If you would like probably the most out of an all AMD construct, you want one of the best AMD motherboard as the bottom in your all-red workforce gaming rig. Whether or not it is getting used as a base for the spectacular Ryzen 9 5900X CPU or should you plan on hacking collectively a decent budget PC, there’s an AMD motherboard for you.
However bear in mind, earlier than you add any of those AMD motherboards to your purchasing basket, you first must resolve which is the proper chipset for you. AMD has caught with the AM4 socket for some time now, so you have acquired loads of selections. The X570, X470, and B450 motherboards are all viable choices for now, and can be for a while.
When trying to find the appropriate AMD motherboard, keep in mind that dearer would not at all times imply higher. All of it boils all the way down to the options so consider carefully about what want, and what you need, in opposition to your price range. Do you want a variety of ports? Wi-fi 6 help? Are you upgrading to an NVMe SSDs? Mainly, ask your self what you want your new machine to do.
We have examined dozens and dozens of AMD motherboards over this yr on our take a look at rigs and located one of the best AMD motherboards that supply each value and efficiency. And whereas the boards themselves do not supply a efficiency increase per se, the story is totally different relating to squeezing as a lot efficiency out of your AMD system as you’ll be able to with CPU overclocking.
Asus’ ROG Crosshair VIII Darkish Hero desires to be the final AM4 motherboard you will ever want. However what’s it that makes an incredible motherboard? Options are vital, as is a steady and refined BIOS, worth for cash, an excellent design, however intangible. Generally it is that the rattling factor works.
Motherboard testing is usually some of the painful issues a tech journalist has to do. With some boards, you need to struggle it to get it to do what you need, or count on it to, or must or crank up some voltage setting to a degree you do not need to, however the Darkish Hero boots the primary time, whilst we performed with the reminiscence clocks and timings and the Infinity Cloth.
The Crosshair VIII Darkish Hero would possibly not be one of the best AM4 motherboard ever made, we would must evaluation a couple of hundred others to make that declare, but it surely’s a straightforward declare to make that the Darkish Hero is undoubtedly the most effective AM4 motherboards we have ever used. Time and months of consumer suggestions will decide if the Darkish Hero assumes a place as one of many actually legendary ROG motherboards, however we would not guess in opposition to that taking place.
Learn the total Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero review.
The MSI MPG X570 represents an amalgamation of bleeding-edge motherboard tech, constructed that can assist you get probably the most out of AMD’s high-end Ryzen 5000 processors, such because the Ryzen 9 5900X or Ryzen 9 5950X. It has 4 DIMM slots that may deal with speeds as much as 4,400MHz (though there’s not a lot level going past DDR4-4000) and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots—MSI’s MPG X570 is all about getting probably the most out of one of the best parts.
The rear I/O panel options seven USB Sort-A ports for peripherals, in addition to a single USB Sort-C port for connectivity and high-speed information switch. So you will not go with out treasured ports for at the very least, er, per week.
The MPG X570 helps Wi-Fi 6, and whereas that does necessitate a Wi-Fi 6 appropriate router for the quickest speeds, it’s going to additionally work with present Wi-Fi 4/5 routers (previously 802.11n and 802.11ac). Additionally of observe is the HDMI port, which many X570 boards omit (not that we might suggest utilizing an AMD APU with built-in graphics in a high-end board like this).
The pair of M.2 slots every have devoted warmth shields and followers, and whereas this does assist stop potential thermal throttling, it makes putting in or changing them a extra delicate course of than with their more-exposed counterparts.
The MPG X570 options sufficient compatibility to get probably the most out of your {hardware} now and sooner or later, supplied you are prepared to pay a premium for it. Whereas it is a wonderful motherboard, should you aren’t already dedicated to a purchasing checklist of top-of-the-line parts, you might need to think about a barely inexpensive board in your wants. The MSI X570-A Pro omits some extras like Wi-Fi and the M.2 shields, but it surely nonetheless runs high-quality and prices almost $100 much less.
For those who’re on the lookout for a sub $200 AMD motherboard, the standard recommendation can be to have a look at one of many many high quality B550 choices. It is vital to not overlook the brand new X570 variations, although. The essential chipset is a couple of years previous, however with the newly launched X570S fashions, possibly it is time to take a extra critical have a look at AMD’s prime boards.
Notably, the ‘S’ within the new X570S nomenclature denotes silence. Early technology X570 boards, with just a few exceptions, all got here with pesky, whiny chipset followers. In addition to passive chipset cooling, the brand new X570S boards allow upgraded connectivity choices, together with quicker than Gigabit LAN or WiFi 6E. Sadly the ASRock X570S Riptide would not have WiFi 6E, but it surely does have a wonderful value for a prime chipset board.
The X570S Riptide is a strong price range providing that can fortunately happen on the coronary heart of a top-spec PCIe 4.0 system. It will not win the characteristic showdown battle with dearer boards. Nonetheless, suppose you are on the lookout for an reasonably priced motherboard for a quick gaming system. In that case, it is an incredible shout, particularly should you worth one which’s silent and effectively constructed however freed from superfluous extras that do nothing for efficiency. The ASRock X570S PG Riptide, then, is a powerful price range contender for one of the best AMD motherboard.
Learn our full ASRock X570S PG Riptide review.
The X570 chipset could be a few years previous, however that does not imply it is time to put it out to pasture simply but. With PCIe 4.0 lanes, it is doable so as to add the yr 2021 options fairly simply. That is exactly what Gigabyte has completed with the X570S Aorus Grasp. It shares rather a lot in frequent with its already extremely regarded 2019 predecessor. With the inclusion of some important characteristic updates and design tweaks, the X570S Aorus Grasp ought to stay a best-in-class contender for AMD motherboards.
After we first noticed X570 boards en masse at Computex in 2019, one of many issues that involved us was the just about common presence of chipset followers. A 15w TDP mixed with the warmth of a number of PCIe 4.0 drives meant that energetic cooling was required in lots of instances, although fortunately not on a regular basis. The S in X570S denotes silence. The bottom chipset design hasn’t modified, however Gigabyte has added a variety of floor space to the cooling meeting, with virtually the whole backside half of the board now coated with heatsinks.
Gigabyte deserves credit score for persevering with to make use of finned VRM heatsinks, which add a variety of floor space. They’re proof that it is doable to mix perform with type. A 14 part VRM with 70a MOSFETS is sufficient to energy a 5950X cooled by LN2 with headroom to spare, which suggests customers of ambient cooling will not face any subject.
The rear I/O is absolutely featured, significantly with regards to USB connectivity. Twelve ports consist of 4 USB 2.0, two USB 3.1 Gen 1, 5 USB 3.2 Gen 2, and a single Sort-C USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port. One thing must be completed about that ridiculous USB naming scheme, however that is a narrative for one more day. You get clear CMOS and BIOS Flashback buttons, antenna connectors, the usual audio ports with S/PDIF, and at last, a single Intel i225-V 2.5G LAN port.
The Aorus Grasp is filled with options that hold AM4 and X570 related and updated. It is acquired a great deal of USB ports and storage choices. It appears to be like good too. A board across the $400 mark cannot ever be thought of reasonably priced, however we really feel it presents an excellent characteristic set at this value.
Learn the total Gigabyte X570S Aorus Master review.
The Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Hero (Wi-Fi) is one other glorious, if opulent, board for Ryzen 5000 processors. This AMD motherboard comes filled with all the trimmings you’d count on, together with an onboard thermal sensor, onboard energy and reset buttons, and a BIOS flashback choice on the rear IO panel. The board has its I/O defend pre-mounted to keep away from any embarrassing mishaps throughout your construct.
This normal ATX board can help a pair of GPUs in its PCIe ports and as much as 128GB of RAM with its 4 DIMM slots. You additionally get a few M.2 SSDs slots. These specs are typically par for the course, nonetheless. An array of 10 USB Sort-A ports, in addition to a USB Sort-C connector for entrance panel IO, present ample help for any variety of peripherals, which all assist put this board a lower above its friends.
Glossy matte black and chrome end and subdued RGB lend an air of subtlety to this specific board, and whereas the seamless M.2 warmth shields make the Crosshair one of many cleanest wanting boards on this checklist, it does make swapping out SSDs a little bit of a ache. This is not a obtrusive subject however does add an additional step everytime you’re making an attempt to improve your storage.
Total, this board has many engaging options, however its comparatively steep price ticket could draw your eye to extra reasonably priced choices.
ASRock has made some nice AMD Ryzen motherboards over time, and this one packs within the newest high-end X570 chipset, forward-looking options, and critical efficiency. The $200+ value level could be a bit powerful to swallow, however loads of X570 motherboards sit at round that type of degree. The actual fact there’s virtually no Mini-ITX premium hooked up makes the Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3 much more tempting.
It additionally means you’ll be able to doubtlessly create a 16-core AMD Ryzen 9 3950X or AMD Ryzen 9 5950X machine that appears about the identical type of dimension as an Xbox Sequence X.
The PCIe 4.0 help is not the one superior connection on supply with this wee ASRock AMD motherboard both; there’s additionally Thunderbolt 3 connectivity from the built-in I/O defend of the again panel. That is a formidable little added further from what’s an already particular board.
It’s value noting that it’ll require an Intel-based CPU cooling bracket. To suit all of the options into the mini-ITX type issue, ASRock did not have area for the cumbersome AMD becoming. That is solely a difficulty if you wish to use the inventory AMD coolers, however in any other case, any third-party cooler will include Intel brackets.
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In the case of gaming efficiency above all else, MSI’s micro-ATX MAG B550M Mortar is your greatest guess for an reasonably priced next-gen Ryzen machine. It is available in across the $160 mark, making it cheaper than an incredible many X570 and different B550 motherboards in the marketplace proper now.
The gaming body charges of the MSI B550 Mortar put it above the remainder of the B550 crew we have examined thus far, and certainly its straight CPU efficiency places it up there with a number of the greatest X570s. That bodes effectively should you’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced house in your AMD Zen 3 CPU; this B550 has an incredible likelihood to make sure it performs to its fullest stock-clocked potential with out breaking the financial institution.
However you can be lacking out on further PCIe 4.0 M.2 and x16 graphics slots if these extras imply rather a lot to you. It’s also possible to choose to ditch wi-fi networking, relying on whether or not you decide the straight Mortar or the dearer Mortar Wi-Fi 6 model. The 8+2+1 energy part design is arguably a extra unwelcome miss, nonetheless, as that leads to a board that is not going to spark any overclocking pleasure in your coronary heart. However, as an reasonably priced gaming board with out OC pretensions, it is an incredible shout.
Learn our full MSI MAG B550M Mortar review.
AMD’s price range Ryzen motherboard chipset, the A520, has largely slipped beneath the radar. Whereas B350 and B450 motherboards have been primarily thought to be entry-level, A320 was strictly seen as resolutely low-end.
The introduction of B550 motherboards, and their related transfer upward in value, left a giant gap within the sub-$100 market. Enter the A520. For those who’re on a tighter price range and do not care about PCIe 4.0 or the overclocking help provided by B550, then the A520 motherboards could be precisely what you want. There’s low-cost, and there is low-cost, however an honest A520 board can roughly do all the pieces aboard at double the worth can.
Then there’s the cherry on prime, which helps AMD Ryzen 5000 sequence CPUs and Ryzen 4000 and 5000 APUs. Mix a Zen 3 CPU with a motherboard similar to this ASRock A520M ITX/ac, and you’ll construct an reasonably priced and compact system that may beat a comparable Intel in any workload.
The ASRock A520M’s audio is a little bit of a let-down, however that is one thing that price range boards typically compromise on. A gamer listening to compressed audio property in-game in all probability will not be any much less immersed, however you’ll be able to go for an exterior DAC should you need one later in life, anyhow.
The little ASRock A520M ITX/ac has it the place it counts and can serve you effectively on the coronary heart of a price range gaming system. It advantages from the strengths of the Ryzen platform and provides some future-proofing into the combination. ITX followers on the lookout for a succesful price range AMD Ryzen choice ought to have this one on their shortlist.
Learn our full ASRock A520M ITX/ac review.
Greatest AMD motherboard FAQ
What ought to I think about when shopping for a motherboard?
Apart from the kind of chip you are getting—be that Intel or AMD—determine what number of M.2 slots and PCIe slots you want, in addition to the variety of USB ports which might be acceptable to you.
In fact, consider the size of your construct. Is area no object? Then go along with an ATX board. However should you’re seeking to create a mini PC, you will want an excellent mini-ITX motherboard. Fortunately there are some nice choices, and never solely on the excessive finish.
Listed here are another choices for the best gaming motherboards to examine over.
What’s the greatest AMD motherboard chipset?
The AMD X570 is the newest motherboard chipset for Ryzen 5000-series processors and has probably the most up-to-date options. It presents PCIe 4.0 help, dual-GPU configurations, and a wealth of tweaking and compatibility choices. A more recent model of this chipset is beginning to seem, referred to as the X570S, which removes the necessity for energetic fan cooling on the chipset itself, however is in any other case just about similar.
Which socket is appropriate with AMD Ryzen CPUs?
There is a easy reply for this: AM4. One socket for each AMD Ryzen processor so far. That is because of change with the discharge of Zen 4, however we have nonetheless acquired a yr earlier than that is anticipated to drop. AMD has solely assured a continued use of that socket until 2020, which suggests we’re in uncharted territory right now.
AMD says it’s going to solely change the socket when such a change is required, at the very least. It says that is primarily tied to the schedule of trade I/O applied sciences, a lot of which can be out of AMD’s arms straight. Whether or not it builds out a brand new pin configuration and socket will rely upon the options out there on stated platform and chip, which is the way it’s speculated to work.
A single socket doesn’t essentially imply broad compatibility backward and forwards between Ryzen CPU generations, although. That is all the way down to the chipset.
Which motherboard chipset do I would like for my AMD Ryzen CPU?
Immediately’s most related motherboards for a brand new CPU purchaser are these geared up with the next chipsets: X570, B550, X470, and B450. The ‘X’ prefix denotes the high-end motherboards, whereas the ‘B’ signifies the close-run mid-range fashions. There’s additionally the ‘A’ prefix for the entry-level, however these come often strapped for options and aren’t that less expensive than entry-level B450 boards—loads of choices.
The five hundred-series chipsets are the newest to reach, whereas the 400-series is usually just a little older—not at all times, nonetheless, as Asus continues to be pumping out new B450 motherboards even right now. Each technically help the newest Ryzen 5000-series and Ryzen 3000-series processors, however with some options lacking inside these packing older elements. Essentially the most notable of those omissions is PCIe 4.0 help for elevated platform bandwidth—regardless of rumors, solely 500-series motherboards are PCIe 4.0 prepared.
