Score 32GB DDR5 & RTX 5060 in This $899 MSI Desktop (Save $200)
▼ Summary
– The MSI Codex R2 desktop is on sale for $899, featuring an RTX 5060 GPU, Core i5-14400F CPU, 2TB storage, and 32GB of DDR5 memory.
– This prebuilt system offers exceptional value, as the included 32GB DDR5 kit alone would cost a significant portion of the total price.
– The RTX 5060 is an excellent value for 1080p gaming, though its 8GB VRAM may limit performance at higher resolutions like 1440p.
– The Core i5-14400F is the system’s weakest component for gaming but can be easily upgraded later due to the LGA1700 motherboard.
– Securing a system with 32GB of DDR5 now provides future upgrade flexibility, as RAM prices are currently high and expected to remain so.
Finding a powerful gaming desktop that doesn’t break the bank can feel like a quest in itself, especially with the current volatility in memory pricing. The MSI Codex R2 presents a compelling solution, bundling an RTX 5060, a Core i5-14400F, a generous 2TB SSD, and a full 32GB of DDR5 memory for an aggressively low price of $899. This configuration effectively sidesteps the high cost of purchasing RAM separately, offering exceptional value for gamers focused on high-fidelity 1080p performance.
The heart of this system for gaming is undoubtedly the Nvidia RTX 5060 graphics card. Recognized for delivering outstanding frames-per-dollar, this GPU is tailor-made for smooth 1080p gameplay. It leverages technologies like DLSS Super Resolution and Frame Generation to enhance performance, though its 8GB of VRAM is primarily suited for that resolution. Pushing settings at 1440p could potentially reveal limitations in more demanding titles, but for its intended purpose, the RTX 5060 is a stellar choice.
Powering the system is an Intel Core i5-14400F processor. In gaming benchmarks, this CPU often lands in the middle of the pack, making it the component most likely to be upgraded in the future. Its performance is perfectly adequate for pairing with the RTX 5060 at 1080p, ensuring no significant bottlenecks. A major advantage here is the LGA1700 socket on the motherboard, which provides a straightforward upgrade path to more powerful chips like a Core i7-14700K should you wish to enhance CPU performance later on.
Where this deal truly shines is in its memory and storage offering. At a time when 32GB DDR5 kits command a premium, getting that capacity included is a huge benefit. The inclusion of 32GB of DDR5 RAM future-proofs the system considerably, providing ample headroom for modern games and multitasking. Coupled with a spacious 2TB solid-state drive, double what is typically expected at this price point, you get a system with excellent immediate utility and long-term flexibility.
This MSI desktop is a smart buy for anyone building a capable 1080p gaming rig without the hassle of sourcing individual parts. The combined value of the components, particularly the large memory and storage allotments, makes the total package price difficult to match through a custom build. It represents a savvy way to secure high-performance hardware while navigating an unpredictable market for core components like DDR5 memory.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
