After 6 years of service my PC I built is ready to be replaced. I am not really interested in building my own at this point and came across this deal at Costco.

I generally have had great experiences with Costco but have never bought a PC so wondering what experiences others have had

I wanted a 4080 and AMD 7900x or 7800x3d

Costco also has no hassle returns and the 3 year warranty / protection plan for $99

Should I pull the trigger or wait for Black Friday potentially?

https://www.costco.com/.product.1875542.html

Edit:

Decided to go with this option recommended in the comments. Between the Black Friday early promo and a cash back offer from Amex/Newegg I feel like it's a solid value.

https://www.newegg.com/p/3D5-002N-00092?Item=9SIB5FPK7M8378

I recently purchased an MSI aegis zs2 with a 9800x3d, 64 gb of ram, 2tb ssd, rtx5080, msi pro b650vc wifi3, and msi 850w psu. The computer is fantastic, only mistake in assembly was the ram was running at a lower clock frequency but that was an easy fix in bios.

As a word of caution for anyone who purchased these computers. The boot drive/ssd that came in mine is a kingston nv2. These drives are pretty much the worst budget ssd and are not particularly reliable. They tend to fail at higher rates than other ssd and also tend to be slower and get even worse after being half full. I would highly recommend swapping the drive out for a better ssd at your earliest convenienceand switching the kingston to a backup/game drive.

That being said, the computer is amazing. Runs great, the assembly was done very well/clean. I reseated the AIO but I didn't need to as MSI had done an excellent job at the factory. All the components other than the ssd are high quality and overall I am very impressed. All connections and cable management was done well.

https://www.costco.com/msi-aegis-zs2-gaming-desktop---amd-ryzen-9-7900x---geforce-rtx-4080-super---windows-11-home.product.4000308016.html

Costco has this for $2200. It looks nice, but I’m not sure whether I should try to build my own.

I have built my own a decade ago. So I have the confidence to do it myself. But I’m not sure if I could do better building my own with parts from Thanksgiving sales.

If you had 2200 to build a PC, would you buy that MSI Aegis ZS2?

New build or upgrade? This is a new build. Currently in the market for my first ever PC. I have no experience building PCs so my first thought was to purchase a prebuilt pc instead of making my own. I priced out each part from the Costco build on PC Part Picker and it came out more expensive than if I just bought the prebuilt.

I would appreciate any suggestions and builds you guys have. Thank you all in advance 🫶

Hey, pc amateur here. I'm looking for a new computer for college that can be able to run most engineering softwares (solidworks, matlab), edit videos with 3d graphics (premiere, after effects, blender), and can be a smooth experience overall.

I found this pre-built MSI AEGIS in Costco for 1500USD with the following specs:

i7 - 13700F 32GB DDR4 1TB HDD + 2TB SSD (doesn't specify what type of ssd) GeForce RTX 3060

I'm not too sure how good of a deal this is, since I'm worried that the 3060 may not feasibly last for the next 5 - 7 years. Personally, I prefer having the experience of building a PC myself so I can control aesthetics, but if this seems like a jaw-dropping deal, I might just purchase it and call it a day.

Should I buy this pre-built? (if i do, how easy is it for me to upgrade it?) Are there equivalent or better builds w/ 32GB ram and a better GPU with a similar price point?

Hey everybody, this is the first gaming PC I've bought as a replacement for a 7 year old Dell XPS laptop. I picked it up for $2,199 plus tax and I'm just wondering if you think it's a good purchase. I'm going to use it as my main PC and I intend on playing games on it as well. How good is this PC? I've also purchased an LG monitor to go along with it (32" UltraGear OLED Dual Mode 4K 240Hz 0.03ms G-Sync). Thank you for taking the time to respond - it'll help me understand if I keep it or return it for something better.

I've seen a lot of people buy the CostCo MSI Aegis ZS2 Prebuild for $1999 in recent times. I counted over 10 posts just in the last 24h. Congrats to everyone who did!! You bought a great PC.
As a consequence these posts were filled with questions and also tons of misinformation and misguided suggestions. A lot of the answers were conflicting and did not help a lot beginner PC users. Therefore, this is to serve as a thread to answer all your questions regarding the setup of this awesome PC. Please see the full thread and the FAQs at the end for any issues.

UPDATE 1: Windows Key Retrieval steps. See D17

UPDATE 2: Heatsink information for SSD. See E13

UPDATE 3: Boot drive cloning instructions. See Section F

UPDATE 4: Tier list of PSUs. See B1

UPDATE 5: Spreadsheet of SSDs. See C1

UPDATE 6: New BIOS update. See D8. I highly recommend updating BIOS only if something is wrong.

Prebuild components:

• CPU - AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

• GPU - MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16G VENTUS 3X OC (or equivalent see A5 below)

• RAM - TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL38

• Motherboard - MSI Pro B650-VC WiFi III (unreleased)

• CPU Cooler - MSI MAG CORELIQUID M360 78.23 CFM Liquid AIO (or equivalent see A7 below)

• SSD - Kingston NV2 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME

• PSU - MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 750 W 80+ Gold (Non Modular)

• Case - MSI MPG GUNGNIR 300R AIRFLOW ATX Mid Tower Case

• Keyboard and Mouse - MSI K322 KB+M combo

• Additional Fans - 4x MSI MPG F120 ARGB-2B 50.79 CFM 120 mm Fan

• Windows 11 Home OEM

A. Things that do not need upgrading and you can stop worrying about:

1. Motherboard: The motherboard is unreleased to the general public. It is unknown if it will be, So stop worrying. It is nearly identical to the Pro B650-VC WiFi II version available on the MSI website.

2. WiFi: It is confirmed that the WiFI is WiFi 7 based off of hardware monitoring. It does have an ethernet port too for direct connectivity.

3. RAM slots: The motherboard has only 2 DIMM slots. You don't need 4 because the AM5 platform performs at its best when using just 2 sticks of RAM.

4. CPU: The CPU is a Ryzen 7900x. It is not designed for gaming but that doesn't mean it is a bad processor. It will perform like a beast and you do not need the latest X3D processor.

5. GPU: The GPU I had is the MSI Ventus 3x OC. There are other versions of the build that have other MSI cards. The version of the card DOES NOT MATTER. You got a good GPU. Stop freaking out.

6. RAM modules: The RAM is a CL38 module. Yes that means it has higher latency than a CL30 RAM. Does that matter to real world usage? No. You don't need to waste your money and get new RAM. The brand that is in there is reputable and is a good version. If you got the 5600 Mhz RAM as per the specifications, that is also totally fine. You don't need to upgrade because it won't make a real world difference for the average user.

7. CPU Cooler: The 2024-10 manufactured version has the MSI MAG M360 AIO. The 2024-11 version has the MSI MAG P360 AIO. Both AIO are the same. They have the same specs. The P360 has a cooler looking CPU unit but that’s it. There’s no difference between the two. The fans are the same. The flow rate is the same. The cooling capacity is the same. The volume of air drawn is the same. It is not an upgrade by any means

B. Things that are not necessary but ok to upgrade:

1. PSU: Some people seem to freak out about the PSU. The PSU is not bad and you don't need an upgrade. It provides sufficient power for the computer. But if you really wanted to, get a better one. I recommend Corsair RM850x (or RM850x Shift version if your case allows it), or equivalent. Here is a PSU Tier List to help.

C. Things to seriously consider upgrading:

1. SSD: The SSD is a Kingston NV2 NVME. It is a Gen4 SSD and fairly decent to start with but it does become way slower when 50% full and has been known to have a much higher failure rate compared to some others. I would suggest changing that to a Crucial T500 or WD SN850X just to have a better boot drive. You can use the Kingston NV2 as your game drive and it should be totally ok. Here is a spreadsheet of SSDs to help you find the right one.

2. Additional Storage: There are a total of 3 M.2 slots on this motherboard. You can add additional M.2 NVMe drives there. See section F for details. I recommend replacing the Kingston with a better boot drive, and keeping the Kingston on one of these slots for expanded storage.

D. Things to do after starting up for the first time:

1. Check the PC for every cable and every component being installed correctly. No loose parts or connections.

2. Boot up the PC and setup Windows as per instructions.

3. Once inside Windows, download NVidia App. Update the GeForce GameReady drivers

4. Download the Pro B650 VC WiFi V2 Manual for future reference in case of trouble.

5. Uninstall MSI center. It is mostly bloatware.

6. Install MSI Afterburner if you want to overclock or undervolt your GPU.

7. DO NOT ACCESS BIOS FROM WITHIN WINDOWS SOFTWARES.

8. DO NOT UPDATE BIOS IF THINGS ARE WORKING FINE. There's a lot of misinformation regarding BIOS. The problem is this board is currently unreleased. So there is no official BIOS version to update to. If you choose to update BIOS, you will need to use the VC-WiFi-II version which I cannot make any recommendations on. If things are working fine, leave the BIOS alone. If you still want to update BIOS, you can find the updates and instructions here.

9. Download CPU-Z and HWMonitor - These will help identify components and make sure things are all the right parts

10. Download GPU-Z - This will help monitor your GPU to begin with.

11. If Applicable: Update monitor/display drivers

12. If Applicable: Update peripheral accessory drivers

13. Optional: Download FurMark or Uningine Heaven for GPU bench-marking to support your overclocking/undervolting needs. For more rigorous benchmarking you will need 3DMark.

14. Optional: Download Passmark Performance Test to benchmark the computer as a whole. Note that this is more tailored for the CPU than the GPU.

15. Optional: Download Device Cleanup Tool and remove all the ghost hardware that may have been connected to the computer. To do this, you will have to "Run As Admin". NOTE: REMOVE ONLY GHOST HARDWARE. DO NOT USE THIS TO REMOVE ANYTHING ACTIVELY CONNECTED.

16. Optional: Download Revo Uninstaller which will help you remove hard-to-uninstall software entirely.

17. Install ShowKeyPlus from the Microsoft Store to retrieve your Windows 11 Key. Copy this into a safe place

Once you have determined that the PC is good, and used it for atleast 30 days: Register the MSI Product

E. FAQs:

1. Will my computer be futureproof?: Yes for atleast 2-4 years depending on what you want to use it for

2. Why are my boot times longer than usual?: The AMD AM5 platform is designed to boot slowly. Yes the boot being longer is normal but this is done to train your components properly and ensure there aren't any issues. You will be thankful in the long run when your computer sustains good performance unlike those with fast boot enabled. Trust me, your computer is OK. If you would like your computer to have fewer problems, DO NOT MESS WITH THE BIOS TO IMPROVE BOOT TIMES. It is NOT worth it to save a literal minute of your everyday life.

3. How do I enable the 6000MHz RAM speed?: By default the RAM clock speeds are set to lower amounts. You have to enter BIOS during startup (by hitting "Del" repeatedly" and then on the top left you’ll see “CPU” and next to it you’ll have “Profile” with A-XMP and EXPO options with the numbered buttons 1 & 2 alongside each of them in a row. Since this is an AMD CPU, you need EXPO. Click EXPO #1 for the 6000 MHz profile. Save and exit. It should reboot and now you should have the higher RAM speeds. If this does not work then click the "OC" tab to the left. Scroll and find "EXPO". Switch that to "Enabled" if it is disabled. Then redo the profile selection described earlier. Click here for example BIOS view

4. Is this a good deal?: Yes. As of Dec 2024, the 4080S are out of production and will be sold for a premium. So this is a fantastic deal.

5. Should I wait for the 50xx series? Depends on whether you want to pay a premium or not

6. What is CostCo's return policy?: 90 days. Click here for CostCo Return Policy

7. What is the warranty?: Two years. One year with manufacturer and one year extension by CostCo. Click here for CostCo Warranty Details

8. Do I NEED to overclock or undervolt my GPU?: If you are comfortable doing it, go ahead. If you are not comfortable, don't do it. It's not a requirement and it will work fine without it. The performance upgrade will not be noticeable if you do not know if you need it or not.

9. How many M2 slots does it have?: 3x M2 slots. M2_1 and M2_2 are both powered by the CPU so they are faster and preferred locations for boot drives. M2_3 is powered by the chipset and is good for a game drive or any other storage. M2_2 is covered by the GPU so you will need to remove it to install a drive there.

10. How many SATA connections does it have?: 4 total. They are located right behind the GPU. Look at the motherboard diagram on the MSI website for more details.

11. Can I install 3.5" HDD?: Yes. It comes with two SATA cables and two slots for 3.5" drives. You will need to open up the non-glass panel

12. Can I install a 2.5" HDD or SSD?: Yes. You will need a 3.5 to 2.5 bracket to hold the drive so it can sit in the 3.5" bay without wobbling.

13. Do I need a heatsink for my SSD: Gen 3 drives do not need a heatsink. Gen 4 drives may need a heatsink. Gen 5 drives definitely need a heatsink. However, the motherboard only supports Gen 4 speeds, so Gen 5 drives will not run at maximum speed anyway. Nonetheless, buying a Gen 4 drive with a heatsink is a good quality of life improvement. Don't waste your money on Gen 5. If you get a good deal on a Gen 4 SSD without a heatsink, you can just buy a low profile heatsink separately.

F. Creating a clone of your Boot Drive:

As mentioned in E9, this motherboard has 3x M2 slots.

• Speed: M2_1 and M2_2 are both powered by the CPU so they are faster and preferred locations for boot drives. M2_3 is powered by the chipset and is good for a game drive or any other storage.

• Accessibility: M2_1 and M2_2 are open and can be accessed easily. M2_2 is covered by the GPU so you will need to remove it to install a drive there.

• Heatsink SSD: M2_1 and M2_3 can accommodate any SSD with any size heatsink. Since M2_2 is under the GPU, it will accommodate only SSDs with low-profile heatsinks - Crucial T500, WD SN850x, Samsung 980/990 Pro. Alternatively you can get a non-heatsink SSD and buy a low profile heatsink

Installation and cloning instructions:

1. Ensure computer is off and disconnected from power.

2. Insert new M2 in M2_2 (which is under the GPU so you’ll have to remove the GPU).

3. Boot into windows and install DiskGenius

4. Refer this video on instructions to clone drive. Remember to select the option "Automatically enter BIOS after rebooting" as shown. Also remember to select "Reboot to Windows PE"

5. Reboot, it’ll bring you to BIOS where you may see the new drive or not. If you see the boot drive go to Step 6. If you don’t, go to Step 7

6. YOU SEE THE NEW DRIVE AS A BOOT OPTION: Select the new drive as the boot option, save and exit BIOS to complete boot. Once windows logs in, shutdown again, and remove drive from M2_1 only. Leave M2_2 as is because you don’t want to go touching the GPU unnecessarily.

7. IF YOU DO NOT SEE THE NEW DRIVE IN BOOT OPTIONS: Continue booting, Log into windows as usual, check properties of both drives to see that they match. If they match, good. If not, redo the cloning. Shut down completely and remove original drive from M2_1. Leave M2_2 as is.

8. Boot up again and it should now automatically recognize the drive.

9. IF IT STILL DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE DRIVE: Put original back to M2_1, remove cloned drive from M2_2. Boot in, and shutdown. Now remove original from M2_1, put cloned drive back into M2_1, and boot.

10. Once you’re clear then you can do what you want with the original drive. I recommend keeping the drive in case of returns. You can format it and use it as your game drive.

Am I crazy or does this seem like a steal? Looking for a new PC and have been checking across Microcenter, Best Buy, Newegg etc.

Has anyone purchased this? Looks like it might be a new listing as it has no reviews.

https://www.costco.com/msi-aegis-zs2-liquid-cooled-gaming-desktop---amd-ryzen-9-7900x----geforce-rtx-4070-super%2c-12gb---windows-11.product.4000289077.html

Looking at the Costco MSI with the 5080 - https://www.costco.com/msi-aegis-zs2-gaming-desktop--amd-ryzen-9-9900x--geforce-rtx-5080--windows-11-home---32gb-ram----2tb-ssd.product.4000355760.html

Is there any deal out there that would beat this currently? Budget can go to 3k overall - hoping to use it for 4k gaming and video editing so any advice appreciated. Also looking to get new monitors so any recommendations for 4k ones would be great.

MSI Aegis R Gaming Desktop - 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700F - GeForce RTX 4060Ti - Windows 11

https://www.costco.com/msi-aegis-r-gaming-desktop---13th-gen-intel-core-i7-13700f---geforce-rtx-4060ti---windows-11.product.4000139263.html?sh=true&nf=true

Is this a good deal?