—it's significantly better value. The jump from 1200 to 1300 to 1600 is a big leap, and it's worth noting.