Gauzl

As far as i know my only issue right now is that there is no network driver installed and the only one available from MSI is a Windows 11 version, looks like I'm upgrading.

So I'm reinstalling windows 10 to hopefully fix an issue I was having. Now I have installed windows dozens of times over the years and know the procedure. However this time I seem to be discovering new errors that never existed before. It appears reinstalling windows reverted my BIOS version back to 0.00, after updating it back to the latest version, I am unable to install any kind of LAN driver so I cannot connect to the internet. I already tried installing the latest driver from the manufacturer using a USB but I just get an error saying there is another error that needs to be resolved first, but that's it, no explanation. Any thoughts? Mobo - MSI Z790-A WIFI Version - E7E07IMS.A60

Being the cheapest of the 13th gen, would it still be a good match for a 4090 for gaming at 3440x1440p? Or would it be worth getting the 13700k atleast?

I missed my chance to get the base TUF model which is the cheapest for me in Australia, however the TUF OC version is still available yet there's a $500AU price difference and spec wise the difference is marginal. Anyone know where the $500 difference comes from?

I'll try doing that. Definitely the CPU as I just slot in my friends 3600X and it works with 4x8GB RAM.

Got the predicament of a likely faulty 5800X which won't run with more than 1 stick of RAM, only option I can see is to replace it. However I have a 9700k which works perfectly fine and I may be getting a 4090 or AMD equivalent. Given the age of the 9700k, would it be suitable or a bottleneck in anyway?

Is there a tutorial for removing the retention socket?

I genuinely don't believe that's the cause, like I said it works with another CPU and other ram sticks. The 5800x was in place for over a year without being moved.

After over a year of use, my 5800X suddenly refuses to work with more than 1 stick of RAM. I confirmed it's the CPU because I've tested other RAM kits and a 3600X which all work. Any ideas why a CPU will suddenly do this and is it fixable?

Gonna try this today but there been several BIOS updates since v14 and v18, I've only tried the latest one which is v1D. Should I try v14 then v18 or should the latest version cover both?

Australian dollars. Check out pccasegear.com.au as that's where I buy from.

3440x1440p

I'm not really worried about best value, but I have to draw a line at spending more than $820 for a 13700K, I'm also getting either a 4080 16GB or similar from AMD.

Won't that cost much more than the standard version? The 13700k will cost me $820 and the 7700x will cost $690 Australian dollars, I'm maxing out my budget at the $820 for the CPU.

Buy the 7700X now or wait for the 13700k for gaming performance. Thoughts?