Obtaining X99 in Australia?

[saya_kucing]

Hi all,

 

So I've decided against my wallet that I'll be opting for an X99 platform with the mid-level Haswell-E CPU.

 

The problem is that in Australia, the chipset hasn't exactly dropped yet - and where it has is sold at a ridiculously over-inflated price.

 

For example, the MSI x99 SLI PLUS is sold through the various retailers as follows:

Amazon: $228.79 (does not ship)

PLE Computers: $379.00

Newegg: Unavailable to Australia

PC Case Gear: $379.00

 

(Please note these are all in AUD, at time of post)

 

So basically I'm looking at paying a $150.21AUD premium to own the new chipset if purchased through a local dealer.

I realise that this is a crude example, in that the cheapest board will have the worst cost:shipping ratio, but it's more to highlight the point of the $150.21AUD mark-up on a 'budget' x99.

 

Does anyone know of any retailers that will ship to Aus? The alternative is to pay a 3rd party shipping company - which I have a feeling wouldn't be the smartest/cheapest idea due to the fragility of something like a motherboard with a chance of DOA, plus the 3rd party's overheads.

 

Any links/ideas would be great.

 

I know with all things tech, it would just be a matter of waiting for prices to drop and for availability to increase, but this is my first build and I have all my hardware sitting in a case with no motherboard - which I am anxious to complete.

 

Cheers,

saya_kucing

[decer304]

I know MSY also has some X99 boards