Struggling to choose between the options? I can help you figure it out.
Struggling to choose between the options? I can help you figure it out.
I'm beginning a build right now. The specs I saw were some great offers—Ryzen 5 1600 AF with six cores and twelve threads, and the Ryzen 7 2700X with eight cores and sixteen threads. It looks like a solid choice, but worth checking if you need to upgrade your motherboard or CPU to fit this setup.
Could you imagine getting a real graphics card for more intense gaming? Or do you intend to enjoy competitive esports titles or games like Fortnite?
You can't find R7 2700X as a standalone but it offers similar performance and price compared to R5 3600. With an Asrock B450 Pro4‑M‑AC and WD Blue 3D 500GB SSD, you'd pay around $320, possibly a bit less at Microcenter—no need for the cheap motherboard bundle. SSDs are faster now, but the difference is negligible, and the motherboard matters more.
You're recommending keeping the ASRock B40M steel motherboard and the Sn750 SSD, paired with a specific CPU model.
I forgot the SN750 and ASrock B450M Steel Legend were already included. Keep that motherboard; for gaming purposes, WD Blue 3D SSD works just as well and costs less. Regarding the CPU, stick with the R5 1600 AF—it's a solid entry-level choice, especially at this price point. If you need something faster, skip the R5 3600.
You can find these items at Microcenter:
- 99$ Ryzen 2600x (link provided)
- 73$ Gigabyte B450M DS3H
- 80$ Asrock B450M Pro4
- 85$ Gigabyte B450M Aorus
- 69$ Crucial 3200 Mhz kit
- 83$ WD SN750 SSD
- 69$ Crucial 3200 Mhz memory kit (with discounts)
- 85$ WD SN750 SSD with savings
- 312$ total after discounts (including 25$ and 5$) if you choose the 85$ board)