So, you’re planning to build a new PC in 2023? You’d be pleased to know that going full AMD on the processor front is now more appealing than ever since AM5 is a fresh new platform. For that matter, you’d need the best AMD motherboards.
These motherboards will not only help you unleash the full potential of the Ryzen 7000 processors, but they’ll also be ready for the Ryzen 8000, 9000, and hopefully so on until AMD refreshes its architecture series.
To that end, we’re aiming to maximize the value here with our choices for the best AMD motherboards.
RELATED: AMD CPU Model Naming Scheme Explained
Asus TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi
PROS
- Good memory overclocking headroom
- Reasonably priced
- Free WiFi antenna and socket
- Looks good in most builds
- Simple hardware and software installation
CONS
- Not exciting if you're an enthusiast
- Questionable USB-C port placements
Specs:
- AMD B650 chipset
- 7600 MHz max OC memory clock speed
- 128 GB memory capacity
- ATX
Most users don’t really need to overclock or anything since AMD processors already do it automatically. And if you want a motherboard without the extra features you don’t even need on a practical basis, then the Asus TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi should be the most cost-effective option.
It’s relatively affordable, comes in a mostly uniform black, and has a WiFi antenna and socket at the ready. It touts around that TUF lineup slogan of having military-grade components, but at least Asus can somehow back this up with its reputation for quality.
Asus ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming
PROS
- Massive RAM capacity
- RGB lighting on the heatsink is a nice touch
- Great for overclocking
- Free WiFi antenna and socket
- RAM oveclockability is excellent
- Looks good in most builds
CONS
- Expensive
Specs:
- AMD X670 chipset
- 8000 MHz max OC memory clock speed
- 192 GB memory capacity
- ATX
There are those who might want the full Asus experience and pedigree when it comes to overclockability. In that regard, here’s Asus’ most accomplished and one of its most expensive enthusiast options for motherboards.
Take note of that whopping 8000 MHz max OC for memory. It’s certainly more than ready for the near future of RAM. Other than that, you get plenty of luxury features and the motherboard even has lovely RGB lighting on its VRMs.
Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX
PROS
- Affordable for an X670 chipset
- Massive RAM capacity
- Good for overclocking
- RAM oveclockability is excellent
- Easy to build with
CONS
- The grey on the VRM sticks out too much
Specs:
- AMD X670 chipset
- 8000 MHz max OC memory clock speed
- 192 GB memory capacity
- ATX
X670 chipset motherboards are typically expensive, but Gigabyte with its engineering (and pricing) sorcery managed to whittle this down to almost a B650 chipset price tag. It still retains the hallmarks of most X670 motherboards and will definitely perform well in overclocking the memory.
Gigabyte was even thoughtful enough to include a 5-year warranty so you can be confident about this motherboard. Sadly, like most Gigabyte motherboards, you might need to update the bios for beefier CPUs and memory modules, but that’s an easy affair.
MSI PRO B650M-P
PROS
- Massive RAM capacity
- Affordable price
- Easy to build with
- Compact
CONS
- Small VRMs
- Looks a bit bare
Specs:
- AMD B650M chipset
- 7200 MHz max OC memory clock speed
- 192 GB memory capacity
- mATX
Here’s an mATX board for anyone who’s building something smaller and more compact as a PC tower. the MSI Pro Series motherboards have always been solid options both for Intel and AMD. They’re also affordable and this one counts as our budget contender too.
Despite being micro-ATX, the board actually supports massive RAM capacity. Don’t expect it to overclock well. The VRMs on this thing are small and meek-looking.
MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi
PROS
- Decent VRMs
- Good cooling for the SSD
- Decent overclockability for a mini-ITX board
- Free WiFi antenna
CONS
- Pricey for a mini-ITX board
Specs:
- AMD B650I chipset
- 7200 MHz max OC memory clock speed
- 96 GB memory capacity
- Mini-ITX
Going even smaller, you’d want something still robust enough for the job. In such cases, it’s best to go for MSI again since their budget boards are reputable and surprisingly durable.
The VRMs on this motherboard look solid enough and were it not for the measly two RAM slots, you’d mistake it for a high-end board. There’s also additional cooling for the SSD just below the CPU, which helps a bit in cramped casings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long will AM5 motherboards last?
The previous AMD platform stuck around for three generations, so you can expect the AM5 platform to last that long. Right now, AM5 is just in its first generation of CPUs. -
Why are AMD motherboards more expensive?
Because it's a new platform and needs to accommodate DDR5 memory.