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Eragorn | Staff 22.4K Views
Oct 2, 2026 3:40 PM

Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus + 32GB G.Skill Ripjaws S5 + Gigabyte B860 DS3H WiFi6E

$500

$850

41% off
(Select Stores) + Free Pickupat Micro Center
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Deal Details
Select Micro Center Locations have Bundle: Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus CPU, Gigabyte B860 DS3H WiFi6E 1851 MB, 32GB G.Skill Ripjaws S5 DDR5-6000 RAM for $499.99. Choose free store pickup where available.

Thanks to Deal Hunter Eragorn for posting this deal.
  • Note: Visit your Micro Center store and feel free to browse/shop. When ready to checkout, please proceed to pickup area for your order. Just make sure to bring your preferred payment method with you and pay the pickup counter register. Please note – Your order will be held for a maximum of 3 days. Availability for pickup may vary by location.
Includes:
  • Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus Arrow Lake 4.2GHz Eighteen-Core LGA 1851 Boxed Processor - Heatsink Not Included (BX80768250K)
  • 32GB (2 x 16GB) G.Skill Ripjaws S5 DDR5-6000 PC5-48000 CL36 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit (F5-6000J3636F16GX2-RS5K, Black)
  • Gigabyte B860 DS3H WIFI6E Intel LGA 1851 ATX Motherboard

Editor's Notes

Written by SubZero5 | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.
  • About this store:
    • Details of Micro Center's return policy (here)

Original Post

Written by Eragorn | Staff
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Select Micro Center Locations have Bundle: Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus CPU, Gigabyte B860 DS3H WiFi6E 1851 MB, 32GB G.Skill Ripjaws S5 DDR5-6000 RAM for $499.99. Choose free store pickup where available.

Thanks to Deal Hunter Eragorn for posting this deal.
  • Note: Visit your Micro Center store and feel free to browse/shop. When ready to checkout, please proceed to pickup area for your order. Just make sure to bring your preferred payment method with you and pay the pickup counter register. Please note – Your order will be held for a maximum of 3 days. Availability for pickup may vary by location.
Includes:
  • Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus Arrow Lake 4.2GHz Eighteen-Core LGA 1851 Boxed Processor - Heatsink Not Included (BX80768250K)
  • 32GB (2 x 16GB) G.Skill Ripjaws S5 DDR5-6000 PC5-48000 CL36 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit (F5-6000J3636F16GX2-RS5K, Black)
  • Gigabyte B860 DS3H WIFI6E Intel LGA 1851 ATX Motherboard

Editor's Notes

Written by SubZero5 | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.
  • About this store:
    • Details of Micro Center's return policy (here)

Original Post

Written by Eragorn | Staff

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Top Comments

Community Reviews

This Micro Center bundle stands out as a very strong value for a modern productivity and gaming build, especially because it includes 32GB of DDR5 and a motherboard at a price that is hard to match separately. The Core Ultra 5 250K and 270K are described as fast, smooth in games, and excellent for productivity, with the integrated graphics adding useful backup, troubleshooting, and home server flexibility. Intel Quick Sync is also praised for transcoding. The main caveat is that AM5 offers a better upgrade path and some gaming-focused alternatives may be stronger, but they cost more. A solid pick if you want a well-rounded platform now.

Common Questions (6)

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52 Comments

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Oct 2, 2026 8:40 PM
1.9K Comments
Joined Apr 2010
fatguypoolsharkOct 2, 2026 8:40 PM
1.9K Comments
Quote from isekii View quoted comment :
Why did you choose this vs AM5 which has an upgrade path ?

Because while an upgrade path is nice, the 270k is so insanely cheap that it doesn't make much sense to buy into AM5 right now. To get comparable performance you would end up spending more just on the AM5 chip today than you would for the entire bundle with Microcenter at the moment. Intel has been mediocre for a long time, but the 250k and 270k are insane for the money.
Oct 2, 2026 9:21 PM
3K Comments
Joined Dec 2007
nycdudeOct 2, 2026 9:21 PM
3K Comments
Quote from fatguypoolshark View quoted comment :
Because while an upgrade path is nice, the 270k is so insanely cheap that it doesn't make much sense to buy into AM5 right now. To get comparable performance you would end up spending more just on the AM5 chip today than you would for the entire bundle with Microcenter at the moment. Intel has been mediocre for a long time, but the 250k and 270k are insane for the money.
Truth. good performance in productivity as well as gaming.
Oct 2, 2026 11:21 PM
3.3K Comments
Joined May 2008
ListedGuruOct 2, 2026 11:21 PM
3.3K Comments
Quote from nycdude View quoted comment :
Truth. good performance in productivity as well as gaming.
So what would the general consensus here be on a good solid productivity build (or prebuilt for that matter) that I could anticipate getting a solid 5+ years out of? I do not game at all but need something that'll drive (4) monitors without issue. It sounds like the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus or the Ultra 7 250K Plus is a good all around choice for productivity correct? So maybe start with one of these bundles with 32GB of ram and go from there? I know it's a bad time to build (or buy a machine) but I'll need something soonish and honestly I'm not sure I can wait for prices in come down (they'll probably go higher from here before going lower, lol).

I've never built a computer before but I'm fairly hand and could probably figure it out if it made sense to do so financially as opposed to buying a prebuilt one. I do live close to a Microcenter so that's a nice bonus plus we have a Best Buy close too that'll price match Microcenter as well. My kid did buy a prebuilt gaming PC from Microcenter earlier this year and got a pretty darn good deal on I think (all things considered) - I think it was a PowerSpec G728 IIRC and actually came with 48GB of Ram even though it was advertised as having 32GB. Of course the gaming PC has an AMD chip and we've only owned Intel powered computers here previously but it seems like a fine gaming computer.

Anyway just throwing this out there and looking for thoughts and ideas for my particular situation.
Oct 3, 2026 1:43 AM
4.6K Comments
Joined Mar 2006
tqlla3kOct 3, 2026 1:43 AM
4.6K Comments
Quote from Kaveman42 View quoted comment :
Here's my take on having an iGPU. If you have any interest in eventually repurposing your PC as a standalone home server after you retire it from daily use, the iGPU is the way to go. There's no need to keep a dedicated GPU installed and drawing unnecessary power just to get video output.
Another good reason to have an iGPU is for troubleshooting or as a backup. If your dedicated GPU fails and you need to RMA it or you're waiting to buy a replacement, you can still use your PC in the meantime. Sure, you won't be gaming, but at least you'll have a fully usable computer for everything else.

The F series CPU's make sense when your building out 100's of computers where the savings can add up. For consumers that will only buy one, the savings is not worth the benefit of the iGPU.
I guess its 2026 and $50 doesnt mean as much as it did in 2025... but still $50 is money you could put towards a better GPU
Oct 3, 2026 2:53 AM
736 Comments
Joined May 2010
Kaveman42Oct 3, 2026 2:53 AM
736 Comments
Quote from tqlla3k View quoted comment :
I guess its 2026 and $50 doesnt mean as much as it did in 2025... but still $50 is money you could put towards a better GPU
If you're trying to stretch every dollar of your budget to build a PC in today's market, I completely understand not wanting to spend the extra $50. If you don't see yourself having any future use for it, that's your call. It won't affect performance either way.
There are also other areas where you can save money. For example, you could find a used case from a friend, family member, or local classifieds. That alone could save you $50–$100. You might even find a good deal on a used PSU that's only a few years old. A quality PSU can often last around 10 years, so buying a relatively new used one can be another way to cut costs.
The way I see it, there are plenty of components you can save money on now and easily replace or upgrade later. The CPU and motherboard are different because they're essentially a package deal. In most builds, they'll stay paired together for the life of the system and eventually be replaced together. So it all comes down to if you have any future value in the iGPU similar to the examples I provided in a previous post.
Oct 3, 2026 1:53 PM
26 Comments
Joined Nov 2017
ricojayOct 3, 2026 1:53 PM
26 Comments
Quote from fatguypoolshark View quoted comment :
Because while an upgrade path is nice, the 270k is so insanely cheap that it doesn't make much sense to buy into AM5 right now. To get comparable performance you would end up spending more just on the AM5 chip today than you would for the entire bundle with Microcenter at the moment. Intel has been mediocre for a long time, but the 250k and 270k are insane for the money.
I think there's a case to be made for waiting for microcenter to put the 7600x3d or 7800x3d on sale with 32gb of ram. Ive seen and missed the 7600x3d for a similar price to this deal, and I think its better for gaming AND you have the longevity of the AM5 platform. I do think this deal is killer all that said.
Oct 3, 2026 2:59 PM
6 Comments
Joined Nov 2017
ChaosprimeOct 3, 2026 2:59 PM
6 Comments
Its now $479.. buying the combo and gonna sell the cpu and motherboard

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Original Poster
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Deal Hunter
Oct 3, 2026 3:29 PM
26.6K Comments
Joined Sep 2011
EragornOct 3, 2026 3:29 PM
Original Poster
Pro
Deal Hunter
26.6K Comments
Quote from Chaosprime View quoted comment :
Its now $479.. buying the combo and gonna sell the cpu and motherboard
I still see $499.99?
Oct 3, 2026 3:49 PM
99 Comments
Joined May 2018
MerrickGOct 3, 2026 3:49 PM
99 Comments
MicroCenter is pretty single handedly keeping PC gaming alive. These deals have NO reason to exist when they could easily sell these for a full $200 higher.
Oct 3, 2026 3:50 PM
99 Comments
Joined May 2018
MerrickGOct 3, 2026 3:50 PM
99 Comments
Quote from fatguypoolshark View quoted comment :


Because while an upgrade path is nice, the 270k is so insanely cheap that it doesn't make much sense to buy into AM5 right now. To get comparable performance you would end up spending more just on the AM5 chip today than you would for the entire bundle with Microcenter at the moment. Intel has been mediocre for a long time, but the 250k and 270k are insane for the money.
Not to mention that the DDr5 memory can be brought over to a new system with ease.
Oct 3, 2026 3:51 PM
99 Comments
Joined May 2018
MerrickGOct 3, 2026 3:51 PM
99 Comments
Quote from tqlla3k View quoted comment :
I guess its 2026 and $50 doesnt mean as much as it did in 2025... but still $50 is money you could put towards a better GPU
The iGPU is something you hope you never need, but it is an absolutel LIFESAVER when you do need it. I wont buy a CPU without it.
Oct 3, 2026 5:05 PM
4.6K Comments
Joined Mar 2006
tqlla3kOct 3, 2026 5:05 PM
4.6K Comments
Quote from ricojay View quoted comment :
I think there's a case to be made for waiting for microcenter to put the 7600x3d or 7800x3d on sale with 32gb of ram. Ive seen and missed the 7600x3d for a similar price to this deal, and I think its better for gaming AND you have the longevity of the AM5 platform. I do think this deal is killer all that said.
They lowered the 7600x3d bundle to 16GB of ram a while ago. The way things are Microcenter might pair the 7600x3d with 8GB ram. LOL.
Oct 3, 2026 5:32 PM
123 Comments
Joined Jan 2018
CyborgTOct 3, 2026 5:32 PM
123 Comments
Quote from deanhatescoffee View quoted comment :
I also have an i7 9700 currently. How's the 5600X3D treating you so far?
after multi-day lengthy chat with Gemini(way more than to my wife), this is the best bang to your bucks. $310 for 5600 + asus ATX + 8GBx2(probaby no need), you got yourself a good machine that can release full power of RTX5070(got 4 months ago for $570 at MC). I only do that cuz my 9700 draging my 5070 down a lot.... Anyway, now I run everything on high or ultra no problem, the machine do feel much hotter.... Gemini said since 5070 can run full speed now it producing much more heat than before, also 5600x3d using twice power than 9700. Of course, all those are based on your current DDR4 size, if you only have 32GB..... maybe time to move on to DDR5 era....
Oct 3, 2026 10:49 PM
533 Comments
Joined Aug 2011
deanhatescoffeeOct 3, 2026 10:49 PM
533 Comments
Quote from CyborgT View quoted comment :
after multi-day lengthy chat with Gemini(way more than to my wife), this is the best bang to your bucks. $310 for 5600 + asus ATX + 8GBx2(probaby no need), you got yourself a good machine that can release full power of RTX5070(got 4 months ago for $570 at MC). I only do that cuz my 9700 draging my 5070 down a lot.... Anyway, now I run everything on high or ultra no problem, the machine do feel much hotter.... Gemini said since 5070 can run full speed now it producing much more heat than before, also 5600x3d using twice power than 9700. Of course, all those are based on your current DDR4 size, if you only have 32GB..... maybe time to move on to DDR5 era....
I wish I lived near a Microcenter, but the closest one is 700 miles away. $310 for a 5600X3D, mobo, and 16GB RAM is a good deal.

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Oct 3, 2026 11:08 PM
3.3K Comments
Joined May 2008
ListedGuruOct 3, 2026 11:08 PM
3.3K Comments
Would it make sense to build a productivity machine with one of these bundle deals such as this one if I only plan on using the internal graphics? It sounds like the internal graphics of the Ultra 5 250K Plus will run (4) monitors and that just happens to be how many monitors I'm looking to run. I won't be doing any gaming on this machine just running four monitors in a a productivity capacity. I guess the nice thing is that I could always add a dedicated graphics card down the road if need be. I'm not sure what my all in cost on a productivity build as I described would be but I think it would be at least better components than a store bought build.

Any thoughts on this?

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