Choosing CPUs, motherboards & memory starts with one decision: are you building around an AM5 and DDR5 route, an AM4 and DDR4 route, or an LGA 1151 desktop processor? These items do not all serve the same role, so selecting the platform first is more useful than simply chasing the lowest figure.
Quick take
Treat component type and platform as the first two filters. Once those are set, the decision comes down to the named wireless and storage features, whether new or open-box condition suits the purchase, and how much of the listed price range fits the build. The Intel chip is a processor purchase, while the other three choices are motherboard routes.
Listed price comparison
The range runs from USD 64.00 to USD 199.99, with the Intel Core i7-8700 at the low end and the AORUS X870E PRO ICE at the high end.
| Item | Listed price | Price position |
|---|---|---|
| MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E AM5 AMD B850 SATA DDR5 Motherboard | USD 134.99 | |
| AORUS X870E PRO ICE AM5 ATX DDR5 PCIE WIFI 7 AMD EXPO Gaming Motherboard | USD 199.99 | |
| MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard AM4 DDR4 ATX | USD 167.99 | |
| Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS 3.20GHz 6 Core LGA 1151 Desktop CPU Processor | USD 64.00 |
Decision matrix
- Want the lower listed price between the two AM5 motherboard choices: choose the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E.
- Want WiFi 7 and AMD EXPO called out in the motherboard title: choose the AORUS X870E PRO ICE.
- Need a motherboard marked new: choose the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi.
- Want the lowest listed price and specifically need a used CPU-only component: choose the Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS.
Product notes
MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E AM5 AMD B850 SATA DDR5 Motherboard
The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E is a focused choice for a build using its four DDR5 memory slots and a Ryzen 7000, 8000, or 9000-series processor. The ATX board includes a 12-duet rail power system, a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, and M.2 Shield Frozr, giving shoppers several concrete configuration points. Its limitation is condition: the MSI B850 is marked open box. Choose it when that condition suits the build and the four-slot memory layout, rather than a different platform route, is central to your plan.
AORUS X870E PRO ICE AM5 ATX DDR5 PCIE WIFI 7 AMD EXPO Gaming Motherboard
The AORUS X870E PRO ICE includes PCIe 5.0 storage options and a four-DIMM DDR5 arrangement. Its ATX form factor and on-board audio provide additional configuration points, while its silver-and-white theme makes it a natural visual fit for a coordinated build. The limitation is straightforward: USD 199.99 is the highest listed price here, and the board is marked open box. Choose the AORUS when its named storage arrangement and visual direction matter more than keeping the motherboard price lower.
MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard AM4 DDR4 ATX
MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is the choice for a build set on AM4 and DDR4. It brings PCIe 4.0, a Gen4 x4 M.2 connection with M.2 Shield Frozr, and WiFi 6E into the configuration, alongside an ATX form factor. It also supports Ryzen 5000, 5000G, 4000G, and 3000 series processors. The limitation is direct: its AM4 and DDR4 direction is separate from the AM5 and DDR5 motherboard paths. Choose it for that stated platform, especially when new condition is important.
Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS 3.20GHz 6 Core LGA 1151 Desktop CPU Processor
Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS is the only desktop CPU among the four, making it the focused choice for a Core i7-8700 build rather than a motherboard purchase. Its title and specifications align on six cores, 3.20 GHz clock speed, 1.5 MB L2 cache, and 12 MB L3 cache. The limitation is condition and format: it is used and the sale is for the CPU only. Choose it for the named processor model, not as a replacement for any motherboard.
Final recommendation by use case
- Choose the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E when WiFi6E and four DDR5 memory slots fit the planned motherboard build.
- Choose the AORUS X870E PRO ICE for a silver-and-white themed motherboard build with its named PCIe 5.0 storage options.
- Choose the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi for an AM4 and DDR4 motherboard build.
- Choose the Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS when an LGA 1151 Core i7-8700 processor is the required component.
