**PC Component Sales and Deals: A Guide to Getting the Best Value**
The world of PC components is always evolving, with new sales and deals popping up every day. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the latest deals on popular components, including graphics cards, RAM, and CPUs.
**Graphics Cards: Prices Are Down, but Be Careful What You Buy**
When it comes to graphics cards, prices have been fluctuating in recent months. The RX 580, which was once priced around $200-$230 for an 8GB model, is now available at a significantly lower price point - around $120. While this may seem like a great deal, there's a catch: the VRMs (power delivery modules) on these cards can run warm, and the fans may be louder than usual.
If you're looking to buy one of the better 580s, such as the Gaming Extra or Nitro models from PowerColor, you'll find them available in the $200-$240 range. The MSI Armor series is also available at a similar price point, but again, keep an eye on temperatures and noise levels.
**CPU Sales: A Good Time to Buy**
The CPU market has seen some great sales in recent months, with prices dropping for popular models like the Ryzen 9 5900X. For those looking to build a high-performance system, this could be a good time to buy.
However, it's worth noting that some of these sales may not be as hot as they seem. The GTX 1080i SC2 Gaming model, which was previously priced at $750, is now available for $740 - while not a bad deal, it's hard to justify spending more than $100 less on a graphics card.
On the other hand, the MSI GeForce GTX 1070 Mini Card is a great option for those building an 8-CPU system. Priced at around $410, this compact card offers excellent performance and is well worth considering.
**RAM Sales: A Good Time to Upgrade**
When it comes to RAM, sales are happening every day - but it's not all good news. Some of the best deals on RAM we've seen recently have been on memory kits that offer little more than what you'd get with a single stick. For example, the Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB kit at $160 is just 8GB of RAM, which may not be enough for all users.
However, if you need a big memory bank to complement your high-performance CPU, there are some great deals available. The Ripjaws 5K 2x16GB kit, priced at around $140, offers excellent performance and runs at a blistering 3200MHz CL15 - while the G.Skill RGB kit is more expensive, but still a great value for those who want top-notch RAM.
In conclusion, there are some fantastic deals on PC components to be had right now. Whether you're looking to upgrade your current system or build something new from scratch, it's worth doing some research and shopping around to find the best deals on the components that matter most to you.
**Additional Tips**
Before making any purchases, keep in mind that some sales may not live up to their billing. Always check prices over time to ensure that they're not just a one-time sale, and be sure to read reviews and do your research before buying anything.
Additionally, consider purchasing thermal pads for your graphics cards - these can help mitigate the effects of coil whine, which can be a problem with some of the newer models. And if you're planning on spending over $500 on a graphics card, don't forget to check for any additional costs, such as power supplies or case fans.
Finally, if you're looking for deals on PC components, be sure to follow reputable retailers and review websites - and keep an eye on our Patreon page, where we'll often offer exclusive discounts on our own gear.