The Ultimate Guide to Unlocking the Full Potential of AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D CPUs with Top-Notch Motherboards

AMD has revolutionized the high-end enthusiast and consumer CPU market by introducing the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and 7900X3D processors. Adding to the disruption, they have also launched the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which is geared towards gamers. If you are considering purchasing AMD's top-tier CPU or its slightly cheaper 12-core counterpart, you will need a compatible motherboard. Given the current trading price of the 7950X3D, it is likely that your motherboard options will lean towards the higher end of the price range.

Presenting the ultimate solution for gamers, the GIGABYTE X670E AORUS Master Motherboard is at the center of our comprehensive guide. Designed to meet the demanding needs of top-tier CPUs, this motherboard offers exceptional IO options, future-proofing capabilities, and unparalleled overclocking potential under the hood.

The Best Overall Motherboard For The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D $490 at Amazon

NZXT N7 B650E Gaming Wi-Fi 6 Motherboard

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

ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme Motherboard

Best Premium Motherboard For The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D $950 at Amazon

MSI MEG X670E GODLIKE Motherboard

Best Overclocking Motherboard For The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D $1284 at Amazon

ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING Wi-Fi

Best Compact Motherboard For The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D $430 at Amazon

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MSI PRO X670-P WiFi Pro Series Motherboard

Best Budget Motherboard For The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D $230 at Amazon

GIGABYTE X670E AORUS Master Motherboard

The Best Overall Motherboard For The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3DThe All Rounder

The high-end X670E by Gigabyte offers a multitude of IO options and native support for PCI-E Gen 5. It aims to provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for midrange to high-end users, without compromising on quality. Gigabyte's brand offers various features such as a PCI-E 5.0 x16 graphics card interface, 4 memory slots supporting DDR5 and AMD EXPO up to 6666 MHz, an E-ATX form factor, Wi-Fi 6E capability, 12 on-board USB ports, compatibility with Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, an X670E chipset, 16+2+2 phase VRMs for power efficiency, Hi-Fi audio, and a combination of Wi-Fi 6E, Ethernet 2.5G, and Bluetooth 5.3 for networking. Overall, it provides excellent value for money.

Well-designed 20 Phase VRM ensures stable and efficient power delivery

Has plenty of IO options, making this a capable entry for work and play alike

The dedicated NVME cooling in each slot provides a superior experience by effectively managing the thermal requirements of Gen 5 drives. However, there is a drawback as the stock bios leads to slow boot times, necessitating a bios update for improved boot performance.

The Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master, available for $490 on Amazon and Newegg, is our top choice for a suitable X670E motherboard. This board excels in terms of performance on the AM5 platform and offers a visually appealing design. Despite being competitively priced, it offers exceptional I/O, an above-average power delivery system, and separate heat sinks for all M2 slots.

Gigabyte has some catching up to do compared to Asus and MSI. However, they have made significant improvements with their latest package and are actively addressing user concerns, such as slow boot times, through regular BIOS updates. Currently, there is no better option in terms of overall value or a combination of value and performance for those looking to build with the AMD 7950X3D and 7900X3D. The GameRant team wholeheartedly recommends Gigabyte.

Update: Despite not experiencing significant price fluctuation since its launch, Gigabyte's X670E Aorus Master continues to stand out because of its unique value and affordability compared to its competitors. It remains the top choice for a Ryzen 9-centric motherboard, offering an exceptional gaming or productivity experience without the high costs associated with premium alternatives.

NZXT N7 B650E Gaming Wi-Fi 6 Motherboard

The Best Overall Alternate Motherboard For The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3DMinimalistic Design Packed With Features

The NZXT N7 B650E Gaming Wi-Fi 6 Motherboard is a superior choice for AMD socket AM5-based motherboards. It is built on the 650E chipset and offers impressive overclocking capabilities, exceptional power delivery, and a generous selection of expansion slots. Designed in either white or all-black, this motherboard is tailored to enthusiasts with its sleek design and comprehensive feature set.

Brand: NZXT

Graphics Card Interface: PCI-E 5.0

Memory Slots: 4

Memory Type: DDR5, up to 6000MHz+, 128GB

Wi-Fi: Yes, Wi-Fi 6

USB Ports: Up to 20 USB Ports

M.2 NVMe Connector: 3 x M2 Sockets

CPU Support: AMD Ryzen 7000 Series

Chipset: B650E

Socket: AMD AM5

Power Phases: 16+2+1 Power phase design, 90A Smart Power Phase

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

Pros: Arguably one of the most visually appealing AMD motherboards currently on the market, thanks to its emphasis on design.

Comes with excellent networking out of the box with support for Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and 2.5G Ethernet

Considerably better priced than the competition in terms of features offered

Cons Uses a B650E chipset which has limited connectivity compared to most X670E motherboards we currently consider as part of our list

$317 at Amazon $317 at Newegg

The NZXT N7 B650E Gaming Wi-Fi 6 Motherboard stands out on our list for a reason. It performs exceptionally well, comes at an attractive price, and sports a stylish design reminiscent of more expensive models. It offers great value, making it our top choice for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU.

With a variety of networking options, a sleek black or white metal cover, and a relatively reasonable price compared to other alternatives, the NZXT N7 B650E Gaming Wi-Fi 6 Motherboard is an excellent overall pick for the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor. The only limitation to consider is the X670E chipset, which may restrict expansion options. However, most gamers will find its features more than satisfactory in that regard.

ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme Motherboard

Best Premium Motherboard For The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D Premium Tech But At A Price

$950 $990 Save $40 The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme is the ultimate offering from ASUS, featuring their exclusive AniMe Matrix LED technology and the top-notch power delivery option, designed to meet the demands of high-end consumers.

Brand: ASUS ROG

Memory Slots: 4

Memory Type: DDR5 6400MHz

Form Factor: E-ATX

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

USB Ports: 12 onboard

CPU Support: AMD Ryzen 7000 Series

Chipset: X670E

Socket: AM5

Power Phases: 20+2

Pros: Comes with USB 4 support by default.

10Gb Ethernet is a future-proofing measure that can be welcomed by gamers who upgrade once a decade

Easily one of the best-looking X670E motherboards on offer

Backed by Asus's software suite which is miles ahead of the competition

Cons Hard to justify the price, despite its feature-set and looks

No native DisplayPort options mean USB-C adapters might be a necessity for people who don't need a discrete GPU.

$950 at Amazon $1151 at Newegg

The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme fills the void left by ASUS's absence of a Crosshair Formula for the AMD processor lineup. It offers an intriguing alternative with its successful AniMe Matrix LED display, which has been proven popular in the ROG Zephyrus lineup. With impressive I/O, a sleek Crosshair-inspired design, and native support for USB4.0 ports, the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme provides a premium AM5 experience for its audience.

However, it is a bit disappointing that ASUS omitted a dedicated DisplayPort and relied on USB-C 4.0 ports for display connectivity. This may leave some users wanting more from a motherboard that is supposed to be fully equipped. Additionally, ASUS lacks a Crosshair Formula product in the affordable sub $800 range, similar to the Z790 chipset contender for Intel 13th gen processors. While the Extreme option is suitable for those seeking a high-end motherboard, it may be too expensive for consumers who are not willing to spend around $1,000 on it.

The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme remains the top choice for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and lower-end AM5 processors, despite criticism towards ASUS's handling of BIOS updates and firmware issues that had caused damage to processors and motherboards in certain cases. However, ASUS has rectified the problem and we still consider this motherboard to be an outstanding option for high-end AMD AM5 processors.

Although the price of the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme has remained fairly stable, it recently received a $50 price reduction from its usual retail price of $990-1000 on Amazon.com. This discount might just be the incentive you need to invest in what many consider to be the best X670E motherboard available, aside from the MSI MEG X670E Godlike option mentioned below.

MSI MEG X670E GODLIKE Motherboard

Best Overclocking Motherboard For The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3DOverclocking Heaven

The MSI MEG X670E GODLIKE represents MSI's vision of the ultimate high-end AMD motherboard. It successfully fulfills most of the expected criteria, albeit at a price that may prove too steep for general users, with the exception of devoted overclocking enthusiasts.

Features:

- Brand: MSI MEG

- Memory Slots: 4

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

- Form Factor: E-ATX

- Wi-Fi: Yes, equipped with AX 6E technology

- USB Ports: 9 onboard

- CPU Support: AMD Ryzen 7000 Series

- Chipset: X670E

- Socket: AM5

- Power Phases: 24+2+1 Phase Power Design

- Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, 10G+2.5G Ethernet

Pros:

- Top-of-the-line Power design, aimed at enhancing overclocking potential.

The excellent external touchscreen panel makes it stand out from the competition

Has triple PCI-E gen 5.0 compliant slots; allows for more creative builds

MSI Center has made significant progress and provides significantly better software support than most of its competitors. However, it is worth noting that it is quite expensive and could be considered too pricey even for a high-end X670E motherboard.

Lacks USB4 ports

$1284 at Amazon $1284 at Newegg

The MSI MEG X670E GODLIKE Motherboard is the most top-tier offering from MSI for AMD's product lineup. It features an included IPS touchscreen for displaying useful information and a robust 24+2+1 phase power delivery design, ensuring it can handle demanding overclocking and power needs on the AM5 socket, which is set to become AMD's main platform. With its capacity to achieve speeds over 6600 MHz and built-in features for breaking overclocking records, the MEG X670E is targeted towards a niche audience.

However, it is important to note that this motherboard may not appeal to budget-conscious enthusiasts, as it carries an MSRP of nearly $1300. Additionally, the absence of native USB 4.0 ports, considering its high price tag, might be seen as a significant drawback for some. If you are interested in the MEG X670E, you are likely an enthusiast with deep pockets or someone aiming to set a new overclocking world record.

Update: The MSI MEG X670E GODLIKE Motherboard remains at the top as the most expensive X670E motherboard available. Apart from its compatibility with the latest AMD chips and its enthusiast overclocking capabilities, there isn't much more to gain compared to the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme, which costs over $300 less. However, if you are seeking ultimate performance from what is arguably the finest processor available in 2023, the MSI MEG X670E GODLIKE is the optimal choice for overclockers.

ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING Wi-Fi

The ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING Wi-Fi is a top-tier Mini-ITX motherboard optimized for the powerful AMD Ryzen 7000 processors. It offers exceptional performance and is perfect for those who prefer a compact and space-saving design without compromising on power.

Brand: ASUS ROG

Memory Slots: 2

Memory Type: DDR5, capable of reaching speeds up to 6400MHz

Form Factor: Mini-ITX

Wi-Fi: Yes, AX 6E

USB Ports: 10, located on the rear

CPU Support: AMD Ryzen 7000 Series

Chipset: X670E

Socket: AM5

Power Phases: 10+2 Phase Power Delivery

Networking: Wi-Fi and 2.5G Ethernet

Pros: Offers excellent performance without compromising on the Mini-ITX form factor

The addition of a dedicated PBO button is a thoughtful touch for an M-ITX form factor.

The ROG STRIX HIVE provides users with additional control on the side when necessary, without having to sacrifice the preferred form factor for this generation.

However, limited expansion options including RAM, PCI-E slots, and M2 upgrades might discourage some users from purchasing this variant.

The ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING Wi-Fi is a compelling option for those seeking a compact X670E motherboard with abundant features. Its bundled ROG Strix HIVE component enables precise external control, including the FlexKey button. With overclocking capabilities and reliable power, this motherboard delivers impressive performance despite its small size.

The ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming Wi-Fi is currently the most preferred M-ITX option available, featuring a comprehensive X670E chipset. It is an obvious choice for those seeking to maximize power in a compact case. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider, such as limited expansion slots and the potential for increased heat in M-ITX builds – a common concern raised by users online.

The ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming Wi-Fi is still regarded as one of the top choices for compact AM5 gaming. This is largely due to its innovative STRIX HIVE component, which has proven to be reliably priced, with only a slight discount of under $30 recently. If you are hesitant about investing in an X670E chipset, you can opt for the more affordable B650E variant from the same manufacturer in the Strix lineup. This alternative should still meet your requirements, although it may lack some of the additional features found in its predecessor.

MSI PRO X670-P WiFi Pro Series Motherboard

Best Budget Motherboard For The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3DThe Budgeted Performance Play

$230 $299.99 Save $69.99 The MSI Pro X670P is a powerful and versatile motherboard featuring the X670 chipset. It supports high DDR5 overclocking speeds, has EXPO support, and includes Wi-Fi and Ethernet 2.5G connectivity.

Brand: MSI

Memory Slots: 4

Memory Type: DDR5, Up to 6600MHz

Form Factor: ATX

Wi-Fi: Yes, AX 6E

USB Ports: 9 Rear

CPU Support: AMD Ryzen 7000 Series

Chipset: X670

Socket: AM5

Power Phases: 14+2+1 Power Phases

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

Pros:

- Excellent power delivery system, suitable for Ryzen 9 X3D CPUs

Very good value for money

Has Wifi 6E support; excellent for an entry-level X670 Motherboard

Has HDMI/DP ports built into the motherboard

Cons The unit might need to get a bios update out of the box since users report issues pre-update

Has a relatively long boot cycle

$230 at Amazon $236 at Newegg

The MSI PRO X670-P Wi-Fi Pro Series Motherboard is our top choice for a budget motherboard for the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor lineup. Priced at $259 on Amazon, it offers a wide range of IO options, built-in Wi-Fi 6E support, and HDMI and DP ports. Unlike some pricier models, this motherboard includes these features without compromise.

However, it would have been beneficial if the motherboard had undergone thorough testing before its release. There have been reports of a significant boot cycle and compatibility issues across the board. In response, MSI has released several bios updates to address these problems. Despite these concerns, the MSI PRO X670-P Wi-Fi Pro Series Motherboard remains the best choice in terms of both value for money and compatibility with the Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor.

Conclusion

Update: The MSI PRO X670-P Wi-Fi Pro Series Motherboard has become an even more promising choice for those looking for a budget motherboard for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. This is due to its improved price point for an X670 chipset offering and the implementation of several BIOS updates that have resolved some of the lingering boot cycle issues. As a result, it firmly maintains its position as an outstanding alternative to the more extravagant (and consequently more expensive) options featured on our list.

The X670E and X670 Chipsets are the focus of high-performance and enthusiast-tier motherboards. They offer more PCI-E lanes, greater I/O flexibility, and cater to the top-end AMD consumers. If you're considering the 7950X3D or the 7900X3D processors, the B650E chipset also provides options that offer excellent performance at a more affordable price.

All X670E and X670, as well as B650E/B650 Chipsets, are compatible with the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Ryzen 9 7900X3D product lines. Therefore, there are no wrong choices. However, it is advisable to choose a motherboard that is future-proof, especially considering AMD's tendency to use a particular socket for many years, unlike Intel's frequent changes.

All in all, all the motherboards we listed will get the job done but a few might exceed your budget for the planned upgrade. Are you still undecided between a 7950X3D or a 7900X3D? Rest assured, we have you covered with an extensive buyer's guide to ensure you make the correct and well-informed choices.

FAQ

Q: What Motherboards should I get for a Ryzen 9 7950X3D?

The MSI PRO X670-P WiFi ProSeries Motherboard is our pick for the best budget X670 chipset-based motherboard given its current price point and feature set.