Choosing among a desktop CPU, a motherboard, and memory-related hardware gets tricky when the parts use different sockets or belong to named Dell systems. The fastest way to narrow this group is to identify the exact computer or socket first, then use price and board details as tie-breakers. That keeps a CPU and a motherboard from being treated as interchangeable purchases.
Among these four choices, the named system paths are the Dell Precision 3650 Tower and Dell XPS 8940; the other two entries are an ASUS motherboard and an Intel processor. The comparison below keeps those roles separate.
Quick take
- For a Dell Precision 3650 Tower path: Start with the Dell Precision 3650 Tower motherboard.
- For a named Dell XPS 8940 path: The Dell XPS 8940 motherboard is the directly identified choice.
- For the lowest-price motherboard route: Choose the ASUS Intel PRIME H310M-A R2.0.
- For a standalone desktop processor: Choose the Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS.
Listed-price comparison
The four prices span $43.96 to $161.58, with a $117.62 gap between the lowest and highest entries.
| Product | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| Dell Precision 3650 Tower Intel W580 Socket LGA1200 Motherboard NDYHG 0NDYHG | $89.99 | |
| Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard Intel 10th 11th Gen LGA1200 DDR4 K3CM7 427JK | $161.58 | |
| ASUS Intel PRIME H310M-A R2.0 LGA1151 DDR4 mATX Motherboard + I/O Plate | $43.96 | |
| Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS 3.20GHz 6 Core LGA 1151 Desktop CPU Processor | $64.00 |
Decision matrix
- Platform: The Dell Precision 3650 and Dell XPS 8940 motherboard titles specify LGA1200. The ASUS PRIME H310M-A R2.0 and Intel Core i7-8700 specify LGA1151. Keep those socket groups separate when narrowing a build.
- Named-system focus: The first Dell board names the Precision 3650 Tower, while the second names the XPS 8940. The ASUS and Intel entries use their component models rather than a Dell desktop name.
- Part role: The Dell Precision board, Dell XPS board, and ASUS PRIME are motherboards. The Core i7-8700 is the CPU entry.
- Memory and board detail: DDR4 appears with all three motherboard choices. The ASUS entry specifies MicroATX, two memory slots, and DVI/VGA ports; the XPS board identifies a 128GB maximum memory configuration.
- Condition: The Dell Precision board, ASUS board, and Intel processor are marked used. The Dell XPS 8940 board is marked new.
Product notes
Dell Precision 3650 Tower Intel W580 Socket LGA1200 Motherboard NDYHG 0NDYHG
The Dell Precision 3650 Tower motherboard is the natural starting point for a build centered on the named tower. Its title identifies W580 and LGA1200, while the attributes specify Intel CPU support and DDR4 SDRAM. BIOS Unlocked and Computrace Unlocked are both marked Yes, giving the board a concrete setup profile. The limitation is its used condition, so this is not the new-condition choice in the group. It is also priced above the ASUS board and Intel processor rather than sitting at the low end. Choose it when the Precision 3650 Tower name and its platform details are the deciding filters; the ASUS board and Intel processor instead use LGA1151.
Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard Intel 10th 11th Gen LGA1200 DDR4 K3CM7 427JK
The Dell XPS 8940 motherboard is the most targeted choice for the named Dell XPS 8940: the title and attributes both identify that model, LGA1200, and Intel 10th- and 11th-generation Core processor support with an H470 chipset. Its port list includes RJ-45, USB 3.1, USB 2.0, USB Type-C, M.2, SATA, PCIe, and headset connections, and its maximum memory configuration is 128GB. The limitation is financial: it has the highest listed price, creating a $117.62 gap versus the ASUS board at the low end. Pick it when model-specific XPS 8940 details matter more than minimizing spend.
ASUS Intel PRIME H310M-A R2.0 LGA1151 DDR4 mATX Motherboard + I/O Plate
The ASUS PRIME H310M-A R2.0 makes the entry point straightforward with the lowest listed price and the clearest compact-board detail: it is marked MicroATX and includes an I/O Plate in the title. The attributes identify DDR4 SDRAM, two memory slots, and DVI and VGA ports, giving a shopper concrete board details to weigh for an LGA1151 project. Its limitation is the used condition, and its stated I/O is DVI and VGA rather than the broader port list specified for the Dell XPS board. It suits a build where the ASUS model phrase, MicroATX form factor, and low end of the price range align.
Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS 3.20GHz 6 Core LGA 1151 Desktop CPU Processor
The Intel Core i7-8700 is the direct processor choice here, with a listed LGA1151 socket, six cores, 3.20GHz clock speed, 1.5MB L2 cache, and 12MB L3 cache. The SR3QS model phrase helps distinguish it from the motherboards, and the description states that the sale is for the CPU only. That CPU-only format is the key limitation: it does not serve as a replacement motherboard or memory component. It is marked used as well. Choose it when the job calls for a desktop processor and those i7-8700 specifications, rather than a board with DDR4 slots or I/O.
Final recommendation by use case
- Dell Precision 3650 Tower: Choose the Dell Precision 3650 Tower Intel W580 motherboard when the computer name in your project matches the title.
- Dell XPS 8940: Choose the Dell XPS 8940 motherboard when the named desktop and its 10th- or 11th-generation Intel platform are the target.
- Lowest-price motherboard: Choose the ASUS PRIME H310M-A R2.0 at $43.96 when its MicroATX format and DVI/VGA connections suit the build.
- Processor route: Choose the Intel Core i7-8700 SR3QS at $64.00 when you need the listed six-core desktop CPU rather than another motherboard.
Start with the named system or socket, then decide whether the purchase is a motherboard or a processor. For a DDR4 PC memory upgrade, the three motherboard entries are the relevant group; the Intel Core i7-8700 belongs to the CPU side of the decision.
