If you’re looking to build a new PC these days, AMD is the standout option in the current market. The AM5 platform is the latest and fastest option with the most potential behind it. Well, it’s getting more affordable with this Micro Center bundle, even more so than the one we covered the other day.

With two bundles available, each has a set of CPU, motherboard, and RAM to get you started on your gaming PC venture. A much more effective and value-oriented way to build your gaming PC compared to opting for a prebuilt one. So if you are wondering what’s included, here’s what’s included.

• AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, ASUS B650M-A Prime AX II, G.Skill 16GB DDR5 6000 – $279.99
• AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, ASUS B650M-PLUS TUF Gaming WiFi, G.Skill 16GB DDR5 6000 – $319.99

$280 AM5 starter bundle components

The first of the two we’ve spotted is the more affordable option with a simpler motherboard. It has a budget CPU with the Ryzen 5 7600X, which is an older pick now, having been released at the end of 2022. In our 7600X review, it received a 4.5-star rating as a great value option and is now an ideal budget option to get on the platform.

Paired up with it, you get the ASUS B650M-A motherboard. Also, one of the first additions to the AM5 platform, the B650, was the first generation of motherboard to join the AM5 platform. Additionally, it was the budget option, and being a micro-ATX size, it comes in at a lower price and in a more compact form factor to fit into any PC case you might have.

There is also 16GB of RAM, rated at 6,000 MHz, which is a fairly standard amount and speed for this kind of build. As that capacity is the common requirement for any released games these days, it can handle that and multitask at the same time.

With the bundle coming in at $280, it is an impressive $120 off from the full price of nearly $400. That makes it the ideal option for getting a budget build that can be upgraded down the line for a decent lifespan.

Optional upgraded motherboard bundle

The other option to consider is the slightly more expensive of the two. The $320 AM5 bundle instead replaces the motherboard while keeping the other CPU and RAM the same.

Instead of the ASUS Prime model, you get the ASUS B650M-Plus TUF. Being the same shipset, you wouldn’t expect too much difference between the two, but it does offer a bit more built-up design and a lot less basic. Looking a lot more premium than the cut-back basic Prime.

However, it also offers higher memory support, not so important for the G.Skill RAM in the bundle, but maybe down the line it can go to above 7,600MHz. It also improves RAM capacity per slot and the number of SATA ports, ultimately providing a bit more than the more basic option for $40 more, which also receives a $120 discount at Micro Center.

About the Author

Sebastian Kozlowski

With a fascination for technology and games, Seb is a tech writer with a focus on hardware and deals. He is also the primary tester and reviewer at BGFG and PCGuide.