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[eBayPlus] MSI Z490-A PRO Intel MB $242.10; Intel Core i7-10700KF $467.10; AMD Ryzen 5 3600 $305.10 Del'd@Computer Alliance eBay

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PLUSJY10

Original Coupon Deal


MSI Z490-A PRO Motherboard for INTEL LGA1200
(Cheaper at FutuOnline eBay for $233.96 $238.50 using the same code, but as it says Limited Quantities, not meeting deal post requirements.appeared to have "Limited Quantities" while browsing on phone, but the listing says "More than 10 available" on desktop.) (Thanks Elitebhy)

Seems like the current best price, including delivery (price check: PCPP, StaticIce), for one of the best value Z490 motherboards with good VRM implementation that'll have no problem running even the 10-cores i9-10900K. Features wise is also okay, while not abundant with USB ports in the back panel, lacks built-in WiFi and sadly no Thunderbolt 3 at this price point, but it does feature a Type-C port. There's also Type-C front panel connection as well.

A good consideration for those who purchased a 10th gen intel CPU recently and want to have a future upgrade path option in mind (as Z490 support memory overclocking, and 11th gen Rocket Lake S intel CPUs will enable PCIe 4.0).

Official specification: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z490-A-PRO/Specification


Intel Core i7-10700KF CPU: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/174358993633
LGA1200, unlocked 3.8GHz 8 Core 16 Threads CPU
SKU: BX8070110700KF
$467.10

(Futu Online has also lowered its i7-10700KF's price to match Computer Alliance's price, so the same $467.10 after the coupon code. Considering Futu Online is in based in NSW, you'll probably get it faster from them if you're in NSW, while CA is based in QLD so faster if you're in QLD.)

Similar to the i7-10700KA CPU posted here, but with no integrated graphics and save $17.90 (and no crappy box art packaging too, some might like that as a feature too. Okay mainly taking a jab here as the KA SKUs seem to have a harder time getting sold when they often are cheaper than their K counterpart). If you're using the i7, you're likely using it with dedicated graphics, but still fair for those who want an iGPU as backup.


AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor Retail Box with Wraith Stealth Cooler: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/173956936736
AM4, unlocked 3.6GHz (base), 6 Cores 12 Threads CPU
SKU: 100-100000031BOX
$305.10

Just added the Ryzen 5 3600 listing for lowest price tracking sake. If you do want to keep upgrade path in mind, including not being restrained on performance by being able to overclock memory, I'd say the Core i5-10400F at ~<$220 would be considered on-par value as Ryzen 3600 if you are pairing it with a Z490 board. Considering the following:

3600, ~$305 (retail box with cooler), plus:
- MSI B550-A PRO $229 delivered (CentreCom) = $534
- MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX ~$180 (various) = $485
- MSI B450M Mortar MAX ~$140 (Computer Alliance eBay) = $445 (Admittedly this is different form factor, so just to illustrate the options)

Z490 is the only option in enabling memory overclocking, so you won't be limited by performance that is very easily now unlocked by enabling XMP and running the memory faster, which will also give you more choices of higher performance scenario to upgrade the CPU in the future. With Z490 at ~$234, it leaves $251 (485-234) for the CPU and the fan (yes I'd consider the intel CPU requires an aftermarket cooler), ~$30 for a cooler, that leaves $221 for the CPU.

For any other scenarios that the priority is best bang for buck, doesn't really mind a more limited upgrade path, and doesn't mind going budget for slightly less performance with H and B series motherboards, then intel 10400F is clearly the cheaper option. The user can easily compare the platform prices and make one's own decision anyway.

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closed Comments

  • +1

    I was seriously amped for my first completely red build in history (as my computer just blew up). However with the lack of supply/price gouging, I'm honestly considering this (or the K/KA)…

    • F
      probably one of the worst timings to have your computer getting the boot =S

      • Tell that to my GTX 1070 that died at the peak of the pandemic as I was waiting for the RTX 30 series to come out, and I was forced to go dish out $1050 for an RTX 2070 Super (literally the only thing that was even in stock at the time). That's goddamn RTX 3080 money right there, but I would have had to wait months without a GPU (which I use for both entertainment and gaming).

      • Why, seems like all prices are all time lows apart from gpu,Even there you can get a decent gpu and pre order one of the better ones
        This cpu at this price is a bargain, ram is cheap, ssd is cheap
        Best time to build a pc

        • Intel CPU pricings and availability were pretty bad only until recently (where they had finally came down in price due to 14nm product supplies finally gotten bit better, and then market pressure as AMD had gotten competitive).

          While AMD CPU pricings and availability had went pretty bad recently…

          • @zrmx: Seems amd can’t supply consoles, cpus and gpus , all 3 are out of stock

            • @botchie: No they cant.

              This is (one of the reasons) why manufacturers won't put AMD in business grade laptops, they end up like lenovo with 8 week lead times

    • +2

      As discussed in the other intel i7 CPU post, intel is pretty much the better value option at the moment if you really need to get a new build before March. Currently against the similarly priced 8 cores Ryzen 7 3000 options, the 10th gen i7 pricing nets you similar or better value in terms of multicore/productivity performance, while gaming performance is better overall.

      Or if you don't need the multicore performance, then opt for a 6-core i5, and have a Z490 board to have an upgrade path for some years down the track, when you do want a higher tier CPU. This build should last your needs in the next several years if your needs don't change too much (gaming needs generally can be dealt with via GPU upgrades).

      Main downside to intel platform at the moment would be the higher power draw, but usually this isn't a concern for desktop users.

    • Always hated Intel CPU and chipset pricing, but they have been put in their place with AMD delivering a sweet product now.

      And now that AMD are charging premium coin the tables have truly turned where Intel are now selling CPU's for a reasonable price.

      Will be interesting to see what tiger lake brings.

      Still need to see Intel unlock hyper threading and overclocking across the majority of it's SKUs to take them seriously for value.
      Being limited to X series chipsets is still a pain, and knowing all their silicone can do HT, but have it locked out to create tiers and value and bullshit is still poor form.

  • +2

    Funny how the table has been turned, now AMD is overpriced V Intel. Sure the 5800X is faster if only by a few frames per second but at $467 V $859, I'm pretty sure many people would prefer to safe an almost $400 in their pocket.

    • +3

      5800X is generally considered to be the worst value processor in the currently available 5000 series line up.

    • +2

      tbf this should be up against a non-existant 5700x

  • Anyone recommend some good 16 or 32gb ram to pair this up with? Thanks in advance 🙂

    • Any 3200MHz or above kits will do really, unless you are into further manual fine tuning.

  • Got a question. Was looking for a PCIE 4 z490 motherboard. Does this one have a PCIE 4 GPU slot? I checked specs and it says gen 3.

    • +1

      While there are reports that not all Z490 boards will meet PCIe 4.0 requirements, this MSI Z490 motherboard is reported to be able to meet PCIe 4.0 protocol requirements (https://wccftech.com/z490-motherboards-pcie-gen-4-support-de…).

      Most of the Z490 boards that previously advertised PCIe 4.0 have taken down those claims, as the PCIe 4.0 will be provided by the CPU, which for intel, they'll be the upcoming 11th gen Rocket Lake S CPUs. So at the moment when the 11th gen intel CPUs are still not out, they aren't advertising the PCIe 4.0 capabilities.

      • Thanks for the info. I wish they indicated clearly in the tech specs so buyers know which boards to go for if they wanted an upgrade path. Perhaps they're trying to get people to hold off for a z590.

        • Intel definitely want people to buy new boards lol, gotta get those profits

  • +4
  • +1

    Great board! Can run up to a 10700k easily and up to a 10900k if you have good airflow in your case to support the VRM's and such.

  • Is it worth spending an extra $130 and getting a 10900F from MSY for $599?

    • Depends how you think about it.

      $130 out of a $2k build, it's not much extra.
      Will you use the 2 extra cores? Unlikely

  • Can you use the coupon on both items? Or is it valid only for one purchase? I tried adding both items to cart but the coupon discount only got applied to the higher priced item. Can anyone who used the coupon once confirm?

    Edit > yes you can, just need to ensure that each product is eligible for the coupon

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