Choosing CPUs, motherboards & memory starts with one crucial split: are you selecting the board that anchors a build, or a processor for an existing socket? Three choices here are ATX motherboards, while the Intel entry is a 6-core desktop CPU. That component difference matters more than the $135.99 span between the lowest and highest listed prices.
Quick take
Start with the component role, then narrow by the socket and memory wording in the name. The motherboard choices represent different AMD platform paths, while the Intel Core i7-8700 is the only standalone processor. Conditions also vary across the group: MSI is new, AORUS is open box, ASUS is certified refurbished, and the Intel CPU is used. Those labels are practical deciding points once the build direction is clear.
Listed-price comparison
The bars place each item within the listed USD 64.00 to USD 199.99 range.
| Item | Listed fit | Listed price | Relative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi | AM4, DDR4, ATX board | USD 167.99 | |
| AORUS X870E PRO ICE | AM5, DDR5, ATX board | USD 199.99 | |
| ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI | AM5, ATX board | USD 124.99 | |
| Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS | LGA 1151 component | USD 64.00 |
Decision matrix
- A build using a named Ryzen 5000 Series processor: the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi directly names support for Ryzen 5000 Series, 5000 G-Series, 4000G-Series, and 3000 Series processors.
- A white-themed component plan: AORUS X870E PRO ICE is the natural match, with a silver-and-white design described for themed PC builds.
- A connection plan that includes Optical S/PDIF Out: ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI lists that port alongside DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, and Ethernet.
- A CPU-only purchase: Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS is the relevant choice because it is sold as the processor alone rather than as a motherboard.
Product notes
MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard
Choose the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard when the build calls for an AM4 DDR4 ATX board and one of the named Ryzen processor families. The description also names PCIe 4.0, a Lightning Gen 4 x4 M.2 slot with M.2 Shield Frozr, 2.5G LAN, and Wi-Fi 6E, giving it a clear collection of storage and networking labels to work from. Its new condition may also suit a shopper who prefers that starting point. The limitation is platform direction: the AM4 and DDR4 wording puts it on a different build route from the AM5 motherboard options.
AORUS X870E PRO ICE AM5 ATX DDR5 PCIE WIFI 7 Gaming Motherboard
The AORUS X870E PRO ICE suits an AM5 ATX DDR5 build where Wi-Fi 7 naming and a white-themed design are important to the component plan. Four DIMM slots and AMD EXPO compatibility are described, while HDMI, Ethernet, and M.2 expansion give a shopper several clearly named connection and storage categories. It carries the highest listed price in this comparison, so the open-box condition belongs in the decision rather than being treated like a new-item comparison. Its main trade-off is that condition: it is the open-box motherboard here, while MSI is new and ASUS is certified refurbished.
ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI
The ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI is a route for an AM5 ATX motherboard with DDR5 SDRAM and four memory slots. Its port list is unusually broad in this group, naming Optical S/PDIF Out, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, Ethernet, USB 3.1, USB 3.0, and 3.5 mm jack connections. M.2, PCI Express x1, and PCI Express 4.0 x16 also appear in its expansion listing. At USD 124.99, it sits USD 43 below the MSI. The limitation is its certified-refurbished condition and the described accessory bundle rather than a retail-style package.
Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS 3.20GHz 6 Core LGA 1151 Desktop CPU Processor
Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS is the clear outlier because it is a 6-core desktop CPU instead of a motherboard. Choose it for a build explicitly centered on the Intel Core i7-8700 model and LGA 1151 socket. The listed specifications include a 3.20 GHz clock speed, 1.5 MB L2 cache, and 12 MB L3 cache, giving shoppers concrete processor details rather than board-level features. It is the lowest-priced item in the comparison, separating its price position from the motherboard choices. The boundary is equally important: it is used and sold as the CPU only, so it does not supply the motherboard component.
Final recommendation by use case
Select the MSI MAG B550 for a build where M.2 Shield Frozr is a desired named feature. Choose AORUS X870E PRO ICE for an AMD EXPO-oriented setup with the white-themed design direction. ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI fits a plan centered on its dual-LAN listing. Pick the Intel Core i7-8700 when the 12 MB L3 cache specification is the processor detail that matches the build.
