Choosing the right AM5 motherboard can make a big difference for your PC build. These boards support AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 processors and come with new features like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory. AM5 motherboards are grouped into tiers based on their features and price, helping buyers find the best option for their needs and budget.
AM5 boards come in different chipsets, from basic B650 to high-end X670E. Each tier offers more features as you go up, like better power delivery, more USB ports, and extra M.2 slots. The top boards even have fancy extras like LED displays and advanced cooling systems.
When picking an AM5 board, think about what you’ll use your PC for. Gamers might want a board with good VRMs and lots of PCIe lanes, while general users could be happy with a simpler B650 board. Your choice will affect your PC’s performance and future upgrade options.
Best AM5 Motherboards for Every Budget
Building a new PC with an AMD Ryzen processor? You’ll need a compatible AM5 motherboard. There are many options, from budget-friendly to high-end. This tier list can help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Budget AM5 Motherboards (Highlights)
These motherboards are great for basic systems and casual users. They offer good value and have all the essential features you need. You can use them for everyday tasks, light gaming, and more.
| Rank | Name | Socket/CPU | Form Factor | Memory Slots | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSI PRO A620M-E | AM5 | Micro ATX | 2 | $69.99 |
| 2 | ASRock A620M Pro RS WiFi | AM5 | Micro ATX | 4 | $149.99 |
| 3 | ASRock A620I LIGHTNING WIFI | AM5 | Mini ITX | 2 | $129.99 |
Mainstream AM5 Motherboards (Highlights)
If you want a good balance of features and performance, these motherboards are a great choice. They’re suitable for gaming, content creation, and most other tasks.
| Rank | Name | Socket/CPU | Form Factor | Memory Slots | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $149.99 |
| 2 | Asus ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $239.99 |
| 3 | ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi | AM5 | Micro ATX | 4 | $149.99 |
Enthusiast AM5 Motherboards (Highlights)
For serious gamers and demanding users, these motherboards offer top-notch performance and features. They’re ideal for high-end systems and overclocking.
| Rank | Name | Socket/CPU | Form Factor | Memory Slots | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSI MAG X670E TOMAHAWK WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $249.99 |
| 2 | Gigabyte X670E AORUS PRO X | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $299.99 |
| 3 | Asus TUF GAMING X670E-PLUS WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $229.99 |
Flagship AM5 Motherboards (Highlights)
These are the best AM5 motherboards money can buy. They have cutting-edge features, amazing performance, and are perfect for top-of-the-line systems.
| Rank | Name | Socket/CPU | Form Factor | Memory Slots | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gigabyte X870E AORUS PRO ICE | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $339.99 |
| 2 | Gigabyte X870 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $274.99 |
| 3 | Gigabyte X870E AORUS MASTER | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $499.99 |
Complete Top 10 AM5 Motherboard Lists By Tier
Here’s the top 10 motherboards for each tier:
Budget AM5 Motherboard Tier
| Rank | Name | Socket / CPU | Form Factor | Memory Slots | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSI PRO A620M-E | AM5 | Micro ATX | 2 | $69.99 |
| 2 | ASRock A620M Pro RS WiFi | AM5 | Micro ATX | 4 | $149.99 |
| 3 | ASRock A620I LIGHTNING WIFI | AM5 | Mini ITX | 2 | $129.99 |
| 4 | Gigabyte A620I AX | AM5 | Mini ITX | 2 | $129.99 |
| 5 | ASRock A620M-HDV/M.2 | AM5 | Micro ATX | 2 | $109.99 |
| 6 | Asus TUF GAMING A620M-PLUS WIFI | AM5 | Micro ATX | 4 | $149.99 |
| 7 | Asus PRIME A620-PLUS WIFI6 | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $139.99 |
| 8 | ASRock A620M Pro RS | AM5 | Micro ATX | 4 | $149.99 |
| 9 | Gigabyte A620M S2H | AM5 | Micro ATX | 2 | $89.99 |
| 10 | Asus PRIME A620M-A-CSM | AM5 | Micro ATX | 4 | $129.99 |
Mainstream AM5 Motherboard Tier
| Rank | Name | Socket / CPU | Form Factor | Memory Slots | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $149.99 |
| 2 | Asus ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $239.99 |
| 3 | ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi | AM5 | Micro ATX | 4 | $149.99 |
| 4 | Gigabyte B650 EAGLE AX | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $149.99 |
| 5 | MSI PRO B650-S WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $129.99 |
| 6 | Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $184.99 |
| 7 | Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ICE | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $189.99 |
| 8 | MSI PRO B650M-P | AM5 | Micro ATX | 4 | $119.99 |
| 9 | Asus ROG STRIX B650E-F GAMING WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $239.99 |
| 10 | Asus TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $209.99 |
Enthusiast AM5 Motherboard Tier
| Rank | Name | Socket / CPU | Form Factor | Memory Slots | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSI MAG X670E TOMAHAWK WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $249.99 |
| 2 | Gigabyte X670E AORUS PRO X | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $299.99 |
| 3 | Asus TUF GAMING X670E-PLUS WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $229.99 |
| 4 | MSI X670E GAMING PLUS WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $239.99 |
| 5 | Asus PRIME X670E-PRO WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $319.99 |
| 6 | ASRock X670E Steel Legend | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $259.99 |
| 7 | ASRock X670E PG Lightning | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $199.99 |
| 8 | ASRock X670E Taichi | AM5 | EATX | 4 | $379.99 |
| 9 | Gigabyte X670E AORUS MASTER (rev. 1.0) | AM5 | EATX | 4 | $519.99 |
| 10 | ASRock X670E Taichi Carrara | AM5 | EATX | 4 | $579.99 |
Flagship AM5 Motherboard Tier
| Rank | Name | Socket / CPU | Form Factor | Memory Slots | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gigabyte X870E AORUS PRO ICE | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $339.99 |
| 2 | Gigabyte X870 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $274.99 |
| 3 | Gigabyte X870E AORUS MASTER | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $499.99 |
| 4 | MSI MPG X870E CARBON WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $489.99 |
| 5 | Asus ROG STRIX X870E-E GAMING WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $499.99 |
| 6 | Gigabyte X870 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $274.99 |
| 7 | Asus ROG CROSSHAIR X870E HERO | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $699.99 |
| 8 | Gigabyte X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7 | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $319.99 |
| 9 | Asus ROG STRIX X870-A GAMING WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $369.99 |
| 10 | MSI MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 | $289.99 |
Key Takeaways
- AM5 motherboards support new AMD CPUs and technologies like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5
- Boards are grouped in tiers from basic to high-end, with prices and features to match
- Choosing the right board depends on your needs, budget, and future upgrade plans
Technical Specifications and Features
AM5 motherboards come with a range of chipsets and form factors. They offer many options for expansion and connectivity to suit different needs.
Motherboard Chipsets and Form Factors
AM5 motherboards use three main chipsets: X670E, X670, and B650. X670E is the top-tier option with full PCIe 5.0 support. X670 offers a mix of PCIe 5.0 and 4.0, while B650 is more budget-friendly with PCIe 4.0.
These boards come in three sizes:
- ATX (12 x 9.6 inches)
- Micro-ATX (9.6 x 9.6 inches)
- Mini-ITX (6.7 x 6.7 inches)
ATX boards have the most features and slots. Micro-ATX is a good middle ground. Mini-ITX is for small builds but has fewer expansion options.
All AM5 boards support DDR5 memory, which is faster than DDR4. They also have better power delivery systems and VRMs for CPU overclocking.
Expansion and Connectivity
AM5 motherboards offer many ways to add parts and connect devices. Most have multiple PCIe slots for graphics cards and other add-ons. They also include M.2 slots for fast NVMe SSDs.
For connecting external devices, AM5 boards have:
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (up to 20 Gbps)
- USB4 ports on some models (up to 40 Gbps)
- HDMI 2.1 for high-res displays
Many boards come with built-in Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless internet. Some also have RGB headers to control LED lighting in your PC case.
The number of ports and slots varies by board model and size. Larger boards tend to have more options for expansion.
Top AM5 Motherboard Picks by Category
AM5 motherboards come in different types to fit various needs and budgets. Some offer high-end features, while others focus on value. Let’s look at the best options in each group.
High-Performance Solutions
The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero stands out for serious gamers and power users. It has strong VRMs for stable power delivery, which helps with overclocking Ryzen 7000 CPUs. This board also includes fast 10GB Ethernet for quick network speeds.
Another top choice is the MSI MEG X670E Godlike. It’s packed with features like PCIe 5.0 support and lots of M.2 slots for fast storage. The board’s cooling system keeps things running smoothly during long gaming sessions.
For those who want the best, the GIGABYTE X670E Aorus Xtreme offers premium build quality. It has a thick PCB and top-notch power delivery. This board is great for extreme overclocking and high-end setups.
Midrange and Value Options
The GIGABYTE X670 Aorus Elite AX offers good value for its price. It has solid VRMs and WiFi 6E, making it a smart choice for many builds. This board balances cost and features well.
For those on a tighter budget, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus is worth looking at. It still supports DDR5 RAM and has decent power delivery. This board works well for mid-range gaming PCs without breaking the bank.
The Asrock B650M-HDV/M.2 is one of the most budget-friendly AM5 options. It’s a no-frills board that covers the basics. It’s good for simple builds or office PCs that don’t need fancy extras.
Frequently Asked Questions
AM5 motherboards offer many options for builders. They support new CPUs and have useful features. Let’s look at some common questions.
What are the top-rated AM5 motherboards for performance in 2024?
High-end AM5 boards like the ASRock X670E Steel Legend are top picks for performance. These boards have strong power delivery and fast connections. They work well with the newest AMD CPUs.
How do AM5 motherboards compare in terms of power delivery and VRM quality?
Better AM5 boards have more power phases and bigger heatsinks. This helps them run cooler under heavy loads. Pricier boards often have stronger VRMs for stable overclocking.
What features distinguish the best AM5 motherboards for gaming?
Good gaming boards have fast networking and lots of USB ports. They also support PCIe 5.0 for the newest graphics cards. Some boards add extras like RGB lighting and built-in Wi-Fi.
Which AM5 motherboard offers the best value for money?
Mid-range options like B650 boards can offer great value. They have most key features at a lower price. The ASRock B650 PG Lightning is one such option to consider.
How do the latest AM5 motherboards leverage new chipset capabilities?
New AM5 boards support DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0. This means faster memory and storage speeds. They also work with the latest AMD CPUs right out of the box.
What should be considered when choosing an AM5 motherboard for a custom PC build?
Think about your budget and needs. Check CPU compatibility and power needs. Look at expansion slots and ports. Consider future upgrade plans too. Make sure the board fits your case size.
