AM5 motherboards are the latest platform for AMD’s newest processors. They offer faster speeds and better features than older models. The best AM5 motherboard depends on your needs and budget.
These boards support DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0, giving users access to cutting-edge tech. Brands like ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock make good AM5 boards. Prices range from about $200 to $500 or more.
When picking an AM5 board, think about what you’ll use it for. Gamers might want extras like RGB lighting and overclocking options. For basic use, a simpler board works fine. Check that the board has the ports and slots you need for your parts.
Top AM5 Motherboards (2025)
Here are the top ranked AM5 based motherboards for 2025. These all support the new 9000 series of AMD processors.
| Rank | Name | Socket / CPU | Form Factor | Memory Slots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gigabyte X870E AORUS PRO ICE | AM5 | ATX | 4 |
| 2 | MSI MPG X870E CARBON WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 |
| 3 | Gigabyte X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7 | AM5 | ATX | 4 |
| 4 | ASRock X870 Pro RS WiFi | AM5 | ATX | 4 |
| 5 | Gigabyte X870 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE | AM5 | ATX | 4 |
| 6 | Asus ROG STRIX X870E-E GAMING WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 |
| 7 | MSI MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 |
| 8 | Asus ROG STRIX X870-A GAMING WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 |
| 9 | ASRock X870 Pro RS | AM5 | ATX | 4 |
| 10 | Gigabyte X870E AORUS MASTER | AM5 | ATX | 4 |
| 11 | Asus ProArt X870E-CREATOR WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 4 |
| 12 | Gigabyte X870 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 | AM5 | ATX | 4 |
Key Takeaways
- AM5 motherboards support new AMD CPUs and offer fast DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0
- Top brands include ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock with prices from $200 to $500+
- Choose based on your needs, budget, and desired features like ports or overclocking
Overview of AM5 Motherboards
AM5 motherboards mark a big leap in AMD’s CPU platform. They bring new features and better performance for Ryzen 7000 series processors.
The Evolution from AM4 to AM5 Platform
AM5 is AMD’s newest socket type. It replaces the older AM4 socket used since 2016. AM5 uses a land grid array (LGA) design with 1718 pins. This is different from AM4’s pin grid array (PGA) setup.
The new socket supports only Ryzen 7000 CPUs. It can’t work with older chips. AM5 boards use DDR5 RAM, which is faster than DDR4. They also have PCIe 5.0 slots for graphics cards and storage.
AM5 boards need new CPU coolers. The mounting holes are in different spots compared to AM4. Some makers offer kits to make old coolers fit AM5.
Key Features and Innovations
AM5 boards have many new features:
- DDR5 memory support
- PCIe 5.0 for graphics and storage
- USB4 ports on some models
- Wi-Fi 6E on high-end boards
These boards can handle more power. They deliver up to 230W to the CPU. This helps with overclocking and running powerful chips.
AM5 motherboards come in different sizes:
- ATX (standard size)
- Micro-ATX (smaller)
- Mini-ITX (smallest)
They also have various chipsets:
- X670E (top-end)
- X670 (high-end)
- B650E (mid-range)
- B650 (budget-friendly)
Higher-end chipsets offer more PCIe lanes and USB ports. They’re better for users who need lots of add-in cards or external devices.
Selecting the Best AM5 Motherboard for Your Needs
Choosing the right AM5 motherboard is key for a powerful PC build. These boards support AMD’s latest Ryzen processors and offer new features like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory.
Performance: VRM Quality and Cooling Solutions
VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) quality is crucial for stable power delivery to your CPU. High-end AM5 boards often have 14+ phase VRMs, which help with overclocking and running power-hungry CPUs. Look for boards with large heatsinks on the VRMs to keep them cool under load.
Cooling solutions vary between boards. Some have built-in I/O shields with extra heatsinks. Others offer M.2 heatsinks to cool fast PCIe 5.0 SSDs. Fan headers are also important. More headers let you control case airflow better.
For the best performance, pick a board with strong VRMs and good cooling options. This will help your system run smoothly, even with high-end Ryzen 7000 CPUs.
Form Factor: E-ATX to Mini-ITX Varieties
AM5 motherboards come in different sizes. The main types are:
- E-ATX: Largest, best for high-end builds
- ATX: Standard size, fits most cases
- Micro-ATX: Smaller, good for compact builds
- Mini-ITX: Smallest, for tiny PCs
E-ATX and ATX boards often have more features. They might have extra M.2 slots or better VRMs. But they need bigger cases.
Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards are great for small builds. They still support powerful CPUs but may have fewer slots and ports.
Choose based on your case size and needs. ATX is a good middle ground for most users.
Connectivity: Analyzing I/O Options and Expansion Slots
AM5 boards offer many connection options. Look for:
- USB ports: Type-A and Type-C, including fast USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Networking: 2.5G or 10G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E
- Audio: High-quality onboard audio chips
PCIe slots are key for add-in cards. Most AM5 boards have at least one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for graphics cards. Some have extra PCIe slots for sound cards or capture cards.
Check the rear I/O panel for the ports you need. More USB ports are always helpful. Some boards even have Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 for super-fast connections.
Memory and Storage: DDR5 Support and M.2 Slot Availability
AM5 boards use DDR5 RAM. This new memory is faster than DDR4. Most boards support at least 128GB of RAM. Check the max speed the board supports if you plan to use high-speed memory.
For storage, M.2 slots are important. They support fast NVMe SSDs. Many AM5 boards have multiple M.2 slots. Some even support PCIe 5.0 SSDs for the fastest speeds.
SATA ports are still included for older drives. Most boards have 4-8 SATA ports.
Pick a board with enough M.2 slots for your needs. If you use many drives, make sure there are enough SATA ports too.
Top AM5 Motherboard Recommendations
AM5 motherboards offer cutting-edge features for AMD’s latest Ryzen processors. These boards come in various price ranges and cater to different needs, from high-end gaming to budget-friendly builds.
Best Overall: Premium Features and Cutting-Edge Technology
The ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming stands out as a top-tier AM5 motherboard. It supports PCIe 5.0 for graphics and up to three SSDs, making it future-proof. The board boasts a robust VRM design for stable power delivery, crucial for high-performance CPUs.
Key features include:
- Wi-Fi 6E support
- Multiple M.2 slots
- High-quality audio components
This motherboard excels in build quality and aesthetics. Its black design with RGB lighting adds a sleek look to any setup. For users seeking the best, the ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming delivers top-notch performance and features.
Budget-Friendly Options: Maximizing Value for Money
The ASRock A620M Pro RS Wi-Fi offers great value for those on a tight budget. It’s perfect for mid-range Ryzen chips like the Ryzen 5 7600. Despite its lower price, it doesn’t skimp on essential features.
Notable specs:
- 6+2+1 stage VRM
- Four RAM slots
- Three M.2 slots
- Wi-Fi capability
Another solid choice is the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi. It strikes a balance between cost and performance. This board provides good VRM cooling and decent connectivity options without breaking the bank.
AM5 Motherboards for Gamers: High-Performance Components
The Gigabyte X670 AORUS Elite AX is a strong contender for gamers. Priced around $300, it offers excellent value for its features. The board includes:
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Robust power delivery system
- High-speed networking
MSI also offers competitive options in this category. Their AM5 boards often feature good VRM designs and cooling solutions, which are crucial for maintaining stability during long gaming sessions.
For competitive gamers, look for boards with low-latency networking and good audio components. These features can give you an edge in fast-paced games.
Workstation and Productivity-Focused Builds
The ASRock X670E Taichi is well-suited for workstation use. It provides:
- Multiple PCIe 5.0 slots
- Excellent VRM for stable power delivery
- Thunderbolt 4 support
This board can handle demanding tasks like video editing or 3D rendering. Its robust build quality ensures longevity, important for professional settings.
For productivity builds, consider boards with good connectivity. Look for multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 for fast data transfer. Reliable networking is also key for smooth remote work or file sharing.
