Question Micro Center Intel processor sale. Please comment

HomerJS

Lifer
Feb 6, 2002
36,056
27,783
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I began compiling parts for a new gaming capable build. Already bought a Ryzen 7 3800XT for $299 (sale). I haven't purchased motherboard yet. Take a look at this. Think I should reconsider and go Intel at these prices? I can return the Ryzen up to Jan 15.

Intel : Processors/CPUs : Micro Center
 

dr1337

Senior member
May 25, 2020
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Honestly id only go for intel if you're actually into overclocking and already have/want to invest in a good cooling solution. The $299 9900k would absolutely smoke the 3800xt as long as you can overclock it, but at stock its not necessarily a hugely better value, especially considering b550/x570 mobos are more common and cheaper than z390.
 
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VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
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There's a reason that Intel is cheaper than AMD these days ... they're slower (*).

(*) Except in extreme corner-cases.

Edit: PS. Love the new holiday avatar.
 

ondma

Platinum Member
Mar 18, 2018
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Honestly id only go for intel if you're actually into overclocking and already have/want to invest in a good cooling solution. The $299 9900k would absolutely smoke the 3800xt as long as you can overclock it, but at stock its not necessarily a hugely better value, especially considering b550/x570 mobos are more common and cheaper than z390.
Dont think even overclocked the 9900k would "smoke" the 3800XT. Might be 10 to 15 percent faster at 1080p in some games, with lesser differences at higher resolutions. As to the OP, what would you do with the 3800XT: sell it , return it, use it for another build? Unless you can return the 3800 or use it for another build, I would just stick with it.
 

Golgatha

Lifer
Jul 18, 2003
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Nope, what you have is equivalent to a 10700k already and the upgrade path to Ryzen 5000 series is there on 500 series motherboards.
 

HomerJS

Lifer
Feb 6, 2002
36,056
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Is it just for gaming or are you doing anything else with the computer? What resolution for gaming? Which GPU?
Not just gaming. Graphics I was looking at either Radeon 6800XT or Nvidia RTX3080. Can't seem to find either. Also going for x570 mobo. Resolution QHD. 4k 32" monitors were a little too expensive and tough to find
 
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Hulk

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Keep in mind that I'm coming from 30+ years of Intel only systems.
The 3800XT is fast, power efficient, and most importantly has an upgrade path to Zen 3 so when the prices drop you can get a huge performance increase by simply dropping in a new CPU.
Honestly Intel needs to slash their prices by 50% from where they are now for me to consider them for my next build.
 
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