The Ultimate Guide to High-Performance, Wallet-Friendly Motherboards for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D CPUs

AMD's flagship gaming CPUs, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the slightly less popular Ryzen 9 7900X3D, are not only highly efficient but also the top choice for both gaming and content creation. Despite being relatively new to the market, AMD's AM5 socket competes with Intel's well-established Z690 and subsequent Z790 chipsets, which introduced DDR5 and PCI-E Gen 5 technology last year.

To keep up with the latest technology, AMD has introduced the X670/X670E and B650/B650E chipsets, offering a range of options for motherboard manufacturers. These manufacturers have responded by providing a wide selection of motherboards, catering to consumer demand at various price points. Prices of these motherboards range from as low as $180 to as high as $1300, ensuring that enthusiasts and content creators have access to premium options.

ASRock X670E PG Lightning Gaming Motherboard

The Best Overall Budget Motherboard For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D $259 at Amazon

NZXT N7 B650E Gaming Wi-Fi 6 Motherboard

The Best Alternate Overall Budget Motherboard For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D $317 at Amazon

ASUS Prime B650M-A AX II Motherboard

The Best Compact Budget Motherboard For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D $200 at Amazon

MSI MPG B650I Edge Wi-Fi Gaming Motherboard

The Best Alternate Compact Budget Motherboard For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D $271 at Amazon

GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX

The Best Value Budget Motherboard For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D $210 at Amazon

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ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi

The Best Premium Budget Motherboard For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D $275 at Amazon

ASRock X670E PG Lightning Gaming Motherboard

The ASRock X670E PG Lightning Gaming Motherboard is the top choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for a motherboard that offers excellent performance for the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor. With its full X670E chipset and a wide range of connectivity options, the X670E provides great value for money. Although it lacks Wi-Fi support, it compensates for that by offering antenna cutouts on its IO plate.

ASRock's brand features a graphics card interface of PCI-E Gen 5 with four memory slots supporting DDR5, up to 6600MHz. The form factor is ATX, without Wi-Fi capability. It offers up to 21 USB ports and has four M2 sockets for NVMe connectors. It provides support for AMD Ryzen 7000 Series CPUs with the X670E chipset and AM5 socket. With 14+2+1 power phases, it offers robust networking options with 2.5G Ethernet. In terms of I/O options and M2 slots, it competes head-to-head with some of the most high-end motherboards. Additionally, ASRock's BIOS stands out as one of the most user-friendly in the industry.

Excellent value for money; The cheapest X670E motherboard out there with features that are more akin to higher end units

Cons Has relatively slow boot times relative to the competition

Lacks Wi-Fi on the board despite having cutouts on the I/O Plate

$259 at Amazon $259 at Newegg

The ASRock X670E PG Lightning Gaming Motherboard stands out as the only X670E-based motherboard on our list. It successfully lives up to high expectations by offering impressive features powered by AMD's premium chipset. These features include 2.5G Ethernet support, the ability to overclock memory beyond 6600 MHz, and a reliable 14+2+1 phase power delivery mechanism that ensures stable performance for the powerful 16-core Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor.

In terms of connectivity, the X670E PG Lightning provides both Gen 5 PCI-Express GPU and M2 Storage slots, making it a future-proof investment. ASRock also doesn't skimp on USB ports, offering a generous amount on both the front and back of the motherboard. One minor drawback is the slow boot times initially, but this is expected to be resolved with BIOS updates. Another consideration is the lack of a built-in Wi-Fi module. However, the motherboard includes provisions for one in its IO plate and even features a conveniently placed M2 Key slot if you opt for a Wi-Fi module separately.

The budget-friendly X670E PG Lightning meets all our criteria for a motherboard, despite falling slightly short in two areas. However, we believe that the advantages outweigh the drawbacks, making it the top choice for the AM5-based 7950X3D and 7900X3D processors.

Update: The ASRock X670E PG Lightning Gaming Motherboard remains consistently priced at $260 across the retailers we monitor. Its exceptional value justifies its unchanged price.

NZXT N7 B650E Gaming Wi-Fi 6 Motherboard

The Best Alternate Overall Budget Motherboard For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3DIf Minimalistic Looks Could Kill

The NZXT N7 B650E Gaming Wi-Fi 6 Motherboard is a highly impressive motherboard that is based on the AMD socket AM5 and utilizes the 650E chipset. It offers excellent overclocking capabilities, exceptional power delivery, and an above-average number of expansion slots. The motherboard is available in either a sleek white or all-black design, which is both visually appealing and geared towards enthusiasts. Here are some key features of the NZXT N7 B650E Gaming Wi-Fi 6 Motherboard:

- Brand: NZXT

- Graphics Card Interface: PCI-E 5.0

- Memory Slots: 4

- Memory Type: DDR5, supporting speeds of up to 6000MHz+ and a capacity of 128GB

- Wi-Fi: Yes, supports Wi-Fi 6

- USB Ports: Supports up to 20 USB Ports

- M.2 NVMe Connector: Equipped with 3 x M2 Sockets

- CPU Support: Specifically designed for AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors

- Chipset: B650E

- Socket: AMD AM5

- Power Phases: Utilizes a 16+2+1 power phase design with a 90A Smart Power Phase

- Networking: Offers 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6/AX, and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity

One of the standout advantages of the NZXT N7 B650E Gaming Wi-Fi 6 Motherboard is its exceptional upgradability. It effortlessly supports higher-end processors such as the 7950X/7950X3D, thanks to its outstanding power delivery capabilities.

Comes packed with 3 M2 Slots, upto 20 USB ports and a full networking stack(Wi-Fi, BT, 2.5G Ethernet)

Combines excellent power delivery with a capable B650E chipset in a well-priced package

NZXT's themed motherboard design makes it one of the best-looking budget motherboards in the business

Has PCI-E Gen 5 support for the GPU slot and a single SSD option

Cons Slightly pricey for a B670E chipset-based motherboard with X670E options available around its price point

$317 at Amazon $317 at Newegg

The NZXT N7 B650E Gaming Wi-Fi 6 Motherboard is an AMD socket AM5-based motherboard that offers impressive overclocking capabilities, reliable networking features, and ample storage options with its triple M2 slots. Its inclusion of a PCI-E Gen 5 slot for a GPU also provides a level of future-proofing, although it may not fit everyone's definition of a budget option due to its price.

Not only does the NZXT N7 B650E Gaming Wi-Fi 6 Motherboard boast attractive aesthetics, but it also seamlessly integrates with NZXT's CAM software, which can be advantageous if you own other NZXT peripherals. Its minimalistic design strikes a balance between functionality and a premium appearance. This motherboard demonstrates NZXT's ambition to gain a larger share of the AMD motherboard market, and we hope to see more high-quality offerings from them in the future.

ASUS Prime B650M-A AX II Motherboard

The Best Compact Budget Motherboard For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D Feature-Loaded mATX Wonder

The ASUS Prime B650M-A AX II Motherboard takes a straightforward approach to the B650 platform, offering a wide range of features and a no-frills design. The mATX form factor provides a compact size without sacrificing functionality, while the affordable price point makes it accessible for DIY PC builders.

Key features include the ability to support up to four DDR5 memory slots, with overclocking capabilities of up to 6400MHz. The motherboard also offers two M2 slots for NVMe connectivity, ensuring fast and efficient storage options. Additionally, it supports the AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors, making it compatible with the latest technology.

In terms of connectivity, the motherboard boasts Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 capabilities, along with 2.5G Ethernet. This comprehensive networking stack ensures high-speed and reliable connections, even on an entry-level board.

With its combination of features, performance, and affordability, the ASUS Prime B650M-A AX II Motherboard is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and functional foundation for their DIY PC builds.

Allows for high memory overclocks (6400MHz+)

Has a dedicated VRM cooler, somewhat uncommon for an mATX motherboard

Cons The design is somewhat primitive and there are better-looking motherboards out there at similar price points

Limited to PCI-E Gen 4 on x16

The ASUS Prime B650M-A AX II Motherboard is a straightforward option from ASUS that serves as a essential motherboard for mATX builds. It prioritizes functionality over fancy features while maintaining its value. With Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5G Ethernet, and dual M2 slots, connectivity is not a worry. This motherboard supports up to 15 USB ports and can accommodate up to 128GB of overclocked DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz, although achieving stable performance at those levels may be challenging.

ASUS offers an impressive and feature-rich motherboard, but its lack of a PCI-E 5.0 gen x16 slot for GPUs is a drawback. However, it does have an M2 slot that provides Gen 5 x4 connectivity, allowing for potential upgrades to a high-end SSD in the future. Overall, the Prime B650M-A AX II offers good value and the capability to build a compact yet powerful mATX PC.

Update: Although there are a few B650-based motherboards that can rival the ASUS Prime B650M-A AX II in terms of performance, the MSI MPG B650I Edge Wi-Fi stands out as a more aesthetically pleasing but expensive option. Alternatively, if Wi-Fi is not necessary for your build, you can save $20 by choosing the ASUS PRIME B650M-A II-CSM, which is similar but lacks wireless connectivity at a lower price.

MSI MPG B650I Edge Wi-Fi Gaming Motherboard

The Best Alternate Compact Budget Motherboard For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3DHigher End Budget ITX AM5 Offering

The MSI MPG B650I Edge Wi-Fi is a high-performing mITX motherboard that provides all the necessary features for an AM5 build in a compact form. It offers exceptional networking capabilities with the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, Bluetooth 5.3, and 2.5G Ethernet, making it an attractive choice for your mITX setup.

Specifications:

- Brand: MSI

- Memory Slots: 2

- Memory Type: DDR5, supports overclocking up to 6600Mhz, with a maximum limit of 64GB

- Form Factor: mITX

- Wi-Fi: Yes, supports Wi-Fi 6E

- USB Ports: Up to 11

- M.2 NVMe Connector: 2 x PCI-E 4.0 connectors

- CPU Support: AMD Ryzen 7000 Series

- Chipset: B650

- Socket: AMD AM5

- Power Phases: 8+2+1 Power Phases

- Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.3

Pros: Offers a comprehensive range of networking features, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

Offers decent power delivery for an mITX motherboard

Has a decent amount of onboard connectors for an M-ITX motherboard

The limitations of the Cons is that it is only compatible with a PCI-E 4.0 graphics slot, which may not be a problem at the moment but could potentially restrict future upgrades. Additionally, the chipset fan tends to produce a loud noise during operation compared to other passive-cooling options available in the industry.

The MSI MPG B650I Edge Wi-Fi Gaming Motherboard, available for $271 on Amazon and $292 on Newegg, is a top-notch motherboard with a unique MSI MPG design. It provides reliable power delivery, satisfactory expansion slots, and a price that depends on the level of premium quality you desire in an ITX motherboard with exceptional connectivity. With features like Wi-Fi 6E, Ethernet 2.5G, and Bluetooth 5.3 built-in, it offers comprehensive connectivity options. Furthermore, it allows for memory overclocking up to 6600MHz, surpassing AMD's recommended 6000MHz for optimal performance in the 7000 series.

The inclusion of a PCI-E 4.0 graphics slot in the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX makes it a suitable choice for those who want to stick with socket AM5 for AMD's perceived longevity. However, it's important to note that there are limitations and potential upgrade-specific issues associated with this feature. Despite this, if you plan on upgrading your motherboard in the future, this should not be a major concern for the time being. Keep in mind that the chipset fan, although visually appealing as part of the motherboard's overall aesthetic, can become loud in certain situations. This aspect may make the B650 AORUS Elite AX less favorable for individuals seeking a silent and minimalistic build for their ITX setup.

The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX is the best value budget motherboard for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, priced at $210-$220, offering a $10 savings. It features the B650 chipset, allowing for a lower price point compared to AMD's budget-oriented motherboard lineups. This high-end motherboard includes a PCI-E Gen 5 M2 slot for faster PCI-E 5.0 storage in the future.

Key Features:

- Brand: Gigabyte

- Memory Slots: 4

- Memory Type: DDR5, supports speeds up to 6666MHz

- Form Factor: ATX

- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E

- USB Ports: Up to 19 USB ports

- M.2 NVMe Connector: 3 x M2 connectors

- CPU Support: AMD Ryzen 7000 Series

- Chipset: B650

- Socket: AMD AM5

- Power Phases: 14+2+1

- Networking: 2.5G Ethernet + Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3

Pros:

- Excellent I/O and Wi-Fi 6E networking options

- Ideal platform for starting your AM5 journey

Excellent build quality and design for a budget B650 motherboard

High overclocking headroom versus the competition; supports upto 6666MHz DDR5

Cons A somewhat-crowded CPU area with heatsinks makes the install process a somewhat tedious affair

Has a PCI-E Gen 4 slot for GPUs

The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX is a standout option on our list, thanks to its extensive features and Wi-Fi 6E compatibility. It is not only a top choice for a budget motherboard, but it also offers impressive networking capabilities, strong I/O connections, support for Gen 5 M2, and reliable overclocking support. In terms of aesthetics, the Aorus Elite AX surpasses other motherboards on our list and its visual appeal gives it an advantage, despite other motherboards having a dependable 14+2+1 phase power delivery system like the Gigabyte motherboard.

The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX remains a top-choice entry-level motherboard due to its attractive price point. Even though it lacks debug LEDs and only supports Gen PCI-E for GPU slots, these compromises are acceptable given the affordability. Compared to competitors, the B650 offers more value for money, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a new Zen-4 based X3D Ryzen processor. With a $10 discount on Amazon, the B650 is now even more accessible to the masses, boasting a rich set of features and a somewhat premium quality despite its mid-range positioning in Gigabyte's motherboard lineup.

ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi

The Best Premium Budget Motherboard For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3DPremium Meets Value And Aesthetics

The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming Wi-Fi stands out as one of the most visually appealing budget motherboards available. While it may have a slightly higher price point for a budget motherboard, it offers a wide range of features in a sturdy and premium package.

Brand: ASUS

Graphics Card Interface: PCI-E 4.0

Memory Slots: 4

Memory Type: DDR5, supports up to 6400MHz and up to 128GB

Form Factor: ATX

Wi-Fi: Yes, Wi-Fi 6E

USB Ports: 16

M.2 NVMe Connector: 3 x M2 Socket

CPU Support: AMD Ryzen 7000 Series

Chipset: B650

Socket: AM5

Power Phases: 12+2

Networking: 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

Pros: Undoubtedly offers the best design among our selection of budget AMD motherboards.

Has plenty of I/O including networking such as triple M2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E and upto 16 USB ports

Excellent build quality with decent 12+2 Phase power delivery

The PCI-E Slot of AM5 motherboards is a concern for some users as it is only 4.0, which may not meet their future-proofing needs.

There have been reports from several users about RAM issues while overclocking, although this problem is expected to be resolved with a future BIOS update.

The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming Wi-Fi 6E is a top contender for the best high-quality budget motherboard. Despite its lengthy name and apparent contradiction, this motherboard offers a premium design and incorporates the latest technology from Asus. While it shares resemblance to higher-end Strix motherboards, the limited onboard RGB lighting may disappoint those searching for a truly premium option, considering its moderate price.

The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming Wi-Fi 6E is not only an aesthetically pleasing motherboard, but also offers a variety of connectivity options and impressive features. With a powerful 12+2 phase power delivery, it ensures efficient performance. The network stack includes Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.2, providing a reliable and fast connection. The motherboard also offers decent overclocking capabilities right out of the box. Additionally, ASUS's Strix bios layout stands out, offering a better user interface and more options compared to its competitors. The only downside is the gen 4.0 PCI-E slot, but considering that there are currently no gen 5.0 GPU available, it can be seen as a future-proofing feature. Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming Wi-Fi 6E gaming motherboard remains a top choice for those looking for a visually appealing and feature-rich option, especially when paired with AMD's new Ryzen 9 X3D processors. Despite minimal price fluctuations, it is still highly recommended as a premium budget option.

Looking For More Than A Motherboard?

If you have already selected a motherboard for your Zen 4, X3D-based processor, be sure to explore our guide comparing the Ryzen 9 7900X3D and the Ryzen 9 7950X3D for the best AMD processor for gaming. Additionally, if you are seeking the top-quality motherboard for your processor, take a look at our guide featuring the best motherboards available for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D (and other AM5-based processors like the 7900X3D/7950X).

FAQ

If you have already acquired the motherboard and processor for your AMD system, now is an excellent opportunity to consider obtaining Ryzen-specific memory to complete your purchase. Especially since it is presently available with considerable markdowns. Additionally, while you're at it, ensure that you have sufficient cooling in place. Bear in mind that AMD's Ryzen 7 and 9 X3D processors can generate more heat compared to their predecessors, and they come with lower thermal limits. By investing in a reliable cooling solution, you can significantly enhance the performance of your brand-new AMD system.

Q: Is PCI-Express 5.0 Important on a new motherboard?

Yes and no. While PCI-Express 5.0 GPUs are currently unavailable, high-end consumers can already find PCI-E 5.0-based SSDs on the market. If you are looking to invest in top-notch SSD storage, then opting for PCI-E 5.0 becomes more crucial. However, choosing a motherboard that supports PCI-E 4.0 is also perfectly acceptable for any present-day system. Keep in mind that selecting PCI-E 5.0 may be a wise decision to future-proof your setup.

Q: What AMD motherboards do the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D work with?

For AMD AM5-based motherboards that are either B650 or X670-based, support for the 7900X3D or the 7950X3D might not be available right away. In some cases, you may need to update the BIOS of older versions of these motherboards. Each vendor may offer different workarounds for upgrading BIOS without a processor. Before attempting any troubleshooting, it is always recommended to check the details on the vendor's page to make sure that the motherboard supports your processor on the BIOS version it was shipped with. This simple step can save you a significant amount of time and unnecessary hassle.