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.
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)…