You don't want a Prime Day Pre-built? Here's how I would upgrade my gaming PC platform to under $460
Every PC gamer will eventually reach a point where their gaming rig is no longer up to the task. The CPU is either too slow or does not have enough cores. The motherboard may not support the latest SSDs and the machine frequently runs out of RAM. The only way to fix this is with a complete system upgrade, but that's expensive.
This is not true, and although bundles such as this are usually the domain of Micro Center, many people do not live near a store. This CPU, motherboard and RAM combination is a great foundation for building a gaming PC that will last and be upgradeable.
You'll still need your old case, graphics cards, storage and power supply, but you can update the other components in the future.
Quick Links
- AMD Ryzen 7 7600 – $197.89 (save $31.02) at Amazon
- ASRock PG Riptide - $174.99 (save $60) at Newegg
- Team Group - DDR5-6000 $85.99 at Amazon.com (Save $7)
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
Ryzen 5 7600 price check: Newegg $198
" data-widget-type="deal" data-render-type="editorial">AMD's Ryzen 9000 series of processors may seem like the best choice, but they aren't much faster than the predecessors. A 7000-series AMD chip is the better option. Ryzen 7 7800X3D models are expensive, but they don't sacrifice performance.
The Ryzen 5 is a six core, 12-thread processor with a boost clock speed of 5.1 GHz. This CPU is not hamstrung like many 'budgets' by having a smaller L3 cache, and it can be overclocked.
This bundle includes an AMD Wraith Stealth Cooler. While it is not the best cooler you can get, you won't have to worry about buying an additional cooler.
The best part about this CPU is the motherboard that it will be installed in. It supports not only any Ryzen 7000 series chip, but also the new range of 9000 and at least one generation after that. If you feel like you need a little more speed in the future, it's easy to swap over.
ASRock B650E PG Riptide
This AM5 motherboard will allow you to upgrade your system over time. You're covered for storage with three M.2 ports and four SATA connections. There's also a small mountainous amount of USB ports. You also get a Wi-Fi 6E Module, along with a 2.5G Ethernet. What's there not to like about this?
ASRock 650E price check Amazon $189.99
" data-widget-type="deal" data-render-type="editorial">This ASRock B650M Riptide motherboard is a great choice if you want a motherboard to last for years, but don't have a lot of money to spend. It supports any AM5 processor, including the massive Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Ryzen 9 99950X. This is thanks to the 14 VRMs, each of which is rated at 60A. This is more than enough power for any Ryzen chip.
You get three PCIe slot--x16, Gen 5, x16, Gen 3, and x1 Gen 4--plus three M.2 for SSDs. The topmost slot is a full speed Gen 5 slot. While it's not worth the money to buy a PCIe 5.0 SSD right now, the price and heat will drop in the future. The other M.2 slot is a full-speed Gen 4 or a half-speed Gen 3
- Here's a list of all the October Prime Day PC Gaming deals!
This motherboard is not as well-equipped as some of the more expensive ones, but you can still fit any graphics card in it. You can also add two large and fast SSDs to Windows and your Steam Library.
The ASRock B650M PG Riptide's rear IO panel has 10 USB ports: six USB 2.0 Type A ports, two USB 3.1 Gen1 type A ports, one USB 3.1 Gen2 type A port, and a Gen 2 type C. There are also headers for another six USB ports.
You can have all the connectivity you need with the Wi-Fi module 6E and the 2.5G Ethernet port. You can get ultra-fast USB ports, but they're expensive.
Team Group CL30 DDR5-6000 kit 32 GB
This kit is fast and affordable. The sweet spot for AMD Ryzen processors is DDR5-6000. It's not flashy, but it does what you need without fuss.
Team Group DDR5-6000 price check: Newegg $85.99
" data-widget-type="deal" data-render-type="editorial">RAM is the final component that you will need to upgrade your AM5 system, especially if it's coming from a DDR4 setup. This Team Group kit is the perfect match for AMD Ryzen processors.
At this price, you'd expect it would have slow timings but CL30-36-36-76 will not disappoint. You won't be complaining about the RAM's performance. You won't get any RGB lighting but you will get a decent metal heatsink that helps the DRAM chips to stay cool.
This CPU, motherboard and RAM combination costs just under $460. You can purchase a gaming PC for less, but you will not be able upgrade it. This bundle will fit into your existing case. You're good to go. Now you can use the money you saved on a new graphics card. Sales are great!
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