AMD’s previous “3DV-cache” processor took the world by storm with its unparalleled performance. We now see the 3D-V cache technology make a return with the Ryzen 7000 series of processors. The Ryzen 9 7900X3D, in particular, ranks among the fastest processors on my test bench, which is why pairing the beastly Ryzen 9 7900X3D with just any other regular motherboard won’t do its phenomenal performance justice. My testing shows that the Ryzen 9 7900X3D must be paired with a powerful motherboard in order to maximize its performance and potential.

This comparison table showcases our top motherboard choices for the Ryzen 9 7900X3D:

Motherboard

MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WiFi

Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master

ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming

Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX

ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi

ASRock X670E Taichi

Looks

Award

Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

What We Liked

Robust 17-phase VRM, Efficient Cooling

Great Thermal Solution, Incredible 16+2+2 VRM

Sleek White Design, Great Price-To-Performance Ratio

Great Value, 2x Gen 5 NVMe, Decent Cooling Solution

10+2+1 VRM Design, 10-layer PCB

27-phase VRM, 2x USB 4.0 Ports

What We Disliked

Lack of PCIe Gen 5.0 Slot

Expensive

Lack of PCIe Gen 5.0 Slot

Lack of Debug LEDs

Loud M.2 Heatsink Fan

Extremely Expensive

Chipset

AMD B650

AMD X670E

AMD B650

AMD B650

AMD B650E

AMD X670E

Memory

DDR5-6600+

DDR5-6666+ (OC)

DDR5-6400+

DDR5-6600+

DDR5-6400+

DDR5-6600+

VRM

14+2+1

16+2+2

12+2

14+2+1

10+2+1

24+2+1

Storage

3x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

4x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

2x M.2, 2x SATA3 6Gb/s

4x M.2, 8x SATA 6G

USB Ports

10x Rear, 7x Front

12x Rear, 9x Front

9x Rear, 7x Front

12x Rear, 7x Front

8x Rear, 5x Front

10x Rear, 9x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

What We Liked

Robust 17-phase VRM, Efficient Cooling

What We Disliked

Lack of PCIe Gen 5.0 Slot

Chipset

AMD B650

Memory

DDR5-6600+

VRM

14+2+1

Storage

3x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

USB Ports

10x Rear, 7x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master

Looks

Award

Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

What We Liked

Great Thermal Solution, Incredible 16+2+2 VRM

What We Disliked

Expensive

Chipset

AMD X670E

Memory

DDR5-6666+ (OC)

VRM

16+2+2

Storage

4x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

USB Ports

12x Rear, 9x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming

Looks

Award

Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

What We Liked

Sleek White Design, Great Price-To-Performance Ratio

What We Disliked

Lack of PCIe Gen 5.0 Slot

Chipset

AMD B650

Memory

DDR5-6400+

VRM

12+2

Storage

3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

USB Ports

9x Rear, 7x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX

Looks

Award

Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

What We Liked

Great Value, 2x Gen 5 NVMe, Decent Cooling Solution

What We Disliked

Lack of Debug LEDs

Chipset

AMD B650

Memory

DDR5-6600+

VRM

14+2+1

Storage

3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

USB Ports

12x Rear, 7x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

What We Liked

10+2+1 VRM Design, 10-layer PCB

What We Disliked

Loud M.2 Heatsink Fan

Chipset

AMD B650E

Memory

DDR5-6400+

VRM

10+2+1

Storage

2x M.2, 2x SATA3 6Gb/s

USB Ports

8x Rear, 5x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASRock X670E Taichi

Looks

Award

Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

What We Liked

27-phase VRM, 2x USB 4.0 Ports

What We Disliked

Extremely Expensive

Chipset

AMD X670E

Memory

DDR5-6600+

VRM

24+2+1

Storage

4x M.2, 8x SATA 6G

USB Ports

10x Rear, 9x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-12-13

Got your hands on the Ryzen 9 7900X3D? Don’t miss our informative guides:

• Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 7900X3D
• Best RAM For Ryzen 9 7900X3D
• Best GPU For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Best Motherboards For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Having tested and worked with them extensively, these motherboards are my top picks for the Ryzen 9 7900X3D:

1. Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D: MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WiFi
2. Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D: Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master
3. Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D: ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming
4. Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D: Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX
5. Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D: ASRock B650E PG-ITX WIFI
6. Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D: ASRock X670E Taichi

MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WiFi

Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Specifications: Chipset: AMD B650 | Memory: 4 x DIMM, 128GB MAX (DDR5) up to 6600 MHz | Video Outputs: HDMI, Display Port | Rear USB Ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 2 x USB 2.0 | Network: WiFi 6E, 2.5G LAN | Storage: 3 x M.2, 6 x SATA III

Design and Build Quality: The MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WiFi Gaming comes encapsulated in an all-black coating, with everything ranging from the PCB to the heatsinks covered in a black finish. MSI has kept the design fairly standard for the B650 MAG TOMAHAWK, only adding a few sharp edges to the heatsinks in order to enhance the aesthetic elements.

Performance: Packed with a 14+2+1 Duet Rail Power System, the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi provides an effective power delivery that rivals that of higher-end motherboards. Not only that, but it also manages to cool down the VRMs efficiently with its multi-piece cooling system featuring 7W/mK thermal pads.

Features and Connectivity: Storage needs are facilitated through the three PCIe Gen 4.0 M.2 slots and the 6 SATA ports. It is worth mentioning that the rear I/O is packed with a 2.5 GbE LAN port, WiFi 6E, as well as a strong selection of USB ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for transmission speeds up to 20Gbps.

Buy It If: 

You want a robust VRM design: The 14+2+1 phase VRM design of the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk Max WiFi is capable of comfortably handling the Ryzen 9 7900X3D according to my testing, which is what I liked the most about this board.

Don’t Buy It If:

You want a PCIe 5.0 slot: It is worth mentioning that the MSI BAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi comes with no PCIe Gen 5.0 slot; however, that was somewhat expected, considering that it utilizes the B650 chipset.

What Makes It The Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D?

The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is packed with almost every feature you would want out of a mid-range motherboard. From the rigid build quality of the PCB to the inclusion of a 14+2+1 Phase VRM design, the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi essentially nails all aspects of its functionality, making it the best overall motherboard for Ryzen 9 7900X3D.

• Best B650 Motherboards

Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master

Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Specifications: Chipset: AMD X670E | Memory: 4 x DIMM, 128GB MAX (DDR5) up to 6666 MHz | Video Outputs: HDMI, Display Port | Rear USB Ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 5 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x USB 2.0 | Network: WiFi 6E, 2.5G LAN | Storage: 4 x M.2, 6 x SATA III

Design and Build Quality: The Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master presents itself with an immediately distinguishable design featuring a black PCB and an AORUS logo engraved on the heatsinks. Not only that, the contrast between the black PCB and the silver accents on all of the heatsinks make for a splendid combination that accentuates its overall visual appearance.

Performance: Contributing further to its phenomenal feature set is the 16+2+2 Digital VRM design that can not only comfortably handle the Ryzen 9 7900X3D at stock as well as full-turbo settings. It is also worth noting that each phase is rated at 105 Amps. Moreover, its 8-layer copper PCB goes hand-in-hand with its well-built VRM design.

Features and Connectivity: Next-gen M.2 connectivity is ensured through the two PCIe Gen 5.0 M.2 slots, which are backed up with adequately sized heatsinks. Gigabyte has also managed to include the full suite of PCIe expansion slots, which unsurprisingly also includes a PCIe 5.0 expansion slot.

Our motherboard specialist, Nauman Siddique, was quite impressed by the features of the X670E AORUS Master:

“The GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER has more than what meets the eye. In its brilliance, this motherboard packs the features that one would need to drive their high-end needs in computing.”

Buy It If:

Here are a few pictures from our review:

Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master

1 of 7

You want exceptional performance: The combination of great thermal capabilities and the solid VRM configuration gives the motherboard great performance, per my testing.

Don’t Buy It If:

Your budget is limited: Considering that it utilizes the X670E chipset, the higher overall price was somewhat expected, but it still has the potential to deplete your savings.

What Makes It The Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D?

The Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master manages to stand out as a well-equipped motherboard, both for its phenomenal build quality and exceptional aesthetic characteristics, as well as for its excellent performance. All of that, combined with its fantastic blend of features, makes Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master the best high-end motherboard for Ryzen 9 7900X3D.

• Read Our GIGABYTE X670E AORUS Master Review
• Best X670E Motherboards

ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming

Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Specifications: Chipset: AMD B650 | Memory: 4 x DIMM, 128GB MAX (DDR5) up to 6400 MHz | Video Outputs: HDMI, Display Port | Rear USB Ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4 x USB 2.0 | Network: WiFi 6E, 2.5G LAN | Storage: 3 x M.2, 4 x SATA III

Design and Build Quality: The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming, in particular, stands out for its remarkable contrast of the black and white color scheme. Accompanying the silver accents on the VRM heatsink is a Strix logo that also lights up. In fact, that is the only trace of RGB you can find in the entire motherboard.

Performance: ASUS has backed the B650-A Gaming with a modest power delivery system comprising 12+2 power stages, rated at 60A each. The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming does not miss the mark when it comes to its thermal capabilities either. Equipped with a beefy VRM heatsink, it comes with an adequate cooling solution for this VRM.

Features and Connectivity: Despite being an entry-level motherboard, ASUS has still included a total of three M.2 slots which all come with their separate heatsinks. You are not limited in regards to connectivity either, with ASUS including a single USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port along with four additional USB 3.2 Gen 2.0 ports.

Buy It If:

You want a well-equipped white motherboard: ASUS has gotten a lot right with the ROG Strix B650-A Gaming, both in terms of visual appeal and performance, which is exactly why we have selected this motherboard.

Don’t Buy It If:

You want more RGB lighting: While an RGB logo can be found in one of its heatsinks, some PC enthusiasts might find that to be a bit lacking, especially for anyone going for RGB components.

What Makes It The Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D?

Coming with a well-equipped cooling solution and a great host of features, the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming leaves no stone unturned. Moreover, the modern design combined with the white heatsinks makes it an attractive pick as the best white motherboard for Ryzen 9 7900X3D.

Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX

Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Specifications: Chipset: AMD B650 | Memory: 4 x DIMM, 128GB MAX (DDR5) up to 6666 MHz | Video Outputs: HDMI, Display Port | Rear USB Ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4 x USB 2.0 | Network: WiFi 6E, 2.5G LAN | Storage: 3 x M.2, 4 x SATA III

Design and Build Quality: With its black-colored PCB, the board displays an elegant and aesthetically pleasing look. Gigabyte has shown a restrained approach towards RGB on this board, with it only being present on the chipset cover. The board is highly durable with an 8-layered PCB made with 2x thickened Copper.

Performance: The B650 AORUS Elite AX features a digital VRM solution with its twin 14+2+1 phases ready for a maximum of 70 amps. It also has an 8-pin as well as the slightly older 4-pin CPU power connector. The high-quality MOSFETs present on the board also contribute to providing reliable and consistent power delivery. 

Editor`s Note

AMD does not allow multiplier-based overclocking on the 3D V-Cache CPUs including the Ryzen 9 7900X3D, so you can get away with a value-oriented motherboard quite easily. The 14+2+1 phase VRM design of the Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX is perfectly well-equipped to handle this CPU at its maximum turbo behavior.

– Hayyan Serwer

Features and Connectivity: For storage, the board features one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot and two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, all with a thermal guard to prevent thermal throttling. Gigabyte has also kept connectivity up to the mark through its 2.5 GbE LAN support. As the name suggests, the B650 Elite AX has the modern WiFi 6E AX210.

Buy It If:

Here are a few shots we took during our review:

Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX

1 of 6

You want a well-rounded motherboard: From solid power delivery to robust cooling and great value for money, there is a lot to like about the Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX.

Don’t Buy It If: 

You require a PCIe 5.0 x4 slot: You might be disappointed with the lack of a PCIe 5.0 x4 slot, which is common in most motherboards in this price category.

What Makes It The Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D?

The B650 AORUS Elite AX is a great mid-range, feature-rich board. It offers a wide range of features at a fairly reasonable price. Despite coming with a limited set of expansion slot options, its unmatched price-to-performance ratio alone makes the B650 AORUS Elite AX the best value motherboard for Ryzen 9 7900X3D.

• Read our Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX Review

ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Specifications: Chipset: AMD B650E | Memory: 2 x DIMM, 64GB MAX (DDR5) up to 6400 MHz | Video Outputs: HDMI | Rear USB Ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4 x USB 2.0 | Network: Intel WiFi 6E, 2.5G LAN | Storage: 2 x M.2, 2 x SATA III

Design and Build Quality: ASRock’s B650E PG-ITX comes with a black coating on its PCB, along with a red stripe traversing down the IO cover. While ASRock has not gone too overboard with the looks, the simple design does suit the compact design. ASRock’s premium PCB design also includes a 10-layer PCB, improving signal integrity and durability.

Performance: Its VRM setup consists of 10+2+1 power stages, with each phase rated at 105 Amps. While the power delivery system might seem inadequate to some people, my testing proves that it is fairly competent for most scenarios. ASRock has skilfully tackled the cooling issues by packing this board with a competent VRM heatsink.

Features and Connectivity: Taking a look at its storage options, ASRock has included two M.2 slots in the motherboard. Despite being a mid-range offering, ASUS has accompanied the Gen 4.0 M.2 slot along with a Gen 5.0 M.2 socket. ASRock has included a single PCIe Gen 5 x 16 slot as well, which is unique for a B650E motherboard.

We asked our trusted motherboard expert, Nauman Siddique, for his perspective on the ASRock B650E PG-ITX.

“It is a tiny beast featuring an AM5 platform with a plethora of features and efficient cooling for key components”.

Buy It If:

Take a look at a few clicks from our review:

1 of 7

You want a feature-rich mini-ITX motherboard: In a compact form factor, it provides great cooling, solid networking capabilities and a great set of connectivity options.

Don’t Buy It If:

You want RGB lighting: The complete absence of RGB is something that can be a complete deal-breaker for some people.

What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D?

The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi manages to deliver on a lot of the crucial aspects, including power delivery and storage. Those astounding feats as a mid-range option, coupled with its outstanding VRM and thermal capabilities, make ASRock B650E PG-ITX the best mini-ITX motherboard for Ryzen 9 7900X3D.

• Read Our ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi Review
• Best B650E Motherboards

ASRock X670E Taichi

Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Specifications: Chipset: AMD X670E | Memory: 4 x DIMM, 128GB MAX (DDR5) up to 6600 MHz | Video Outputs: HDMI, Display Port | Rear USB Ports: 2 x USB 4 Type-C, 5 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x USB 2.0 | Network: WiFi 6E, 2.5G LAN | Storage: 4 x M.2, 8 x SATA III

Design and Build Quality: The ASRock X670E Taichi comes covered in a sophisticated matte-black color that exudes a premium aesthetic. Moreover, a few distinct gold accents can be seen adorning the edges of the motherboard. RGB lighting can be seen on top of the chipset heatsink and around the bottom-right edge of the motherboard.

Performance: ASRock has equipped the X670E Taichi with their top-of-the-line 24+2+1 power phase design, one of the most powerful configurations we have seen. Backing up its extraordinary power delivery system are ASRock’s 8-layer PCB and the composite VRM heatsink, which guarantees effective heat dissipation, all the while improving overclocking performance.

Features and Connectivity: Storage is definitely Taichi’s strong suit, coming with four M.2 slots in total. It is worth noting that only one of these M.2 slots comes with PCIe gen 5.0 support. ASRock also manages to deliver on a connectivity level, with the rear I/O comprising two USB four ports, which allow for data transmissions at a speed of 40 Gbps.

Buy It If:

You want a powerful VRM design: The ASRock X670E Taichi demonstrates outstanding capabilities as an enthusiast-grade board with its 27-phase VRM design and robust cooling solution, which is what we liked the most about this board.

Don’t Buy It If:

You have budget limitations: Of course, the high-end price tag makes it completely out of the question for anyone on a limited budget.

What Makes It The Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7900X3D?

The ASRock X670E Taichi offers a diverse array of features, which include two PCIe Gen 5.0 M.2 slots and a 26-phase VRM design. That, combined with its solid cooling system, gives users enough headroom to overclock their processor to an unparalleled degree, making ASRock X670E Taichi the best overclocking motherboard for Ryzen 9 7900X3D.

How We Tested & Picked The Best Motherboards For Ryzen 9 7900X3D

Here are a few factors we considered when selecting the best motherboards for the Ryzen 9 7900X3D.

• VRM: The VRM is an intricate part of your computer system that is also responsible for contributing a lot to the overall performance and overclocking potential of your system. The VRMs are designed to regulate the flow of voltage to your processor. A capable VRM ensures a constant and uninterrupted flow of voltage to your components.
• Overclocking potential: The overclocking potential of your system determines how much performance you can squeeze out of a processor. In this case, the overclocking potential is vastly dependent on a few factors, including the VRM setup and your cooling solution.
• Heatsink – Cooling: Your motherboard’s cooling solution also has a sizeable impact on overclocking performance, allowing you to increase performance without being stopped by any thermal throttling issues. A motherboard’s cooling system mainly consists of a chipset heatsink, VRM heatsink, as well as separate heatsinks for the M.2 slots.
• Features: A feature-rich motherboard that comes with an abundance of connectivity options makes it future-proof. Naturally, a motherboard’s features are not just limited to its connectivity options, with the storage, VRM, and networking capabilities also playing a huge role in impacting its feature set.
• Price: It is important to make sure that the motherboard you end up with offers solid performance while also being reasonably priced. While higher-end motherboards are unsurprisingly going to come with an increased price tag, you should always go for a motherboard that caters to your needs.

Our testing extends to other Ryzen 7000 series motherboards as well:

• Best motherboards for Ryzen 9 7950X
• Best motherboards for Ryzen 9 7900X
• Best motherboards for Ryzen 7 7700X
• Best motherboards for Ryzen 5 7600X

Recent Updates

Hayyan Serwer

[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]

Hayyan Serwer is a tech enthusiast, with a love for PC building and article writing. Hayyan specializes in writing about CPU coolers and RAM kits. Hayyan has been familiar with the tech industry for over half a decade now, and has now stepped into providing quality reviews for the latest and greatest tech.

Get In Touch: hayyan@tech4gamers.com

6 BEST Motherboards For Ryzen 9 7900X3D is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Get an overview of our recommended motherboards for the Core i7-12700K in this comparison table:

Motherboard

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero WiFi 6E

MSI MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WiFi

MSI Z690 Force WiFi Gaming Motherboard

ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi

Gigabyte B660M AORUS Pro AX DDR4

ASUS TUF Gaming H670-PRO WiFi D4

Looks

Award

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-12700K

Best Value Motherboard For i7-12700K

Best White Motherboard For i7-12700K

Best Budget Motherboard For Core i7-12700K

Best B660 Motherboard For i7-12700K

Best H670 Motherboard For i7-12700K

What We Liked

2x USB Thunderbolt 4 ports, Incredible overclocking potential, Amazing 20+1 VRM design

PCIe 5.0 supported, Good OC potential, Affordable

Q-code debug LED, Great for white builds, Good OC potential

PCIe 5.0 supported, Good OC potential, Budget Friendly

Ample USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, Support of DDR4 Memory at 5333MHz

Support PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, Ample M.2 slots

What We Disliked

Expensive

DDR5 unsupported

Average onboard audio

No DDR5 support

Lacks DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, Need for more aggressive cooling

No support for DDR5

Memory

4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400+ (OC)

4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5200

4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6666

4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5333

4 DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5333

4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5333

Video Outputs

1x HDMI, 2 x Intel Thunderbolt 4 ports

DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1

DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1

DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1

1x DisplayPort 1.2 and 1x HDMI 2.1

DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1

USB Ports

11x rear IO

8x rear IO

8x rear IO

8x rear IO

9x USB 3.2 Ports, 8x USB 2.0 Ports

10x USB 3.2 Ports and 4x USB 2.0 Ports

Storage

5x M.2, 6x SATA

4x M.2, 6x SATA

5x M.2, 6x SATA

4x M.2, 4x SATA

2x M.2 Gen4 slots, 4x SATA 3.0 Ports

4x M.2, 4x SATA

Network

WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Intel 2.5GbE Ethernet

WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip

WiFi 6, Intel® 2.5GbE LAN Chip

WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip

1x Realtek 2.5GbE LAN, WIFI 6 802.11ax module and Bluetooth v5.2”]

WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Intel® 2.5GbE LAN chip

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero WiFi 6E

Looks

Award

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-12700K

What We Liked

2x USB Thunderbolt 4 ports, Incredible overclocking potential, Amazing 20+1 VRM design

What We Disliked

Expensive

Memory

4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400+ (OC)

Video Outputs

1x HDMI, 2 x Intel Thunderbolt 4 ports

USB Ports

11x rear IO

Storage

5x M.2, 6x SATA

Network

WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Intel 2.5GbE Ethernet

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

MSI MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Value Motherboard For i7-12700K

What We Liked

PCIe 5.0 supported, Good OC potential, Affordable

What We Disliked

DDR5 unsupported

Memory

4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5200

Video Outputs

DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1

USB Ports

8x rear IO

Storage

4x M.2, 6x SATA

Network

WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

MSI Z690 Force WiFi Gaming Motherboard

Looks

Award

Best White Motherboard For i7-12700K

What We Liked

Q-code debug LED, Great for white builds, Good OC potential

What We Disliked

Average onboard audio

Memory

4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6666

Video Outputs

DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1

USB Ports

8x rear IO

Storage

5x M.2, 6x SATA

Network

WiFi 6, Intel® 2.5GbE LAN Chip

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Budget Motherboard For Core i7-12700K

What We Liked

PCIe 5.0 supported, Good OC potential, Budget Friendly

What We Disliked

No DDR5 support

Memory

4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5333

Video Outputs

DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1

USB Ports

8x rear IO

Storage

4x M.2, 4x SATA

Network

WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

Gigabyte B660M AORUS Pro AX DDR4

Looks

Award

Best B660 Motherboard For i7-12700K

What We Liked

Ample USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, Support of DDR4 Memory at 5333MHz

What We Disliked

Lacks DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, Need for more aggressive cooling

Memory

4 DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5333

Video Outputs

1x DisplayPort 1.2 and 1x HDMI 2.1

USB Ports

9x USB 3.2 Ports, 8x USB 2.0 Ports

Storage

2x M.2 Gen4 slots, 4x SATA 3.0 Ports

Network

1x Realtek 2.5GbE LAN, WIFI 6 802.11ax module and Bluetooth v5.2”]

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASUS TUF Gaming H670-PRO WiFi D4

Looks

Award

Best H670 Motherboard For i7-12700K

What We Liked

Support PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, Ample M.2 slots

What We Disliked

No support for DDR5

Memory

4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5333

Video Outputs

DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1

USB Ports

10x USB 3.2 Ports and 4x USB 2.0 Ports

Storage

4x M.2, 4x SATA

Network

WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Intel® 2.5GbE LAN chip

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-12-13

Got your hands on the Core i7-12700K? Be sure to peruse our guides:

• Best CPU Coolers For i7-12700K
• Best RAM For i7-12700K

Best Motherboards for Core i7-12700K

The motherboards I’ve chosen for the i7-12700K are a result of my hands-on experience and rigorous testing:

1. Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-12700K: ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero WiFi 6E
2. Best Value Motherboard For i7-12700K: MSI MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WiFi DDR4
3. Best White Motherboard For i7-12700K: MSI Z690 Force WiFi Gaming
4. Best Budget Motherboard For i7-12700K: ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4
5. Best B660 Motherboard For i7-12700K: Gigabyte B660M AORUS Pro AX DDR4
6. Best H670 Motherboard For i7-12700K: ASUS TUF Gaming H670-PRO WiFi D4

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero WiFi 6E

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-12700K

Specifications=Chipset: Z690 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400+ (OC) | Video Outputs: 1x HDMI, 2 x Intel Thunderbolt 4 ports | Network: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Intel 2.5GbE Ethernet | USB Ports: 11x rear IO | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA

Design and Build Quality: The ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has not deviated from the classic ASUS ROG design language, and that is evident at first glance. The massive I/O cover features a distinct ROG script in a pixelated font, and the same can be seen on the chipset heatsink with the ROG eye. The RGB lighting is plenty and tasteful.

Performance: The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero features an impressive VRM design with 20+1 Power Stages that are rated for 90A; such a VRM design will have your back even during extreme overclocking sessions. The Z690 Hero is also equipped with sturdy VRM and chipset heatsinks, which offer an ideal surface area for heat dissipation.

Features and Connectivity: The ROG Maximus Z690 Hero also offers a total of 5x M.2 slots, out of which 3x M.2 slots are built-in and 2x M.2 slots can be utilized via the ROG Hyper M.2 card. For connectivity, the board features a total of 20x USB ports – 11x USB ports on the back I/O panel while the other 9 are through internal headers.

Buy It If:

You want robust power delivery: With an amazing 20+1 phase VRM design, the Z690 Hero is the optimal overclocking partner for the Core i7-12700K, according to my testing.

You need versatile connectivity: ASUS has packed the Z690 Hero with 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as multiple PCIe 5.0 slots, thereby raising the bar for connectivity.

Don’t Buy It If:

You have a restricted budget: Even though the Maximus Z690 Hero holds a unique position in the market, it certainly has a steep price tag that will dent your wallet.

What Makes It The Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-12700K?

The superb 20+1 phase VRM design, along with the extraordinary VRM cooling, makes the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero the best overclocking motherboard for i7-12700K.

• Best Z690 Motherboards

MSI MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WiFi DDR4

Best Value Motherboard For i7-12700K

Specifications=Chipset: Z690 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5200 | Video Outputs: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1| Network: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip | USB Ports: 8x rear IO | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA

Design and Build Quality: The front side of the motherboard has a partly uncovered PCB, with most of it sheltered under metallic shielding. The M.2 slots are also shielded with a continuing covered design all over the lower side of the mainboard. The backside of the motherboard is, however, exposed and not covered with any kind of backplate.

Performance: The 16 Duet Rail Power System and 6-layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper don’t let the quality of this motherboard be miscalculated. As the Alder Lake processors can draw quite a bit of power, the 2x 8-pin EPS power connectors were a nice forethought to add.

Editor`s Note

Although the Core i7-12700K is a fairly power-hungry CPU, it makes perfect sense to pair it with a mid-range motherboard like the Z690 TOMAHAWK WiFi. The 16-phase VRM design of the TOMAHAWK is perfectly capable of handling the Core i7-12700K even while overclocked. This makes it an excellent value purchase.

– Nauman Siddique

Features and Connectivity: The Z690 TOMAHAWK WiFi features 4x M.2 slots and 6x SATA ports for your storage needs. The rear I/O is pretty respectable with 8 USB ports, while the networking is handled by an Intel 2.5 GbE LAN port as well as WiFi 6E. You also get Bluetooth 5.2 built into the board.

Buy It If:

You want excellent value for money: Targeting a mid-range price point with a host of unique features, the Z690 TOMAHAWK WiFi delivers excellent value for your money.

Don’t Buy It If:

You want RGB lighting: Although the industrial design of the TOMAHAWK series has its own charm, we would have liked a splash of RGB lighting somewhere.

What Makes It The Best Value Motherboard For i7-12700K?

Equipped with an exceptional power delivery system and versatile features at a competitive price point, the MSI MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK is the best value motherboard for i7-12700K.

MSI Z690 Force WiFi Gaming

Best White Motherboard For i7-12700K

Specifications=Chipset: Z690 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6666 | Video Outputs: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1| Network: WiFi 6, Intel® 2.5GbE LAN chip | USB Ports: 8x rear IO | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA

Design and Build Quality: The Z690 Force WiFi should appeal to enthusiasts and modders who build a special set in bright colors or white build. The MSI Z690 Force WiFi gaming motherboard is a silent yet decent motherboard made with the finest material and PCB dipped in perfect black and white finishing.

Performance: It has an aggressive digital VRM power design with a digital PWM IC and a direct 18-phase power system to fulfill all your power needs. Further, the 8-layer PCB backs up the consequences of heating and withstands extreme performance for the long term.

Features and Connectivity: The MSI MPG Z690 Force WiFi integrates 2x full-length PCIe 5.0 interface slots that can work at x8/x8 with a full-length PCIe 3.0 x4 space or x16 mode. Encircling the PCIe slots and completely covered by M.2 heatsinks, there are four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 expansion slots, with an additional 5^th PCI 3.0 x4/SATA slot, just in case.

Buy It if:

You like the unique white theme: With an attractive all-white aesthetic, the Z690 Force is sure to draw even more attention to your white-themed PC build.

Don’t Buy It If:

You need better onboard audio: The onboard audio codec of the Z690 Force leaves a bit to be desired, even if it is perfectly serviceable for the majority of users.

What Makes It The Best White Motherboard For i7-12700K?

With a unique all-white theme, coupled with a solid VRM design and excellent storage options, the MSI Z690 Force WiFi is the best white motherboard for i7-12700K.

ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4

Best Budget Motherboard For Core i7-12700K

Specifications=Chipset: Z690 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5333 | Video Outputs: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1| Network: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip | USB Ports: 8x rear IO | Storage: 4x M.2, 4x SATA

Design and Build Quality: The board uses an all-black design, although it exhibits enough RGB spectrums across the PCB and I/O shield. The whole black PCB and black shields/heatsinks give it a uniform look, plus the orange and grey artifacts make it consistent with the TUF gaming alliance.

Performance: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi is equipped with a 15-stage DrMOS power, with 14 stages devoted to Vcore. This whole power center worked out fine in my testing and was excellent to empower a Core i9-12900K in stock. The larger-than-usual heatsinks additionally kept things running great inside the chassis without any thermal disturbance.

Features and Connectivity: There are two full-length and two x1 size PCIe slots and one x4. The base full-length PCIe slot is associated with the chipset and runs at PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds. The essential GPU slot at the top runs at the PCIe 5.0 x16 interface and sources its paths from the CPU.

Buy It If:

You want an affordable motherboard: With a very reasonable price tag, the TUF Gaming Z690 PLUS maximizes the price-to-performance factor in an efficient manner.

You want a reliable motherboard: ASUS has equipped the TUF Z690-PLUS with TUF-grade capacitors, reinforced PCIe slots, and a 6-layer Copper PCB, thus improving reliability.

Don’t Buy It If:

You want a more stylish design: The TUF series has often opted for a very minimalistic and simple design, and the Z690 variant continues that trend.

What Makes It The Best Budget Motherboard For i7-12700K?

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690 Plus brings overclocking support and premium features of a Z-series chipset to the budget market, making it the best budget motherboard for i7-12700K.

Gigabyte B660M AORUS Pro AX DDR4 

Best B660 Motherboard For i7-12700K

Specifications = Chipset: Intel B660 | Form Factor: Micro ATX | Memory Support: 4 DIMM slots, DDR4 5333MHz (OC) max, 128GB | Storage: 2x M.2 Gen4 slots, 4x SATA 3.0 Ports | USB Ports: 9x USB 3.2 Ports, 8x USB 2.0 Ports | Video Output: 1x DisplayPort 1.2 and 1x HDMI 2.1 | Network: 1x Realtek 2.5GbE LAN, WIFI 6 802.11ax module and Bluetooth v5.2

Design and Build Quality: The Gigabyte B660M AORUS Pro AX DDR4 is a micro ATX motherboard with a beautiful silver and black combo on the motherboard, forming a contrast between the heatsinks and the PCB itself. The AORUS and eagle logo adds to the look on top, while the subtle RGB lighting adds a touch of color as well.

Performance: The motherboard features a 12+1+1 Twin Hybrid VRM Design with a 6+6 phases parallel power design. The CPU receives power from the 8+4 solid-pin CPU power connector. This 12+1+1 VRM design is robust, stable, and ideal, considering that we need to power a B660 motherboard with a stock Core i7-12700K CPU.

Features and Connectivity: The Gigabyte B660M AORUS PRO AX DDR4 contains two M.2 Gen4 slots for NVMe SSDs that are already pretty fast, and with PCIe 4.0 slots, they can perform exceptionally. For connectivity, the motherboard offers nine USB 3.2 ports and eight USB 2.0 ports

Buy It If:

You need a well-equipped compact motherboard: The B660M AORUS Pro AX delivers versatile features and an excellent power delivery system in a compact micro ATX form factor.

Don’t Buy It If:

You need PCIe 5.0 connectivity: Although not a deal-breaker at this point, the board does lack PCIe 5.0 connectivity due to its B660 chipset.

What Makes It The Best B660 Motherboard For i7-12700K?

Featuring a superb connectivity suite, versatile networking, and an excellent storage setup, the Gigabyte B660M AORUS Pro AX is the best B660 motherboard for i7-12700K.

• Best B660 Motherboard

ASUS TUF Gaming H670-PRO WiFi D4

Best H670 Motherboard For i7-12700K

Specifications = Chipset: Intel H670 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Support: 4 DIMM slots, DDR4 5333MHz (OC) max, 128GB | Storage: 4x M.2 Gen4 x4 slots, 4x SATA 3.0 Ports | USB Ports: 10x USB 3.2 Ports and 4x USB 2.0 Ports | Graphics: 1x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.1 | Network: 1x Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax) module, Bluetooth v5.2

Design and Build Quality: The ASUS TUF Gaming H670-PRO WiFi D4, an ATX motherboard, is heaven for black theme lovers. It has a pretty elegant black design consisting of black-colored PCB heatsinks, giving it the glamour it needs. Its subtle RGB lighting implementation gives it a much-needed splash of color on a dull PCB.

Performance: The motherboard gets its power features from the DIGI+ VRM with 14+1 DrMOS power stages. It is an exceptionally powerful VRM built on the DIGI+ VRM standard acclaimed by the industry along with the 50A DrMOS, making it abundant to power up a sturdy processor like the i7-12700K at stock settings.

Features and Connectivity: The TUF H670-PRO WiFi D4 assists four M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots for your blazing-fast NVMe SSDs and four SATA 3.0 ports for storage extension. The USBs are also well-managed, with ten USB 3.2 ports and four USB 2.0 ports. The motherboard also features a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for further expandability.

Buy It If:

You want an affordable motherboard: The H670-PRO WiFi from ASUS is a very affordable motherboard that can get you started with Intel’s 12th Gen without spending a fortune.

Don’t Buy It If:

You want to overclock: As is customary with Intel motherboards, the H670 chipset does not allow manual CPU overclocking using the unlocked multiplier.

What Makes It The Best H670 Motherboard For i7-12700K?

The ASUS TUF Gaming H670-PRO WiFi brings a decent VRM design, coupled with an attractive feature set at an affordable price point, making it the best H670 motherboard for i7-12700K.

• Best H670 Motherboard

How We Tested & Picked These Motherboards

To get the maximum value for your money, these are the factors you need to consider before buying a motherboard.

• Chipset: A chipset is a collection of circuits that supports and allows communication between the processor and all other components. In fact, the chipset holds all the information and drivers of the CPU architecture. Apparently, all the motherboards might look the same and alike but their chipset might be different. Look out for chipset compatibility with the processor you are buying.
• Form Factor: Form Factor is the standard dimensions of a motherboard. There are ATX, E-ATX, ITX, etc form factors. All other components are further categorized to sit and fit well with the certain form factor, and it helps to select supported components much more easily. Refer to your chassis’ form factor type before housing it in a motherboard.
• VRM: VRM is also known as the Voltage Regulator Module and is a central and most critical part of a motherboard. It determines the compatibility with the CPU in power aspects. VRM also plays an important role in overclocking onboard components. Determine the VRM nature of a motherboard before pairing it with a powerful CPU.
• RAM Slots: There are a number of DIMM slots on the top right side of the motherboard, and you have to determine the number of slots on it. Also, you cannot insert DDR4 RAM on a DDR5-compatible motherboard and vice versa. The ideal number of slots on a motherboard is 4, and the latest RAM type is DDR5.
• Aesthetics: The motherboard’s PCB, shields, and heatsinks are the real center of attention inside the transparent PC chassis. Most people prefer themed PC builds, so all the components are uniform in color schemes. In this specific case, check the color scheme of the motherboard’s various components to make it stand out most inside the PC case.

We have tested and covered even more Intel 12th Gen motherboards:

• Best Motherboards For i9-12900K
• Best Motherboards For i5-12600K
• Best Motherboards For i3-12100F

Recent Updates

Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

• 15+ years of PC Building Experience
• 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
• 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
• A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
• I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
• Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com

Best Motherboards for i7-12700K [Our Picks In 2023] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Our Top Picks With Comparison Table

Take a quick glance at our motherboard selections compared with each other:

Motherboard

ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi

MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WiFi

ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming

Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX

ASRock B650E PG-ITX WIFI

Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master

Looks

Award

Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

What We Liked

Balanced Performance, Affordable, Solid Expansion Options

VRM, Cooling, Storage and USB Ports

Looks, VRM and Cooling

Very Affordable, Great Price-to-Performance Ratio

10+2+1 VRM design, 10-layer PCB

Great Thermal Solution, Incredible 16+2+2 VRM, and High Overclocking Potential

What We Disliked

No RGB

No RGB

Nothing significant

No x4 PCIe Slot

Loud M.2 Heatsink Fan

Expensive

Chipset

AMD B650

AMD B650

AMD B650

AMD B650

AMD B650

AMD X670

Memory

DDR5-6400+

DDR5-6600+

DDR5-6400+

DDR5-6600+

DDR5-6400+

DDR5-6666+ (OC)

VRM

12+2

14+2+1

12+2

14+2+1

10+2+1

16+2+2

Storage

3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

3x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

2x M.2, 2x SATA3 6Gb/s

4x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

USB Ports

8x Rear, 7x Front

10x Rear, 7x Front

9x Rear, 7x Front

12x Rear, 7x Front

8x Rear, 5x Front

12x Rear, 9x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

What We Liked

Balanced Performance, Affordable, Solid Expansion Options

What We Disliked

No RGB

Chipset

AMD B650

Memory

DDR5-6400+

VRM

12+2

Storage

3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

USB Ports

8x Rear, 7x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WiFi

Looks

Award

Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

What We Liked

VRM, Cooling, Storage and USB Ports

What We Disliked

No RGB

Chipset

AMD B650

Memory

DDR5-6600+

VRM

14+2+1

Storage

3x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

USB Ports

10x Rear, 7x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming

Looks

Award

Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

What We Liked

Looks, VRM and Cooling

What We Disliked

Nothing significant

Chipset

AMD B650

Memory

DDR5-6400+

VRM

12+2

Storage

3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

USB Ports

9x Rear, 7x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX

Looks

Award

Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

What We Liked

Very Affordable, Great Price-to-Performance Ratio

What We Disliked

No x4 PCIe Slot

Chipset

AMD B650

Memory

DDR5-6600+

VRM

14+2+1

Storage

3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

USB Ports

12x Rear, 7x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASRock B650E PG-ITX WIFI

Looks

Award

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

What We Liked

10+2+1 VRM design, 10-layer PCB

What We Disliked

Loud M.2 Heatsink Fan

Chipset

AMD B650

Memory

DDR5-6400+

VRM

10+2+1

Storage

2x M.2, 2x SATA3 6Gb/s

USB Ports

8x Rear, 5x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master

Looks

Award

Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

What We Liked

Great Thermal Solution, Incredible 16+2+2 VRM, and High Overclocking Potential

What We Disliked

Expensive

Chipset

AMD X670

Memory

DDR5-6666+ (OC)

VRM

16+2+2

Storage

4x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

USB Ports

12x Rear, 9x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-12-13

Unboxed the Ryzen 7 7800X3D? Be sure to check out our guides:

• Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 7 7800X3D
• Best RAM For Ryzen 7 7800X3D
• Best GPU For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Best Motherboards For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

The motherboards I’ve chosen for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D are a result of my hands-on experience and rigorous testing:

1. Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D: ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi
2. Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D: MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WiFi
3. Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D: ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming
4. Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D: Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX
5. Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D: ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi
6. Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D: Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master

ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi

Best Overall Motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Chipset: AMD B650 | Memory: DDR5-6400+ (OC) | VRM: 12+2 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 | RGB Lighting: No | Network: Wi-Fi 6, Realtek 2.5G LAN, Bluetooth 5.2 | Storage: 3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G | USB Ports: 8x Rear, 7x Front

Design and Build Quality: Going over the looks, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi does not feature any RGB. Overall, its looks are just okay. The motherboard is built on an all-black PCB which gives it an aggressive vibe, and the black color heatsinks are also quite the cherry on top.

Performance: The motherboard comes with solid 12+2 power stages that are rated for 60A each. So, the 14-phase VRM structure promises just the right amount of power for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Plus, since the board comes with 8+4-pin ProCool power connectors, you can leave behind any power issues without any worries.

Features and Connectivity: In total, you get 3x M.2 slots and 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports for storage. Two of the three M.2 slots come from the CPU, and they are PCIe 5.0 x4 and PCIe 4.0 x4, respectively. In terms of expansion slots, you get a total of 4x PCIe 4.0 slots, but no PCIe 5.0 slot for the GPU.

Buy It If:

You want a well-balanced motherboard: What impressed me the most about the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi is how it manages to achieve the perfect blend of every specification without driving up the cost too much. 

Don’t Buy It If:

You want a PCIe x16 slot: The lack of a PCIe 5.0 slot for the GPU can be considered a negative, but that can be ignored because this motherboard is not aimed at the ultimate performance.

What Makes It The Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D?

All things considered, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi is truly the best all-rounder motherboard for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. You get a solid VRM structure, perfect cooling, plenty of storage and expansion slots, and great memory configuration, all of which make the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi the best overall motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WiFi

Best High-End Motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Chipset: AMD B650 | Memory: DDR5-6600+ (OC) | VRM: 14+2+1 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 | RGB Lighting: No | Network: AMD Wi-Fi 6E, Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5G LAN, Bluetooth 5.3 | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6G | USB Ports: 10x Rear, 7x Front

Design and Build Quality: The MSI MAG B650 TOMAHWK WiFi is just simple. It doesn’t feature any RGB or flashy bells and whistles, but the motherboard has a beautiful all-black PCB, which goes really well along with its black heatsinks. Furthermore, the board is built on a 6-layer PCB that offers good resistance to high temperatures.

Performance: The motherboard packs a high-end 14+2+1 Duet Rail Power System. In total, the 17-phase VRM design is good enough to provide plenty of adequate power to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D without any hiccups. In addition to that, the motherboard has 2x 8-pin power connectors so you can really ramp up the power of your Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

Features and Connectivity: Going over the M.2 slots, you get 2x M.2 slots from the CPU, which support PCIe 4.0 x4, and 1x M.2 slot from the chipset, which supports PCIe 4.0 x4. Additionally, you also get 6x SATA 6G ports for additional storage options. Similarly, you get 3x PCIe slots in total, with one from the CPU and two from the chipset.

Buy It If:

You want a powerful VRM design: The 14+2+1 Duet Rail Power System and the massive heatsinks to cool down this power system are definitely what I liked the most about this motherboard.

Don’t Buy It If:

You have a limited budget: While there isn’t anything specifically wrong with the motherboard, it is definitely priced on the higher end of the spectrum. So, if you need high-end performance, you will have to pay more for it.

What Makes It The Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D?

With that said, if you’re looking to get the most out of your Ryzen 7 7800X3D and really push it to its limits, then you’re going to need a motherboard that offers high-end VRM design and exceptional cooling to go along with it. Well, the MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WiFi offers just that, and that’s why it is the best high-end motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming

Best White Motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Chipset: AMD B650 | Memory: DDR5-6400+ (OC) | VRM: 12+2 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 | RGB Lighting: Yes | Network: Wi-Fi 6E, Intel 2.5Gb LAN, Bluetooth 5.2 | Storage: 3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G | USB Ports: 9x Rear, 7x Front

Design and Build Quality: The motherboard is built on an all-black PCB, and to go along with it, it uses white heatsinks and chipset covers. Plus, it also employs subtle RGB on the IO shroud to live up to the ROG Strix name. All in all, the looks are simply amazing and they have stolen our hearts.

Performance: The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming packs a solid punch with its 12+2 power stages VRM design with each phase rated to handle 60A. While the power consumption of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is not as high as the other X3D CPUs, it is still not low. My testing confirms that the 14-phase VRM structure is built to deliver smooth power to the processor.

Features and Connectivity: You get a nice set of storage options as the motherboard comes with 3x M.2 slots and 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports. Out of three M.2 slots, two are from the CPU, and one is from the chipset. On the topic of PCIe lanes, you also get 3x PCIe slots, with one from the CPU and two from the chipset.

Buy It If:

You want a unique design: There is no doubt that the aesthetics of the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming are what impressed me the most.

Don’t Buy It If:

You have budget constraints: The board costs a bit more for the features it provides, but it makes up for it with its beautiful looks.

What Makes It The Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D?

The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming has got it all, good looks to be a part of a white build and solid performance to go along with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, and both of these features make ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming the best white motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX

Best Value Motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Chipset: AMD B650 | Memory: DDR5-6600+ (OC) | VRM: 14+2+1 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 | RGB Lighting: Yes | Network: AMD Wi-Fi 6E, Realtek 2.5GbE LAN chip, Bluetooth 5.2| Storage: 3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G | USB Ports: 12x Rear, 7x Front

Design and Build Quality: You can tell that the B650 AORUS Elite AX is a high-quality motherboard at first glance. Even though it includes some RGB components, there aren’t many because just the chipset cover can be illuminated. The contrast between the black PCB and the grey heatsinks gives the motherboard a really menacing appearance.

Performance: The Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX uses a Twin 14+2+1 Phases Digital VRM. The power stages for the 2 SOC phases, 14 VCORE phases, and 1 MISC phase are each 60A, 70A, and 30A, respectively. Furthermore, the MOSFET is kept cool by the board’s usage of massive heatsinks along with a 6mm thick heatpipe.

Editor`s Note

Since the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D does not have an unlocked multiplier, you can get away with a modest VRM setup and save a lot of money. Here, the 14+2+1 phase VRM design of the B650 AORUS Elite AX is perfectly valid for this CPU.

– Sameed Hussain

Features and Connectivity: The motherboard provides 3x M.2 slots and 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports. Two of the three M.2 slots come from the processor, one of which is PCIe 4.0, and the other is PCIe 5.0. You also get 7x Front and 12x Rear USB ports. This configuration has one Type-C connector on the front panel and one on the rear, which is ideal.

Buy It If:

Take a look at a few clicks from our review:

Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX

1 of 3

You want to maximize value for money: The Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX’s pricing is undoubtedly its strongest feature. The motherboard is fairly inexpensive and offers excellent value.

Don’t Buy It If:

You want an x4 PCIe slot: The only disappointing feature is the lack of a single x4 PCIe slot. Apart from that, the motherboard is a default recommendation.

What Makes It The Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D?

Put simply, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX go together really well. The motherboard provides reliable performance, great expansion and storage options, and the ideal appearance. However, the reason we selected this motherboard is because of how much of a bang for the buck it is. So, the Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX is undoubtedly the best value motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

• Read Our Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX Review
•  

ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Chipset: AMD B650E | Memory: DDR5-6400+ (OC) | VRM: 10+2+1 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 | RGB Lighting: No | Network: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN, Bluetooth 5.3 | Storage: 2x M.2, 2x SATA3 6Gb/s | USB Ports: 8x Rear, 5x Front

Design and Build Quality: Looks-wise, the mini-ITX board has a very basic aesthetic. It features a black PCB with a grayish heatsink. The board does not feature any RGB, but it makes sense because you’re hardly going to have room to spot any lights in a compact build. Its build quality is exceptional with the highlight being its 10-layer PCB.

Performance: The motherboard features a durable 10+2+1 VRM design, with 10 phases for VCORE, 2 phases for SOC, and one for Misc. The 12 phases for VCORE and SOC are capable of handling 105A, and the one Misc phase is capable of handling 60A. So, despite the tiny size, the board has great power capabilities.

Features and Connectivity: Going over the storage options, you get 2x M.2 sockets straight from the CPU. One of these sockets is called Blazing M.2 Socket, and it supports PCIe 5.0 x4, and the other socket is called Hyper M.2 Socket, and it supports PCIe 4.0 x4. In addition, you also get 2x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors.

Seeking expert commentary on the ASRock B650E PG-ITX, we turned to our resident motherboard specialist, Nauman Siddique.

“It is a tiny beast featuring an AM5 platform with a plethora of features and efficient cooling for key components”.

Buy It If:

Here are a few shots we took during our review:

1 of 3

You want a feature-rich motherboard: The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi’s high-end VRM design and the inclusion of PCIe 5.0 support are what I liked the most about it.

Don’t Buy It If:

You want a better acoustic experience: One annoying thing about this motherboard is that its M.2 heatsink fan can get really loud.

What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D?

The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi is a tiny package that packs a beautifully powerful punch. You get a solid power design, great cooling, and a really impressive expansion slot and storage option configuration. Overall, the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi is the best mini-ITX motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

• Read Our ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi Review

Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master

Best Overclocking Motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Chipset: AMD X670 | Memory: DDR5-6666+ (OC) | VRM: 16+2+2 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, Type-C DisplayPort 1.4 | RGB Lighting: Yes | Network: Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip, Bluetooth 5.3 | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 6G | USB Ports: 12x Rear, 9x Front

Design and Build Quality: If we’re talking about looks alone, the Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master is one of the most beautiful motherboards we’ve seen. The fact that it has an excellent black finish on the PCB and RGB effects on the IO cover is just one more thing that contributes to the amazing appearance of the motherboard.

Performance: The board uses a steadfast 16+2+2 phase VRM design with 105A Smart Power Stage. With 16 phases for VCore, 2 phases for SOC, and 2 phases for MISC, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is bound to receive extraordinary power under extreme loads. The stock and turbo performance of the CPU was satisfactory in my testing.

Features and Connectivity: For storage, you get 4x M.2 slots, two of which are PCIe 4.0 slots while the other two are PCIe 5.0 x4, enabling a variety of ultra-fast storage options. Not only that, but you also get 6x SATA ports for further storage expansion. The motherboard comes equipped with 12x USB ports on the rear and 9x USB ports on the front.

For an expert opinion on the X670E AORUS Master, we consulted our resident motherboard specialist, Nauman Siddique.

“The GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER has more than what meets the eye. In its brilliance, this motherboard packs the features that one would need to drive their high-end needs in computing.”

Buy It If:

Here are a few pictures from our review:

Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master

1 of 3

You want a powerful VRM design: The overclocking potential that the Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master offers because of its 16+2+2 VRM configuration is definitely what I liked the most about this motherboard, followed by the Fins-Array III cooling.

Don’t Buy It If:

You have budget constraints: The motherboard is definitely priced on the higher end of the spectrum. However, it makes sense because it also offers a bunch more performance than the others we have reviewed so far.

What Makes It The Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 7 7800X3D?

If you want a performance-oriented motherboard with excellent power delivery, fantastic cooling options, and a tonne of extras, go no further than the Gigabte X670E AORUS Master. The motherboard is unquestionably the best overclocking motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

• Read Our Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master Review

How We Tested & Picked The Best Motherboards For Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Don’t forget to consider the following critical factors when shopping for a motherboard.

• VRM: A VRM, as its name suggests, is in charge of managing and supplying a constant and stable flow of voltage to the processor and other components of your computer. So, we chose the motherboards that had a durable and high-quality VRM design with several phases made of reliable components.
• Overclocking Potential: The overclocking potential of a motherboard relies heavily on its VRM structure; as a result, the better the VRM, the greater the motherboard’s overclocking potential. On top of that, the overclocking potential is also influenced by the cooling system.
• Heatsink – Cooling: Every motherboard we selected incorporates great cooling capabilities to support and ensure high-end performance during lots of loads. That’s because, without a good thermal solution, the MOSFETs and SSDs will begin to thermal throttle, which will ultimately plummet their performance.
• Features: Moreover, features like RGB, expansion slots, USB ports, and memory support must be taken into account. For instance, the GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER might be your motherboard of choice if you prefer to have lots of USB ports and storage options.
• Price: Last but not least, another equally important factor is the price. After all, if a motherboard is too expensive or doesn’t provide enough features for the price, you won’t buy it. So, we ensured that every motherboard we chose provided excellent value for money.

Sameed Hussain

[Hardware Expert]

With a major in Computer Science, Sameed is a tech enthusiast who puts his passion for gadgets into words and creates informative blogs. From comparing different hardware to reviewing the best RAMs, motherboards, and graphics cards for your next build, Sameed has covered a wide spectrum of topics that have given him a special insight into every nook and cranny of the tech world. Sameed is also a certified expert at Computer Hardware & Networking.

Get In Touch: sameed@tech4gamers.com

Top 6 Best Motherboards For Ryzen 7 7800X3D is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Our Picks With Comparison Table

Get an overview of our recommended motherboards for the Core i9-12900K in this comparison table:

Motherboard

Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro

Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Xtreme

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming

Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX DDR4

Gigabyte Z690 AERO G

ASUS Prime Z690M-Plus

Looks

Award

Best Value Motherboard For i9-12900K

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-12900K

Best DDR4 Motherboard For i9-12900K

Best Gaming Motherboard For i9-12900K

Best White Motherboard For i9-12900K

Best Entry-Level Motherboard For i9-12900k

What We Liked

Affordable price

DDR5 Auto Booster, Excellent VRM

Affordable

Overclocking, Looks, PCIe 5.0

Looks, PCIe 5.0 support, Affordable

Design, Affordable, PCIe 5.0 support

What We Disliked

No WiFi Extender included

Expensive

No PCIe 5.0 support

Low memory speed, No DDR5 support

No backplate, No RGB

No built-in WiFi, No RGB lights

Memory

DDR5 6200, 128GB

DDR5 6600, 128GB

DDR4 5333, 128GB

DDR4 5000, 128GB

DDR5 6000, 128GB

DDR4 5333, 128GB

USB Ports

1x USB Type C, 4x USB 3.2, 4x USB 3.0

2x Thunderbolt ports, 10x USB 3.2 Gen 2

8x USB 3.2, 1x Type-C, 2x USB 2.0

9x USB 3.2 , 4x USB 2.0

2x USB 2.0, 6 x USB 3.2, 1x Type-C

6x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0

Video Outputs

DisplayPort

N/A

HDMI, DisplayPort

HDMI

HDMI, DisplayPort

HDMI, DisplayPort

Storage

3x M.2, 6x SATA 3

3x M.2, 4x SATA 3

4x M.2, 6x SATA 3

3x M.2, 6x SATA 3

4x M.2, 6x SATA 3

4x M.2, 4x SATA 3

Network

2.5 GbE, Wi-Fi 6E

AQC113C 10GbE (LAN1), Intel 2.5GbE (LAN2), Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210

Intel 2.5GbE, Intel Wi-Fi 6E

Intel I225-V (2.5 Gbps), Intel Wi-Fi 6

Intel 2.5 Gigabit, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Intel 2.5 Gigabit

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro

Looks

Award

Best Value Motherboard For i9-12900K

What We Liked

Affordable price

What We Disliked

No WiFi Extender included

Memory

DDR5 6200, 128GB

USB Ports

1x USB Type C, 4x USB 3.2, 4x USB 3.0

Video Outputs

DisplayPort

Storage

3x M.2, 6x SATA 3

Network

2.5 GbE, Wi-Fi 6E

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Xtreme

Looks

Award

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-12900K

What We Liked

DDR5 Auto Booster, Excellent VRM

What We Disliked

Expensive

Memory

DDR5 6600, 128GB

USB Ports

2x Thunderbolt ports, 10x USB 3.2 Gen 2

Video Outputs

N/A

Storage

3x M.2, 4x SATA 3

Network

AQC113C 10GbE (LAN1), Intel 2.5GbE (LAN2), Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming

Looks

Award

Best DDR4 Motherboard For i9-12900K

What We Liked

Affordable

What We Disliked

No PCIe 5.0 support

Memory

DDR4 5333, 128GB

USB Ports

8x USB 3.2, 1x Type-C, 2x USB 2.0

Video Outputs

HDMI, DisplayPort

Storage

4x M.2, 6x SATA 3

Network

Intel 2.5GbE, Intel Wi-Fi 6E

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX DDR4

Looks

Award

Best Gaming Motherboard For i9-12900K

What We Liked

Overclocking, Looks, PCIe 5.0

What We Disliked

Low memory speed, No DDR5 support

Memory

DDR4 5000, 128GB

USB Ports

9x USB 3.2 , 4x USB 2.0

Video Outputs

HDMI

Storage

3x M.2, 6x SATA 3

Network

Intel I225-V (2.5 Gbps), Intel Wi-Fi 6

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

Gigabyte Z690 AERO G

Looks

Award

Best White Motherboard For i9-12900K

What We Liked

Looks, PCIe 5.0 support, Affordable

What We Disliked

No backplate, No RGB

Memory

DDR5 6000, 128GB

USB Ports

2x USB 2.0, 6 x USB 3.2, 1x Type-C

Video Outputs

HDMI, DisplayPort

Storage

4x M.2, 6x SATA 3

Network

Intel 2.5 Gigabit, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASUS Prime Z690M-Plus

Looks

Award

Best Entry-Level Motherboard For i9-12900k

What We Liked

Design, Affordable, PCIe 5.0 support

What We Disliked

No built-in WiFi, No RGB lights

Memory

DDR4 5333, 128GB

USB Ports

6x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0

Video Outputs

HDMI, DisplayPort

Storage

4x M.2, 4x SATA 3

Network

Intel 2.5 Gigabit

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-12-13

If you’ve got the Core i9-12900K, be sure to take a look at our expert guides:

• Best CPU Cooler For i9-12900K
• Best RAM For i9-12900K

Best Motherboards For i9-12900K

Through my testing and firsthand experience, these motherboards are the ones I’ve chosen for the i9-12900K:

1. Best Value Motherboard For i9-12900K: Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro
2. Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-12900K: Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Xtreme
3. Best DDR4 Motherboard For i9-12900K: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming
4. Best Gaming Motherboard For i9-12900K: Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX DDR4
5. Best White Motherboard For i9-12900K: Gigabyte Z690 AERO G
6. Best Entry-Level Motherboard For i9-12900K: ASUS Prime Z690M-Plus

Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro

Best Value Motherboard For i9-12900K 

Specifications= Chipset: Z690 | Memory: DDR5 6200, 128GB | Video Outputs: Display Port | USB Ports: 1x USB Type C, 4x USB 3.2, 4x USB 3.0 | Network: 2.5 GbE, Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 3

Design and Build Quality: The AORUS Pro has a very typical assortment and appearance, but this time you get a very slight RGB light show because of its price barrier. The entire PCB is covered by all-black heat spreaders that give it a stealthy look. The 6-layer PCB provides a sense of durability and reliability to the board.

Performance: The robust 16+1+2 Direct Digital VRM design plays a vital role in cranking up the CPU clocks a bit high for better results. The CPU is powered by 8+2 pin PSU power cables, which means that there is room for overclocking the Core i9 12900K on it, as confirmed by my testing.

Editor`s Note

The perfect combination of overclocking ability, versatile feature set, and excellent design makes the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro the ideal motherboard to pair with the Core i9-12900K. Its reasonable price point is just a cherry on top to sweeten the deal.

– Nauman Siddique

Features and Connectivity: The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro motherboard works with the high-speed DDR5. There are four DDR5 slots on the board, ready to fit up to the greatest limit of 128GB. The mainboard upholds XMP 3.0 as well. The storage is handled by 3 M.2 slots and 3 SATA ports, while the networking is covered by a 2.5 GbE LAN port and WiFi 6E.

Buy It If:

You Want DDR5 Support: The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro is equipped with the latest DDR5 slots, making it future-proof.

You Want Built-in Wi-Fi: Built-in Wi-Fi and an affordable price also make it one of my favorites in its category.

Don’t Buy It If:

You Need Wi-Fi Extender: It does not come with a pre-included Wi-Fi extender which might be problematic for some users.

What Makes It The Best Value Motherboard For i9-12900K?

Having DDR5 support and a 19-phase robust VRM design at a reasonable price tag is one of the commendable features of the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro. Looking at all the extraordinary specs and an aggressive dark design, this affordable motherboard qualifies as the best value motherboard for i9 12900K.

Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Xtreme

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-12900K

Specifications= Chipset: Z690 | Memory: DDR5 6600, 128GB | Video Outputs: N/A | USB Ports: 2x Thunderbolt ports, 10x USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Network: AQC113C 10GbE (LAN1), Intel 2.5GbE (LAN2), Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 | Storage: 3x M.2, 4x SATA 3

Design and Build Quality: The whole circuitry of this motherboard is hidden behind a well-brushed metallic shield. You cannot see the PCB pretty much from the rear side because the whole backside is covered with a metallic backplate, giving it a premium look. The Z690 AORUS Xtreme is a dull board color-wise, dipped in dark and gunmetal colors.

Performance: Checking out the VRM, the Z690 AORUS Xtreme has a combination of 8-pin EPS 12V and a 20+1+2 Direct Digital VRM unit. The VRM is all about handling the CPU with stability, and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Xtreme proves to be an excellent overclocker according to my test results.

Features and Connectivity: Under the heatsink, there is a sum of four M.2 slots. The primary M.2 opening is associated with the CPU, while the last three go to the chipset. On the back I/O panel, there are 10 x USB 3.2 ports and 2 x USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility. The additional Wi-Fi 6E is just the cherry on top.

Buy It If:

You Require Overclocking Support: My testing confirms that the 23-phase VRM design of the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Xtreme ensures a robust power delivery to fulfill your overclocking needs.

You Want Thunderbolt Connectivity: Additionally, it packs up Thunderbolt connectivity which makes it stand out among its competitors.

Don’t Buy It If:

You Have Low Budget: By featuring top-notch performance specs, the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Xtreme also tops in price point, which can be unaffordable for some users.

What Makes It The Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-12900K?

The 23-phase total VRM design, along with a host of marvelous features, make the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Xtreme the best overclocking motherboard for i9 12900K.

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming

Best DDR4 Motherboard For i9-12900K

Specifications= Chipset: Z690 | Memory:  DDR4 5333, 128GB | Video Outputs: HDMI, DP Port | USB Ports: 8x USB 3.2, 1x Type-C, 2x USB 2.0 | Network: Intel 2.5GbE, Intel Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 3

Design and Build Quality: The ROG Strix Z690-A strikes a balance of black and white in its design language. While the entire PCB is black, the board uses white heatsinks and a white I/O cover for a contrasting look. The aesthetics of the board are quite attractive and make it stand out from the crowd.

Performance: The reliable 16+1 phase DrMos VRM design with ProCool II connectors ensures a decent OC potential for the Core i9-12900K. You could even apply AI Overclocking to overclock the processor. Manually, however, the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A performed admirably in my overclocking tests.

Features and Connectivity: The Strix Z690-A features support for DDR4 memory up to 5333 MHz, along with a host of excellent storage features. The 4 M.2 slots and 6 SATA ports ensure widespread support for modern storage devices. For connectivity, the 11 rear USB ports provide a solid balance of speed and functionality.

Buy It If:

You Require Overclocking Support At Good Price: The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming guarantees you a decent performance and good enough overclocking support at an affordable price.

You Have DDR4 RAM Sticks: Since it supports DDR4 RAMs, it may also be beneficial for users who do not want an immediate upgrade to DDR5.

Don’t Buy It If:

You Want Future-Proofing: Although it comes at a reasonable price tag, it is not future-proof. The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming lacks the latest supports like PCI-e 5.0 and DDR5.

What Makes It The Best DDR4 Motherboard For i9-12900K?

The 17-phase VRM design of this DDR4 motherboard favors overclocking lovers. Other than the overclocking, its white finish and plenty of USB ports at an affordable price help it qualify as the best DDR4 motherboard for i9 12900K.

Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX DDR4

Best Gaming Motherboard For i9-12900K

Specifications= Chipset: Z690 | Memory:  DDR4 5000, 128GB | Video Outputs: HDMI | USB Ports: 9x USB 3.2, 4x USB 2.0 | Network: Intel I225-V (2.5 Gbps), Intel Wi-Fi 6 | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 3

Design and Build Quality: Having a look over the Z690 AORUS Elite, we see a matte-dark PCB alongside some dim lines wrought on the board matching the heatsinks and covers. The VRM heatsink exhibits the AORUS trademark, while the chipset has an AORUS Eagle with a glossy finish.

Performance: The AORUS Elite AX uses a solid 16+1+2 phase VRM design that performs quite well when overclocking the Core i9-12900K according to my test results. It provides plenty of power for stable operation, while the cooling solution keeps the VRM components cool even during stressful scenarios.

Features and Connectivity: It has WiFi 6, PCIe 5.0 slots, and a very solid connectivity suite. One thing it lacks is DDR5 RAM support but for a good reason. The storage is handled by 3 M.2 slots and 3 SATA ports, while the rear I/O has 9 USB 3.2 and 4 USB 2.0 ports for versatile connectivity options.

Buy It If:

You Want Budget-Option With PCI-e 5.0 Support: The PCI-e 5.0 support at a low price point is one of the selling points of the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX DDR4.

Don’t Buy It If:

You Want DDR5 Support: As you will expect at this price point, the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX DDR4 does not have DDR5 support which might be disappointing for some gamers.

What Makes It The Best Gaming Motherboard For i9-12900K?

The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX DDR4 comes at an affordable price with decent overclocking support. With this motherboard, you can run all your top-notch components without bottlenecking. You might not be able to benefit from DDR5 speeds, but its overall feature set makes it the best gaming motherboard for i9-12900K.

Gigabyte Z690 AERO G

Best White Motherboard For i9-12900k

Specifications= Chipset: Z690 | Memory:  DDR5 6000, 128GB | Video Outputs: HDMI, Display port | USB Ports: 2x USB 2.0, 6x USB 3.2, 1x Type-C | Network: Intel 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 3

Design and Build Quality: The Gigabyte Z690 AERO G has a spectacular white design that elevates it above the competition. The PCB is covered with massive white heatsinks and it has a big shroud over the I/O panel, which looks pretty cool when paired with a white AIO Cooler and a white-colored graphics card.

Performance: Boasting a powerful 16+1+2 phase VRM design, the Gigabyte Z690 AERO G is perfectly well-equipped to handle the Core i9-12900K. My testing confirms that this power delivery system is capable of overclocking the Core i9-12900K as well while staying cool and stable.

Features and Connectivity: The Gigabyte Z690 AERO G puts together one high-speed slot of PCIe 5.0 x16, with two full-length slots of PCIe 3.0 x4. In storage expansion, we have 3x slots of PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2, with 6x SATA ports. Connectivity is pretty decent thanks to 9 rear USB ports including a Type-C port.

We asked our trusted motherboard expert, Nauman Siddique, for his perspective on the Gigabyte Z690 AERO G.

“The GIGABYTE Z690 AERO G is a mid-range motherboard aimed at content creators with almost a balanced set of features to deliver a satisfactory high-performance to the users”.

Buy It If:

Here are a few shots from our review:

Gigabyte Z690 AERO G

1 of 3

You Want a White Motherboard: Its flawless white appearance at an affordable price fascinates many white lovers.

You Want DDR5 Support: The Gigabyte Z690 AERO G packs up the support for the latest DDR5.

Don’t Buy It If:

You Require SLI Support: The affordable option for white lovers does not have SLI support.

You Require RGB Lighting: It also does not have RGB lighting, which may disappoint some RGB lovers.

What Makes It The Best White Motherboard For i9-12900K?

The affordable price, DDR5 support, and decent enough performance of this white motherboard make it the best white motherboard for i9 12900K.

• Read our Gigabyte Z690 AERO G Review

ASUS Prime Z690M-Plus

Best Entry-Level Motherboard For i9-12900k 

Specifications= Chipset: Z690 | Memory:  DDR4 5333, 128GB | Video Outputs: HDMI, Display port | USB Ports: 6x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0 | Network: Intel 2.5GbE | Storage: 4x M.2, 4x SATA 3

Design and Build Quality: Being an entry-level motherboard, the Prime Z690M-Plus has a pretty basic design with no glamorous additions like RGB lighting. It features a black PCB with silver heatsinks that give it a nice look. The micro-ATX form factor means that it is a compact motherboard that is perfect for small form factor builds.

Performance: ASUS Prime Z690M-Plus has an upgraded VRM in comparison with its predecessor: 10+1 phase DrMOS, 4-pin+8-pin ProCool connectors, a combination of sturdy capacitors, and resistors for stable power transmission. The ASUS Prime Z690M-Plus also comes with a complete cooling package featuring a large VRM heatsink.

Features and Connectivity: The board supports DDR4 RAM starting from 2133 MHz to 3200 MHz and to 5333 in the overclocking perspective. The four M.2 slots and four SATA ports are perfect from a storage perspective, while the Intel 2.5 GbE LAN is sufficient for networking. I would have liked to see the inclusion of WiFi as well.

Buy It If:

You Want A Good Budget Option: Coming with a total of 11-phase VRM design and PCI-e 5.0 support at a low price point, the ASUS Prime Z690M-Plus is a good option for budget-seekers.

Don’t Buy It If:

You Want DDR5 Support: Expectedly, the budget-oriented motherboard lacks DDR5 support.

You Want RGB Lighting: It does not have fancy design elements like RGB.

What Makes It The Best Entry-Level Motherboard For i9-12900K?

The ASUS Prime Z690M-Plus did not compromise on the RAM frequency, unlike its competitors. It features a maximum RAM frequency of 5333 MHz, which also makes it valuable from an overclocking perspective. So, packing up all these features at an affordable price qualifies as the best entry-level motherboard for i9 12900K.

How We Tested & Picked These Motherboards For i9-12900K

These are the vital factors to keep in mind when you’re in the process of buying a motherboard.

• Chipset: Firstly, you should look for a compatible chipset for your processor. You can go to the vendor’s website and look for a well-suited chipset. As for Intel, all 12th-generation processors support 600 series chipsets, including Z690, H670, B660, and H610. Z690 is the most premium chipset with exclusive support for CPU overclocking.
• VRM: The i9-12900k is a power-hungry CPU compared to the other processors in the series. It needs a steady and consistent power supply for competitive performance which is the motherboard’s responsibility. That’s where the VRM has its holding. The better the VRM, the more solid and steady the power, allowing the CPU to go above its limits.
• Form Factor: Before buying the motherboard, you should know the form factor and what type of build you want. Small builds and bigger builds don’t fit in the same motherboard size. There are different motherboard sizes in the market, including some popular ones like ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX.
• I/O Connectivity: For the purposes of expansion, you need USB ports and PCIe expansion slots. Different gadgets like GPUs and SSDs have compatible PCIe interfaces. You will also love having the latest USB interfaces for your PC for high-speed access, which will help improve the performance of your PC overall.
• Aesthetics: Design is personal to everyone, but you can look out for some things like the PCB color, heatsink color, and the inclusion of lightning. Motherboards can have different color PCBs and heatsinks to form a contrasty look. Along with that, there’s also support for single-colored LED or RGB in some motherboards.

Our testing extends to a wider array of Intel 12th Gen motherboards:

• Best Motherboards For i7-12700K
• Best Motherboards For i5-12600K
• Best Motherboards For i3-12100F

Recent Updates

Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

• 15+ years of PC Building Experience
• 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
• 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
• A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
• I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
• Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com

6 BEST Motherboards for i9-12900K: DDR4 & DDR5 is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

• This motherboard supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th gen CPUs.
• Beefy 20+1+1 Power Phases using Dr.MOS SPS for VCore and GT
• It has a low-loss, server-grade, 8-layer PCB Design
• Memory support of up to 8000+(OC) MHz
• 1x Gen5 PCIe x16 Slot
• A total of 6x M.2 Ports including Blazing Gen5 M.2 port
• Audio Solution using ALC4082 with Nahimic Audio Augmentation
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Ports
• Intel Killer 2.5GbE LAN
• 11be WiFi 7 and Bluetooth
• GPU Support Bracket
• Tool-less Blazing M.2 Cover

We have also tested the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi, which is an excellent option for the best white PC build.

Key Takeaways

• The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi is a top-notch motherboard with 6x M.2 ports, RGB lighting, and plenty of overclocking headroom with its 20+1+1 VRM structure.
• The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi is perfect for those after a performance-packed, high-end motherboard with Gen5-based M.2 connectivity.
• The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi is not for those who already have a Z790 motherboard or prefer RAM overclocking over 7000MHz.

Let’s begin with the specifications:

I have shown the basic specifications in the picture above. These are taken from the ASRock product web page. We will cover these in the Design Overview section.

Packaging And Unboxing

The motherboard is shipped inside a standard cardboard packing box. ASRock has maintained its standard packaging where the motherboard is placed inside an anti-static container and tucked to its container using zip-ties. The following are provided:

• 1x ATX-sized Motherboard
• 2x SATA 6Gbps Data Cables
• 1x User Manual
• 1x Graphics Card Holder
• 1x ASRock WiFi Antenna
• 1x ARGB Splitter Cable
• 3x Thermistor Cables
• 5x Screws for M.2 Sockets
• 5x Standoffs for M.2 Sockets
• 1x Phantom Gaming Sticker
• 1x Phantom Gaming Key Cap

Design Overview

Time to go over the design:

ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi motherboard has an Intel LGA1700 socket that powers the 4x DIMM slots, 1x HDMI 2.1 port rated at 4K@60Hz, and 1x DP 1.4 port rated at 8K@60Hz. The HDMI port supports TMDS and HDCP 2.3, whereas the DP port supports DSC and HDCP 2.3. In addition, this socket provides 20x PCIe lanes. The first PCIe x16 slot is wired to this socket. It is a Gen5 slot. 2x M.2 ports (M2_1 and M2_2) are wired to the CPU socket. the M2_1 is Gen5x4 slot. The PCIe x16 and M2_1 are using a redriver or MUX that would make the PCIe gen5 slot operate at the x8 link in case M2_1 is populated.

The DMI link operates at PCIe Gen4x8 between the socket and chipset. The rest of the connectivity comes from the Z790 chipset, including 4x Gen4x4 M.2 slots, WiFi 7 solution, Intel Killer NUC, SATA, and Audio solution. ASRock has used multiple controllers for USB and eSPI for hardware monitoring, including the Serial IO controller. The server-grade low-loss PCB improves signal integrity across the board. Let’s start with the power delivery circuit of this motherboard.

Power Delivery To Socket

This motherboard uses an Intel LGA1700 socket which makes it compatible with the last two generations of Intel CPUs (Alder Lake and Raptor Lake). ASRock uses a beefy heatsink cover over the VRM/MOSFETs. There are aluminum-made covers that are finished in quite some style. They are connected using a 6mm heat pipe. On top of this, there is a VRM Fan as well that has a maximum speed of 8000+ RPM. This would keep the VRM/MOSFETs cool under heavy load, improving the efficiency. The Capacitors are 20K rated for durability.

ASRock has used the Renesas RAA 229131 PWM controller to govern the 20+1+1 power stages on this motherboard. The 20 stages are ISL99390 from Dr. MOS SPS. Each stage is 90A rated and compatible with the Renesas PWM regulator. These 20 stages power the Vcore and 1 stage for the GT. Dr. MOS SPS also monitors the current and temperature of each stage for best management.

There is a stylish design based on Phantom Gaming branding over the main heatsink cover. It is ARGB backlit to give some vivid lighting effects and cool looks.

DIMM Slots

There are 4x DDR5 UDIMM slots on this motherboard that have welding done on multiple layers for stable signal traces and power shapes delivering lower temperature and high energy efficiency for memory overclocking. The maximum supported RAM capacity is 192GB. This motherboard supports binary as well as non-binary DDR5 kits. This motherboard supports Intel XMP 3.0. The supported memory is non-ECC and unbuffered. The user can leverage the performance of DDR5 kits using ASRock memory tweak options in the BIOS. These slots are steel-reinforced and have clips on both ends.

Storage Options

This motherboard has 6x M.2 slots, and 4x SATA ports. I appreciate how ASRock has favored the M.2 ports over the SATA ports and still provides enough SATA ports for any requirement. Honestly, 6x M.2 ports is something that not every motherboard offers, particularly in this price range. The top M.2 port is labeled Blazing, and it conforms to PCIe Gen5. It has tool-less handling, making it convenient for the user to install or remove the SSD.

The other 5x ports are wired to the chipset, and they also have an aluminum cover for heat transfer. Each slot has two thermal pads. One is on the base plate, and the other is on the cover. One slot is in an upward layout (not vertical) unlike the remaining 5x slots that are horizontal. The M2_5 supports PCIe Gen4x4 and SATA interface. These slots support a form factor of 2280. The Gen4x4 slots are capable of delivering 64GB/s, whereas the Gen5 port is capable of delivering 128GB/s. The enhanced M.2 heatsink with an anti-drop screw design makes the installation process more easily.

Speaking of SATA ports, this motherboard has a total of 4x ports wired to the socket.

PCIe Connectivity

This motherboard has a total of 3x PCIe slots. The two slots are steel-reinforced and use SMT-type slotting for improved signal flow. This style provides extra anchor points on the PCB with stronger latching. And there is a graphics card holder as well to support the heavy-weight graphics card. ASRock has been paying attention to the details.

The top slot is fully x16 wired, but it will operate at x8 link if M2_1 port is populated. This is Intel’s platform restriction. The second and third slots are wired to the socket. The middle slot is PCIe Gen4x4, whereas the last slot is PCIe Gen3x1 rated.

USB Connectivity

The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi has plenty of USB connectivity. This includes:

• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (1 Rear, 1 Front)
• 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
• 7 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (3 Rear, 4 Front)
• 6 x USB 2.0 (2 Rear, 4 Front)

All USB ports support ESD Protection, which is a wise design. It is good to see two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports on this motherboard. ASRock has used multiple hubs and controllers for these 10 connections. These include ASM3042, ASM1074, GENESYS Hub, and PI3EQX10 redriver.

Networking Solution

ASRock has used Intel Killer E3100G 2.5GbE LAN port. This is for wired connectivity. On top of this, there are wireless connectivity options as well in the form of WiFi 7 and Bluetooth connectivity. The WiFi module is installed on M.2 conforming to PCIe Gen3x1 interface CNVi and is wired to the chipset. In fact, the Killer LAN port is also wired to the chipset. ASRock has provided an antennae for the WiFi connection.

ASRock has provided software to leverage the powerful networking options. The enhanced detection and prioritization engine provides the ultimate networking experience for gaming and multimedia applications by utilizing the Killer GameFast technology. This engine is designed to reduce latency and lag during gameplay and the users can enjoy less buffering since it is capable of automatically detecting, classifying, and prioritizing the network traffic. The user can use the Intel KillerTM Intelligence Center for customization of network traffic.

The WiFi (802.11 be) has high speed, wider channels with improved efficiency, providing 5.8Gbps, which is 2.4 times faster than the WiFi 6/6E standards. The new protocol has 320MHz channel width compared to 160MHz on the previous generation. Wi-Fi 7 improves the modulation scheme from 1024-QAM to 4096-QAM which is impressive. This new generation is capable of sending and receiving data across several frequencies and channels at a time. This high-speed, low-latency multi-link capability provides a smooth and real-time interactive experience for VR/AR gaming.

Audio Solution

ASRock has given an uplift to the Audio Hardware by using RealTek ALC4082 codec with CHEMICON capacitors. The left and right audio channels are on different PCB layers to eliminate EMI interference. The audio circuit is wired to the chipset for effective control. This is a 7.1 Channel audio solution that has S/PDIF output as well. It supports up to 32-bit/384 kHz playback on the front panel. ASRock is using Nahimic Audio solution to further augment the audio experience coming from their motherboard providing a crystal clear, vibrant, and engaging listening experience.

Z790 Chipset

I am showing the Z790 chipset after removing its heatsink cover. Now that we have given a brief overview of this motherboard, let’s take a look at the connectors.

Internal Connectors

There are:

• 3 x Thermistor Cable Headers
• 1 x SPI TPM Header
• 1 x Power LED and Speaker Header
• 1 x RGB LED Header
• 3 x Addressable LED Headers
• 1 x CPU Fan Connector
• 1 x CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector
• 5 x Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors
• 1 x VRM Fan Connector
• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Connector
• 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors
• 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector (15μ Gold Audio Connector)
• 1 x Thunderbolt AIC Connector (5-pin)
• 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Headers (Support 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports)
• 1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/s)
• 1 x Dr.Debug with LED
• 1 x Power Button with LED
• 1 x Reset Button with LED

The 4-pin RGB connector supports 12V/3A, providing 36W for LED strips. The ARGB header is rated for 5V/3A, providing 15W for LED strip. The CPU_FAN1 is rated at 1A (12W). The other fan headers are rated at 2A (24W). The EPS and 24-pin ATX connectors use a hi-density design to provide smooth and effective electricity flow. The VRM_FAN supports VRM fans for up to 2A (24W).

Each fan header is powered and controlled by nuvoTon 3948S. There are no LEDs for troubleshooting. Instead, there is a proper debug LED with codes defined in the user manual. This LED can also display CPU temperature.

W25Q256JVEQ is a 256Mbit Flash ROM.

Rear IO Panel

There are:

• 2 x Antenna Ports
• 1 x HDMI Port
• 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
• 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Port (20 Gb/s)
• 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports (10 Gb/s) *
• 3 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports *
• 2 x USB 2.0 Ports
• 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port
• 1 x Clear CMOS Button
• 1 x Line Out Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
• 1 x Microphone Input Jack (Gold Audio Jack)

*USB32_12 supports Ultra USB Power. These ports provide 5V power transformed from +12V power rail, whose voltage drop will be much lower than the +5V from the PSU under heavy loading, and prevents noise from other devices or RGB LED. These ports are controlled by RTS5452E. There are two yellow color Lightning USB Ports. These ports use a dedicated controller so as to reduce the input lag and improve the gaming experience using the connected peripherals.

ASRock has mentioned that they have provided more tolerance space around the Rear IO making it adjustable in any PC Case (upward, downward, left, or right). There is a Clear CMOS button as well which is a nice and convenient design.

I am showing the PCB after removing the heatsink covers. There is a backplate over the backside that makes a connection with the PCB using thermal pads. To my surprise, this is a plastic-made backplate with no metal on it. I am not sure how it will dissipate heat. It has NOVA branding over it.

The above picture shows the backplate.

BIOS

BIOS

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The BIOS interface is almost similar to what I saw on the Z790 Steel Legend and Z790 PG Riptide motherboards that we tested earlier. The interface is convenient, though the MSI interface has a better flow, in my opinion. This time, ASRock has included CPU Score that indicates the quality of the silicone in terms of numbers.

The higher mark indicates a high-quality SKU that is expected to overclock better and takes less voltage for that. My CPU scored 83 which is just fine. Another key change is the provision of Gaming OC presets, whereby you would get two pre-defined profiles for easy overclocking of your CPU. However, it is not guaranteed that every CPU would work with these due to silicone differences and quality.

All CPU-related settings can be found on the OC Tweaker menu. The same goes for the RAM and Voltage settings. The overclocking or user profiles can be created under the same menu. Intel Dynamic Tuning Setting can be found under the CPU Configuration sub-menu along with the Power limit settings.

The Advanced menu has other platform-related settings like storage, PCIe bridging, Power settings, NVMe, Intel Thunderbolt, TPM, and USB settings. You can control the ARGB lighting using the Polychrome tool. Similarly, Secure Erase can be done from this menu. HW Monitor menu provides fan tuning provisions like Fan-Tastic Tuning, determines each fan’s characteristics and optimizes it for further use.

Software

Software

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If you have enabled the System Drivers Installer in the BIOS, you will be prompted to use the Auto Driver installer on the Windows startup which is an automated utility. It will look for available drivers and updates on the ASRock website and download/install them as per the user selection.

Phantom Gaming Tuning is a primary software that allows the users to do almost anything that can be done in the BIOS. You can switch to different modes. OC Tweaker is there to overclock the CPU or undervolt it. System Info provides sensor data. Fan-tastic tunes the fans of the system.

It is a convenient way to restart the PC in UEFI BIOS.

ARGB Lighting

PolyChrome RGB LED is another handy utility that allows the user to customize the ARGB elements of the motherboard as well as of the connected devices.

RGB Showcase

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The above are a few pictures of the test build showcasing the ARGB lighting effects.

Test Build

I have used the following configuration to test the motherboard:

• ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi
• MSI GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming X Trio 24G
• Intel Core i7-14700KF [Stock, Auto]
• EKWB EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX ARGB Cooler
• XPG Lancer RGB 32GB 7200MHz CAS34 DDR5 kit
• Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 1TB Gen4x4 NVMe SSD [For OS]
• Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 4TB Gen4x4 NVMe SSD [For Games]
• Sabrent Rocket NANO V2 4TB Portable Drive
• Be quiet! Straight Power 11 1000W Platinum PSU
• Thermaltake Core P6 TG Snow Edition in an open frame layout

The above is a picture showing a run of CPU-Z. We can see that the CPU multiplier is reporting the clocks between 8.0 and 55 ratio. As I reported in the MSI MAG Z790, the graphics card operates at the x8 link; the same goes for this motherboard as well. This is Intel’s limitation and comes when the Gen5 M.2 slot is populated. CPU-Z reported the RAM operated at 6800MHz, which is an XMP Profile2. This is because this motherboard did not POST with a RAM frequency above 7000MHz.

The above is a readout from TechPowerUP’s GPU-Z showing the data from the graphics card confirming that the card is working. It also shows that the graphics card is operating at Gen4 x8 link.

Test Result

The testing was done on stock settings with XMP loaded. This motherboard has powers unlocked by default.

CPU And Memory Tests

It is time to take a look at the test results starting with CPU and memory benchmarks.

CPU and memory benchmarks

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The CPU score was 35684 in an R23.2 Multi Core load and 2194 in a single-threaded load. The RAM was tested at 6800MHz where it shows a good performance. The Geekbench score is similar to the R23.2. 147355MIPS is the score of the compression benchmark in 7-Zip and 130234MIPS are decompressing score. The CPU scored 479.27 in Blender Benchmark 4.0. Overall, this motherboard performs satisfactorily.

Storage Test

Storage benchmarks

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I have used a PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe drive and a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C drive. The Sabrent Rocket NANO V2 4TB portable drive is rated for 1500MB/s. Both drives passed their sequential read and write speeds in CrystalDiskMark.

The NVMe drive has performed better in PCMARK10 Data Drive benchmark obtaining a 5753 score whereas the USB drive obtained a 565 score. These scores are marginally better than the MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi scores.

Gaming Tests

Gaming benchmarks

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Our build got a 10828 score in Time Spy Extreme and a 13378 score in Fire Strike Ultra. The Speed Way score was 5466. In all six games that I have tested, the FPS was above the 100 mark. I have tested all games using their highest graphics presets on 1440P using 165Hz refresh rate over Display Port. The gaming performance is right on the money and this motherboard can handle the task easily.

System Performance Test

I have used PCMARK10 and Performance Test to evaluate the overall system performance. The system did 10222 in PCMARK10 Basic test which is a remarkable result. The result from Performance Test is 13338. The overall system performance is excellent as well.

Core Clock Behavior

Clocks Behavior

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The system was left idle for 10 minutes under the Balanced Power Profile. The idle clocks were 1100MHz on the P-Cores whereas these were 800MHz on E-Cores, more or less. The clocks were peaking at 5.6GHz under a 1T load. All cores load put these clocks to 5500MHz. These figures confirm Intel’s clock ratings for Core i7 14700KF.

Thermals and Power

In idle state, the CPU was doing 3.043W on the package, whereas the graphics card was at 10W on the GPU core. Under a single core load, the CPU was doing 49.254W on the package. However, this turned quite the opposite when an all-core stress test was put to its paces, and the CPU ended up consuming 278.699W. The Graphics card under full stress test load was doing 376W. During gaming, the average GPU power draw was 356W, and the CPU’s power draw was 99W. The system power draw, on average, was approximately 500W.

Testing was done at an ambient temperature of 22ᵒC. The CPU was idling at 27ᵒC, and the graphics card was idling at 43ᵒC. Under load, the CPU was doing 90ᵒC whereas the GPU was doing 78ᵒC using the AIDA64 Stability test with AVX load.

The VRM/MOSFET was doing 62.2ᵒC at the same ambient. This is a good performance, though these temps could have been under 60ᵒC given that there is an embedded fan in the VRM heatsink and both covers are connected via a heat pipe. However, there was no active airflow towards the motherboard.

Should You Buy It?

Let’s go over who the ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi is for:

Buy It If

If you are looking for a High-Spec Motherboard: The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi is a feature-rich motherboard in every aspect. It sits comfortably in the upper mid-range market segment. If you want a no-compromise motherboard then this motherboard should be on your consideration list.

If you want more M.2 Connectivity: This motherboard has a total of 6x M.2 ports, which is quite some number, and it comes with no compromise since one port provides Gen5x4 connection and the other 5x ports provide Gen4x4 connections.

If you are an overclocker: This motherboard has a beefy VRM/MOSFET design with active cooling. With a 20+1+1 design, you can surely push your CPU to its bounds, provided it is a good silicone.

Don’t Buy It If

If you already have a Z690/Z790 motherboard: If you are already a user of Z690 and Z790 motherboard, then you can skip this motherboard. However, if your motherboard does not have Gen5-based M.2 ports, then this motherboard can meet your needs.

If you want high RAM Frequency: ASRock has mentioned that this motherboard is capable of doping 8000+(OC)MHz DDR5 kits, but our sample could not POST with RAM frequency above 7000MHz. Keep that in mind if considering this motherboard. I would wait for a BIOS update to address the issue.

Final Words

The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi is not just a well-balanced motherboard. It is, in fact, a feature-rich motherboard at this price of USD 279.99, making this board too good a value to have. This motherboard uses 20+1+1 power stages with a powerful Renesas PWM controller and Dr.MOS SPS stages for VCore and GT. The VRM/MOSFET cooling is a composite of aluminum heatsinks joined by a heat pipe and has an embedded fan for active cooling.

This motherboard has a whopping 6x M.2 ports with Blazing M.2 port operating at 128GB/s bandwidth, whereas the other Gen 4 drive operates at 64GB/s bandwidth. There are steel-reinforced PCIe slots, with the top slot having a Gen5 x16 rating. CPU supports HDMI 2.1 and DP 1.4 ports and 4 DIMMs, providing a total of 192GB capacity with support of 8000+(OC)MHz RAM frequencies. This board has 4x SATA ports.

In terms of USB connectivity, this board is again providing a good value with two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports, 2x Lightning Ports, and 2x Ultra USB Power ports. There are a total of 19 USB connections using multiple controllers. This motherboard comes with 8x Fan headers as well.

ASRock has provided a CPU Score in the BIOS that indicates how good a given CPU is from the perspective of overclocking and voltage. Also, there is a Gaming OC Preset with Stage 1 and Stage 2. The Stage 2 puts an aggressive overclock of 5.7GHz on all cores and 5.9GHz on two cores. Our CPU handled this preset pretty well, and the R23.2 multi-score was 37279 with a single core score of 2305. The maximum temperature was 91ᵒC, and VRM/MOSFET was at 64ᵒC. This is a good performance.

I am impressed with the overall performance of this motherboard, be it a stock performance or overclocking. ASRock is providing a 3-year warranty on this motherboard, and its current retail price of USD 279.99 makes it the best value.

Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

• 15+ years of PC Building Experience
• 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
• 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
• A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
• I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
• Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com

ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi Motherboard Review is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

There is nothing significant on the Z790 chipset as these new processors still use the same Intel LGA1700 socket powered by Z790 chipset drivers. These new SKUs are backward compatible with 12th and 13th-generation platforms using Z690 and Z790 chipsets, respectively. The major change coming from the chipset is the new WiFi 7, which offers more bandwidth and frequency, improving the network connection speeds.

Motherboard manufacturers have released new motherboards boasting performance using new 14th-generation CPUs and WiFi connectivity. This time, we see mainstream motherboards equipped with M.2 Gen 5 slots, which were only provided in the high-end motherboards in the last generation. MSI has released new motherboards using the branding “MAX”, and we have received two motherboards. In this article, we are testing the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard. The salient features include:

• This motherboard supports Intel 14th, 13th, and 12th-generation processors.
• It supports DDR5 Memory with speeds up to 7800+ (OC) MHz
• MSI has deployed 16+1+1 Mirrored Power Arrangement for VRM/MOSFET
• It supports Core Boost and Memory Boost
• This motherboard has 3x M.2 Gen 4 and 1x M.2 Gen 5 Slots
• It supports a PCIe Gen5 x16 slot for a graphics card
• The M.2 Ports and VRM/MOSFETs get good treatment for effective cooling using Extended Heatsink design and M.2 Shield Frozr
• This motherboard has a RealTek ALC 4080 driver.
• The PCB has a 6-layer design made of 2oz thickened copper

Key Takeaways

• The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard is an excellent choice for PC builders and gamers seeking the latest technology, including PCIe Gen5 and WiFi 7, at a competitive price point.
• Its robust power delivery, comprehensive cooling solutions, and ample expansion slots make it a strong contender for those seeking a future-proofed motherboard with room to grow.
• However, users with existing Z690 or Z790 motherboards may not find a compelling upgrade incentive, and those seeking the absolute pinnacle of motherboard technology might prefer more premium options.

I am showing the salient specifications of this motherboard. For more detailed specifications and ratings, please visit the product page on the MSI website. We will cover these in the Design Overview section coming ahead.

Packaging And Unboxing

The motherboard is shipped inside a standard cardboard packing box. MSI has included the following in the box:

• 1x ATX-sized Motherboard
• 2x SATA 6Gbps Cables
• 1x Quick Installation Guide
• 1x European Union Regulatory Notice
• 2z EZ M.2 Clips
• 1x USB Drive for Drivers installation
• 1x WiFi Antenna
• 1x Front Panel Connector Cable
• 1x Cable Sticker

Design Overview

Let’s go over the design in depth.

MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard has an Intel LGA1700 socket that powers the 4x DIMM slots, 1x HDMI 2.1 port rated at 4K@60Hz, and 1x DP 1.4 port rated at 8K@60Hz. In addition, this socket provides 20x PCIe lanes. The first PCIe x16 slot is wired to this socket with a MUX that bifurcates the lanes between the PCIe Gen5 M.2 slot and PCIe x16 slot at x4/x8 respectively.

The DMI link operates at x8 PCIe between the socket and chipset. The rest of all connectivity comes from the Z790 chipset, including 3x Gen4x4 M.2 slots, WiFi 7 solution, Intel NUC, SATA, and Audio solution. Let’s start with the power delivery circuit of this motherboard.

Power Delivery to Socket

This motherboard has an Intel LGA1700 socket hence it is compatible with the previous two generations along with the 14th generation of desktop processors. The extended heatsink covers have a stylish and sleek design complimenting the neutral build with a yellow accent.

MSI has used 16+1+1 (Vcore+GT+Aux) power phases on this motherboard that are governed by Renesas RAA 229132 PWM controller. This controller is regulating the 16 Renesas ISL99390 power stages rated for 90A each. MSI is using Renesas RAA 220075R0 75 A power stage for the VCCGT phase. This seems to be a doubler design whereby two stages receive the same PWM signal. The AUX power delivery is handled by M2940A PWM with a single MP87670 power stage.

MSI has used beefy or extended covers to cool this power delivery circuit using 7W/mK Thermal Pads for effective heat transfer. MSI has used the grounding structure of power phases to suppress the EMI generated by these power phases.

MSI has enabled overcurrent protection in the PCB design to provide a safeguard to the components of the PCB from excessive current. This would provide stability and durability.

DIMM Slots

MSI has provided 4x DDR5 UDIMM slots that are not steel-reinforced but are on different PCB layers. This motherboard supports a maximum of 192GB memory capacity with a maximum memory support of 7800+(OC) MHz. These support Intel XMP 3.0 with dual-channel and dual-controller modes. The supported memory is non-ECC and unbuffered. In addition, MSI has provided a handy Memory Boost support in UEFI BIOS that enables the users to leverage the true performance of their DDR5 kits.

Storage Options

This motherboard has 4x M.2 slots and 6x SATA ports. Each M.2 slot or port has an aluminum cover for heat transfer which is finished in black color in quite some style. The overall footprint of this motherboard is quite appealing and eye-catching. Each slot has two thermal pads. One is on the base plate and the other is on the cover. Each port is labeled in numbers.

The top M.2 port is a Lightning Gen 5 slot using an M.2 Frozr cooling solution. It is tool-less with quite convenient removal/installation. The rest of the slots need a screwdriver for removal/installation. The top slot is wired to the CPU socket and provides up to 128GB/s bandwidth. It has a form factor support of 22110/2280/2260. The remaining three slots are wired to socket and conform to Gen4x4 providing 64GB/s bandwidth for a maximum 2280 form factor. The M2_3 is on the same bus link as SATA ports 1 and 2. Installing SSD in this slot will disable these two SATA ports.

Speaking of SATA ports, this motherboard has a total of 8x ports wired to the socket controlled by ASM1061. the other two ports are on the bottom of the motherboard.

PCIe Connectivity

This motherboard has a total of 3x PCIe slots. The first slot is full x16 slotted and wired to the CPU socket. The other two are wired to the socket. The top slot is PCIe Gen5x16 rated but using an SSD in the M2_1 slot will make the graphics card operate on x8 link. The second slot is PCIe 3.0 x1. The third slot is PCIe 4×4.

The top PCIe slot is steel reinforced which MSI refers to as Steel Armor and it has heavy soldered connections on the PCB to support the weight of a heavy graphics card. I would still suggest using a GPU support bracket for the heavy graphics card anyway.

USB Connectivity

This motherboard is packed with USB ports on the front, rear and mid-board. It has:

• 4x USB 2.0 (Front)
• 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A (Rear)
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A (Front)
• 4x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A (Rear)
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C (Rear)
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C (Front)
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type C (Rear)

MSI has used several USB hubs and controllers, including GL850, GL3523, ASM1543, and PI3EQX10.

Networking Solution

MSI has provided wired and wireless connectivity on this motherboard. There is a 2.5GB LAN port (NUC) powered by Intel S2223L35 SLNMH, which is an I225V RJ45 2.5Gb network chip. In addition, there is a powerful WiFi module that comes pre-installed and a dedicated antenna is also in the box. The WiFi (802.11 be) has high speed and wider channels with improved efficiency, providing 5.8Gbps, which is 2.4 times faster than the WiFi 6/6E standards. The new protocol has 320MHz channel width compared to 160MHz on the previous generation. Wi-Fi 7 improves the modulation scheme from 1024-QAM to 4096-QAM, which is impressive. This new generation is capable of sending and receiving data across several frequencies and channels at a time.

Audio Solution

MSI has implemented Audio hardware on two separate layers of the PCB. They are harnessing the power of RealTek ALC4080 codec in combination with high-performance Chemi-Con capacitors. This solution is wired to the Z790 socket.

This is a 7.1 Channel audio solution that has S/PDIF output as well. It supports up to 32-bit/384 kHz playback on front panel. MSI has designed the isolated analogy structure for the output on the rear panel. In this design, the external metal housing is separated from the internal layout to further improve the sound quality.

Z790

I am showing Z790 chipset after removing its heatsink cover. Now that, we have taken a brief overview of this motherboard, let’s take a look at the connectors.

Internal Connectors

There are:

• 2x EPS Connector
• 1x 24-pin ATX Connector
• 1x CPU Fan Header
• 1x Pump Fan Header
• 6x System Fan Headers
• 2x Front Panel (JFP) Headers
• 1x Chassis Intrusion (JCI) Header
• 1x Front Audio (JAUD) Header
• 1x TBT connector (JTBT, supports RTD3)
• 1x Tuning Controller connector(JDASH)
• 3x Addressable V2 RGB LED connector (JARGB_V2)
• 1x RGB LED connector(JRGB)
• 1x TPM pin header(Support TPM 2.0)
• 4x USB 2.0 ports
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A ports
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C ports
• 1x USB4 card connector (JTBT_U4_1, supports RTD3)

Each fan header is powered and controlled by nuvoTon nuvoTon 3961S. The Pump Header is rated for 3A. The CPU Fan header is rated for 2A. The other fan headers are rated at 1A each. MSI has provided a USB4 Add-In card connector that can be purchased separately. This card provides 2x USB 4.0 ports with PD functionality and 2x DP output ports. There are 4x LEDs to troubleshoot the system in case anything goes hey wires. These LEDs correspond to the CPU, RAM, VGA, and Boot. However, there is no debug LED on this motherboard.

Rear IO Panel

There are:

• 1x Display Port Output
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 5 Gbps (Type-A)
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps (Type-A)
• 5G LAN
• Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
• Audio Connectors
• HDMI
• Clear CMOS
• Flash BIOS
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps (Type-A)
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps (Type-C)
• USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps (Type-C)

MSI has implemented an extra layer of sponge materials on the Rear IO panel. The shield itself is corrosive resistant. This improves the static electricity reducing electromagnetic radiation noise from the system. It is good to see that MSI did not ditch USB 3.2 Gen2x2 port. This port is capable of providing up to 20Gbps bandwidth. I like the idea of Clear CMOS and Flash BIOS buttons.

I am showing the PCB after removing the heatsink covers.

At the backside of the motherboard, MSI has provided Transient Voltage Suppressors. These are safety devices that are used to protect against the excessive voltage. In case of an abnormal voltage hike, the TVS switches from a high-resistance state to a low-resistance state hence grounding the excessive voltage.

BIOS

BIOS Walk-Through

1 of 16

MSI has provided the same interface that I have been seeing for the last few generations. The overall layout is easy to navigate and related settings are grouped. BIOS is started in Eazy Mode which the user can switch to the advanced mode by pressing F7 key. It displays the basic data like motherboard, CPU, and Memory modes along with temperatures. XMP is just one click away in the Eazy mode. There are six main sections or categories in the Advanced Settings. OC has CPU and memory-related voltages and other settings. Settings menu has system-related settings including BOOT and Save & Exit.

Hardware monitor allows the users to control the speed of the fans. OC Profiles allow the users to save their configurations in the files and restore from the saved files. This would come in handy during installation. M-Flash is used to update the BIOS ROM. Power limits are available in Advanced CPU Configuration. The user can also set the memory timings and voltage manually. Intel Dynamic Tuning Technology can be enabled under the CPU Features under OC menu.

MSI Center

MSI Center

1 of 6

If you have enabled the System Drivers Installer in the BIOS, you will be prompted to use the Auto Driver installer on the Windows startup which is an automated utility. It will look for available drivers and updates and download/install them as per the user input.

MSI Center is a One Window All Operational Control utility. There are many utilities that you can opt to install in the MSI Center. FROZR AI Cooling, Mystic Light, Super Charger, System Diagnosis are among the listed options. The installed apps will show on top of the options. Mystic Light provides flexible options to control the lighting of various components. Hardware Monitoring provides live statistics of various components. FROZR AI Cooling can adjust the fans’ curves automatically as well as allow the users to control the fans’ speed.

Test Build

I have used the following configuration to test the motherboard:

• MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
• MSI GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming X Trio 24G
• Intel Core i7-14700KF [Stock, Auto]
• EKWB EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX ARGB Cooler
• XPG Lancer RGB 32GB 7200MHz CAS34 DDR5 kit
• Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 1TB Gen4x4 NVMe SSD [For OS]
• Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 4TB Gen4x4 NVMe SSD [For Games]
• Sabrent Rocket NANO V2 4TB Portable Drive
• Be quiet! Straight Power 11 1000W Platinum PSU
• Thermaltake Core P6 TG Snow Edition in an open frame layout

The above is a picture showing a run of CPU-Z. We can see that CPU is reported at almost 5.5GHz (Bus speed was not at 100MHz to show an absolute 5500MHz). You can also see that graphics card is operating at x8 link. This is due to the Intel’s implementation of sharing PCIe lanes between Gen5 PCIe slot and Gen5 M.2 slot. The RAM was operating at its tested speed of 7200MT/s after loading the XMP.

The above is a readout from TechPowerUP’s GPU-Z showing the data from the graphics card confirming that the card is working. It also shows that the graphics card is operating at the Gen4 x8 link.

We have divided the overall tests into four major categories. These are:

CPU and Memory Tests:

• AIDA64 CPU and Memory Test
• CINEBENCH R23.2
• GeekBench 5.4.5
• Blender Benchmark 4.0
• 7-Zip Compression Benchmark
• 3DMARK CPU Profile

Storage Tests:

• 3DMARK Speed Way
• 3DMARK Time Spy Extreme
• 3DMARK Fire Strike Ultra
• CrystalDiskMark
• PCMARK10 Data Drive Benchmark

Gaming Tests:

• Red Dead Redemption 2
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Control
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Far Cry 6
• Forza Horizon 5

Overall System Tests:

• PCMARK10
• Performance Test

Test Result

The testing was done on stock settings with XMP loaded. This motherboard has powers unlocked by default. It is time to take a look at the test results, starting with CPU and memory benchmarks.

CPU and memory benchmarks

1 of 7

The CPU scored 36188 points in CPU Multi Core load and 2203 points in a Single Core Load in R23.2. This is an excellent score given that Intel Core i7 14700KF usually does 34xxx score in this test. One reason is that on stock, this motherboard has CPU power limits removed. The DDR5 kit was performing at its rating and we found the results comparable with the results when this kit was tested on other PC. The single core score was even more impressive in Geekbench 5.4.5. With a compression result of 147293 MIPS and 130275 MIPS score in Decompression, this CPU has shown its true performance potential.

Storage Test

Storage Tests

1 of 4

I have used a PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe drive and a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C drive. The Sabrent Rocket NANO V2 4TB portable drive is rated for 1500MB/s and it has a feature to enable the cache writing for further improving the writes performance. The NVMe drive passed the sequential read and write speeds in the CrystalDiskMark. The USB drive was operating above 1600MB/s confirming the rated speeds.

We have a killer performance from the NVMe drive in PCMARK10 Data Drive Benchmark doing 861.11MB/s bandwidth with a latency of 28µs only. The overall score was 5678. The game was strong with the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 drive as well and it got a 559 score.

Gaming Test

Gaming Tests

1 of 4

Our build got a 10848 score in Time Spy Extreme and a 13351 score in Fire Strike Ultra. The Speed Way score was 5454. This is a good performance overall from the CPU and Graphics card showing that the motherboard is not holding these components back. In all six games that I have tested, the FPS was above 100 mark. I have tested all games using their highest graphics presets on 1440P using 165Hz refresh rate over Display Port. The gaming performance is right on the money and this motherboard can handle the task easily.

System Performance Test

I picked PCMARK10 and Performance Test to evaluate the overall system performance. The higher scores in results are preferable. The system was doing 9912 in PCMARK10 Basic test, which is too good a performance from this build. The result from the Performance Test is 13407, which is impressive to speak about. The overall system performance is excellent as well.

Core Clock Behavior

Clocks Behavior

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The system was left idle for 10 minutes under the Balanced Power Profile. The idle clocks were 1097MHz on the P-Cores whereas these were 997MHz on E-Cores more or less. The clocks were peaking at 5.6GHz (5586.3MHz on 99.8MHz bus speed) under a 1T load. All cores load put these clocks to 5486.6MHz on a bus speed of 99.8MHz (almost 5.5GHz). These figures confirm Intel’s clock ratings for Core i7 14700KF.

Thermals and Power

In idle state, the CPU was doing 2.795W on the package, whereas the graphics card was at 11W on the GPU core. These two components are the main power consumers in any build; hence, this would give an idea. Under a single core load, the CPU was doing 38.450W on the package. However, this turned quite the opposite when an all-core stress test was put to its paces, and the CPU ended up consuming 283.023W. The Graphics card under full stress test load was doing 375W. During gaming, the average GPU power draw was 353W and the CPU’s power draw was 97W. The system power draw, on average, was approximately 495W.

Testing was done at an ambient temperature of 22°C. The CPU was idle at 27°C, and the graphics card was idle at 39.2°C. Under load, the CPU was doing 88°C whereas the GPU was doing 74°C using the AIDA64 Stability test with AVX load. This is an impressive performance.

The VRM/MOSFET was doing 77.8°C at the same ambient. This is a relatively high temperature though well within the range. I was hoping to see these under 60°C but
keep in mind that there is no heat pipe connecting both heatsink covers and there was no active air flow towards the motherboard.

Should You Buy It?

Through my dedicated testing, let’s find out if the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi is worth the price.

Buy It If:

If you are looking for Gen 5 connectivity: If you are in the market looking for a new motherboard with Gen 5-based connectivity, then this motherboard deserves your attention.

If you want bang for the buck: Coming in at USD 294.99, this motherboard is a good mid-range motherboard that can fulfill your gaming requirements without breaking your wallet. This motherboard has a balanced set of features that will not disappoint you.

Don’t Buy It If:

If you already have a Z690/Z790 motherboard: If you are already a user of Z690 and Z790 motherboard, then you can skip this motherboard. However, if your motherboard does not have Gen5-based M.2 ports, then this motherboard can meet your needs.

If you are looking for a High-Spec motherboard: If you are a heavy user and looking for an extensive feature set in a motherboard, then this motherboard is not for you. You can take a look at MSI Carbon Max or ACE, for that matter.

Final Words

MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard is a mainstream offering that is value-oriented with its balanced feature set all across. This motherboard packs 4x M.2 ports with one port operating on a Gen5x4 link. This motherboard has 8x SATA ports in addition to the M.2 ports. This is not all, as we have extensive USB ports on the mid-board and rear/front, including USB 3.2 Gen2x2 and USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C ports.

It is nice to have Clear CMOS and Flash BIOS buttons on the back panel. This motherboard has a 16+1+1 power delivery mechanism using doublers which is adequate to handle any supported CPU. The cooling department is strong as well, with 8x Fan headers and aluminum heat sink cover over the VRM/MOSFET, M.2 ports, and Chipset. MSI has used 7W-mK-rated thermal pads on the VRM/MOSFET covers. MSI has provided 2.5GbE NUC as well as an integrated WiFi 7 module.

There is over-current and over-voltage protection as well. This motherboard provides Memory Extension mode in BIOS that caters to different requirements like memory OC or Gaming needs. The BIOS interface is the same as we have been seeing on the MSI motherboard. MSI has provided RealTek ALC4080 codec for a rich sound experience.

Overall, the performance of this motherboard is very good, and I did not observe any issues during my testing sessions. This motherboard retails at USD 294.99 at AMAZON and has a 3-year warranty from MSI.

Awards Received By The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi

We tested the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi for our Intel 14th-Gen CPUs. Here are the Tech4Gamers Awards it received:

• Best Overall Motherboard For i5-14600K
• Best High End Motherboard For i5-14600KF
  
• Best Overall Motherboard For i7-14700KF
• Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900K
• Best Overall Motherboard For i7-14700K

Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

• 15+ years of PC Building Experience
• 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
• 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
• A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
• I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
• Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com

MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi Motherboard Review is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Check out our selection of the best motherboards for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D in this handy comparison table::

Motherboard

MSI PRO X670-P WiFi

GIGABYTE X670E AORUS Master

ASUS ROG Strix X670E-A Gaming

GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX

ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi

ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero

Looks

Award

Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

What We Liked

VRM, Cooling, Storage and Expansion Options

Power Phases, Cooling Features, USB ports and Expansion Slots, Looks

Great Looks, Solid Performance and Cooling

Very Affordable, Great Price-to-Performance Ratio

10+2+1 Phase VRM Design and Good Cooling

Great Overclocking Potential, Superb VRM, Incredible Thermal Solution

What We Disliked

No RGB

Expensive

Expensive

No x4 PCIe Slot

No Debug LEDs

Expensive

Chipset

AMD X670

AMD X670

AMD X670

AMD B650

AMD B650E

AMD X670

Memory

DDR5-6600+ (OC)

DDR5-6666+ (OC)

DDR5-6400+ (OC)

DDR5-6600+ (OC)

DDR5-6400+ (OC)

DDR5-6400+ (OC)

VRM

14+2+1

16+2+2

16+2

14+2+1

10+2+1

18+2

Storage

4x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

4x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

4x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

2x M.2, 2x SATA 6G

5x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

USB Ports

8x Rear, 9x Front

12x Rear, 9x Front

12x Rear, 7x Front

12x Rear, 7x Front

8x Rear, 5x Front

12x Rear, 11x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Newegg

Buy On Newegg

Buy On Newegg

Buy On Newegg

Buy On Newegg

Buy On Newegg

Buy On Newegg

Motherboard

MSI PRO X670-P WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

What We Liked

VRM, Cooling, Storage and Expansion Options

What We Disliked

No RGB

Chipset

AMD X670

Memory

DDR5-6600+ (OC)

VRM

14+2+1

Storage

4x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

USB Ports

8x Rear, 9x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Newegg

Buy On Newegg

Motherboard

GIGABYTE X670E AORUS Master

Looks

Award

Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

What We Liked

Power Phases, Cooling Features, USB ports and Expansion Slots, Looks

What We Disliked

Expensive

Chipset

AMD X670

Memory

DDR5-6666+ (OC)

VRM

16+2+2

Storage

4x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

USB Ports

12x Rear, 9x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Newegg

Buy On Newegg

Motherboard

ASUS ROG Strix X670E-A Gaming

Looks

Award

Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

What We Liked

Great Looks, Solid Performance and Cooling

What We Disliked

Expensive

Chipset

AMD X670

Memory

DDR5-6400+ (OC)

VRM

16+2

Storage

4x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

USB Ports

12x Rear, 7x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Newegg

Buy On Newegg

Motherboard

GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX

Looks

Award

Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

What We Liked

Very Affordable, Great Price-to-Performance Ratio

What We Disliked

No x4 PCIe Slot

Chipset

AMD B650

Memory

DDR5-6600+ (OC)

VRM

14+2+1

Storage

3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

USB Ports

12x Rear, 7x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Newegg

Buy On Newegg

Motherboard

ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

What We Liked

10+2+1 Phase VRM Design and Good Cooling

What We Disliked

No Debug LEDs

Chipset

AMD B650E

Memory

DDR5-6400+ (OC)

VRM

10+2+1

Storage

2x M.2, 2x SATA 6G

USB Ports

8x Rear, 5x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Newegg

Buy On Newegg

Motherboard

ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero

Looks

Award

Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

What We Liked

Great Overclocking Potential, Superb VRM, Incredible Thermal Solution

What We Disliked

Expensive

Chipset

AMD X670

Memory

DDR5-6400+ (OC)

VRM

18+2

Storage

5x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

USB Ports

12x Rear, 11x Front

RGB

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Newegg

Buy On Newegg

Last update on 2023-12-13

Own a Ryzen 9 7950X3D? We’ve got the perfect guides for you:

• Best CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 7950X3D
• Best RAM For Ryzen 9 7950X3D
• Best GPU For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Best Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

The motherboards I’ve chosen for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D are a result of my hands-on experience and rigorous testing:

1. Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D: MSI PRO X670-P WiFi
2. Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D: GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER
3. Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D: ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING
4. Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D: GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX
5. Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D: ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi
6. Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D: ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero

MSI PRO X670-P WiFi 

Best Overall Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Chipset: AMD X670 | Memory: DDR5-6600+ (OC) | VRM: 14+2+1 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, Type-C DisplayPort 1.4 | RGB Lighting: No | Network: AMD Wi-Fi 6E, Realtek® RTL8125BG 2.5G LAN, Bluetooth 5.2 | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 6G | USB Ports: 8x Rear, 9x Front

Design and Build Quality: The PRO X670-P does not feature any RGB lightning, but the motherboard still has a very aggressive aesthetic because of its black finish PCB. MSI has also used an 8-layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper for improved signal reliability and overall durability.

Performance: The MSI PRO X670-P WiFi comes with a durable 14+2+1 Power Design with 14-phase VCORE SPS, 2-phase SOC Power, and 1-phase Misc. Power along with 80A Smart Power Stage. In total, the 17-phase VRM structure is good enough to ensure that the Ryzen 9 7950X3D gets a stable flow of power.

Features and Connectivity: The MSI PRO X670-P comes with 4x M.2 slots and 6x SATA 6G options. There are no worries in terms of expansion options either; from PCIe 4.0 x16 slot to 8x Rear USB ports and 9x Front USB ports, the MSI PRO X670-P offers the perfect blend of all essential features.

Buy It If:

You want a balanced motherboard: The MSI PRO X670-P WiFi strikes the perfect balance of high-end performance and great cooling capabilities, which is exactly what you’re going to need from a motherboard for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

Don’t Buy It If:

You want RGB lighting: There isn’t anything seriously disappointing with the MSI PRO X670-P WiFi; that’s why what we disliked about this motherboard is only the lack of RGB.

What Makes It The Best Overall Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D?

All things considered, if you’re building a Ryzen 9 7950X3D PC and are not specifically after anything like extreme overclocking or aesthetics, then you should definitely go with the MSI PRO X670-P WiFi. Whether it’s a plethora of expansion options, high power, great cooling, or just good value, the PRO X670-P has got it all, and that’s what makes it the best overall motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER

Best High-End Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Chipset: AMD X670 | Memory: DDR5-6666+ (OC) | VRM: 16+2+2 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, Type-C DisplayPort 1.4 | RGB Lighting: Yes | Network: Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip, Bluetooth 5.3 | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 6G | USB Ports: 12x Rear, 9x Front

Design and Build Quality: The GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER is one of the most modern-looking motherboards we have ever tested. It has a great black-finish PCB with RGB effects on the IO cover. The motherboard uses an 8-layer PCB with 2x Copper to decrease impedance and increase thermal conductivity.

Performance: The GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER managed to perform exceptionally well in my tests for many reasons, with the biggest one being its rock-solid VRM structure of 16+2+2 phases with 105A Smart Power Stages. Here, you have 16 phases for VCore, so your multi-core performance is up to the mark, and 2 SOC phases and 2 MISC phases.

Features and Connectivity: The GIGABYTE X670E AORUS Master includes four M.2 slots, two of which are PCIe 5.0 x4 slots, and the other two are PCIe 4.0, providing a wide range of ultra-fast storage solutions. You have a variety of USB options, as the motherboard comes with 12x Rear USB ports and 9x Front USB ports.

For an expert opinion on the GIGABYTE X670E AORUS Master, we consulted our resident motherboard specialist, Nauman Siddique.

“The GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER has more than what meets the eye. In its brilliance, this motherboard packs the features that one would need to drive their high-end needs in computing.”

Buy It If:

Here are a few shots from our review:

Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master

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You want a robust VRM design: My testing confirmed that the massive heatsink and durable 16+2+2 VRM structure are definitely the best things about the GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER.

Don’t Buy It If:

You have a limited budget: Aimed for the high-end segment, it should come as no surprise that the motherboard isn’t cheap. So, it’s going to put a dent in your wallet.

What Makes It The Best High-End Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D?

The GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER is for you if you’re looking for a top-tier motherboard that offers brilliant power delivery, incredible cooling features, and lots of bells and whistles. The motherboard is truly one of the best X670 chipsets to exist, and it is hands down the best high-end motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

• Read Our GIGABYTE X670E AORUS Master Review

ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING

Best White Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Chipset: AMD X670 | Memory: DDR5-6400+ (OC) | VRM: 16+2 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 | RGB Lighting: Yes | Network: Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip, Bluetooth 5.3 | Storage: 4x M.2, 4x SATA 6G | USB Ports: 12x Rear, 7x Front

Design and Build Quality: The ROG Strix X670E-A Gaming features a beautiful mix of silver and white finish on top of the all-black PCB; these color combinations give the board a unique look that, frankly, not many motherboards can top. Additionally, the motherboard has an 8-layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper for added durability.

Performance: The motherboard has a solid 16 + 2 Power Stage VRM design with 70A per stage. Overall, the 18-phase VRM design is powerful enough to handle a CPU like the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. The motherboard uses two massive heatsinks to cool down the VRMs, and high-quality thermal pads are sandwiched between the heatsinks and the VRMs.

Features and Connectivity: Storage-wise, you got 4x M.2 Slots, where two of them are from the CPU, and the other two are from the chipset. Additionally, you also have 4x SATA 6GB/s ports, ensuring plenty of storage options. For connectivity, you get 12x USB ports on the rear IO and 7x front USB ports.

Buy It If:

You want an elegant all-white motherboard: It should come as no surprise that the beautiful white design of the ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING is what impressed us the most.

Don’t Buy It If:

You have budget constraints: If you take the looks out of the equation, the ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING seems expensive, given its features.

What Makes It The Best White Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D?

Despite the steep price, the ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING is still a good deal if you are a fan of its looks, just like us. Plus, since you’re building a Ryzen 9 7950X3D rig, the motherboard packs great performance so that you never face a bottleneck. All in all, the ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-A motherboard is undoubtedly the best white motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX

Best Value Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Chipset: AMD B650 | Memory: DDR5-6600+ (OC) | VRM: 14+2+1 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 | RGB Lighting: Yes | Network: AMD Wi-Fi 6E, Realtek 2.5GbE LAN chip, Bluetooth 5.2| Storage: 3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G | USB Ports: 12x Rear, 7x Front

Design and Build Quality: While it has some RGB elements, it really is not a lot, as only the chipset cover can be lit up. However, the motherboard definitely looks aggressive due to its black PCB and gray accents. The AORUS ELITE AX also uses an 8-layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper for exceptional durability.

Performance: The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX comes with a Twin 14+2+1 Phases Digital VRM design. The 14 VCORE Phases have a 70A Power Stage, 2 SOC Phases have a 60A Power Stage, and the 1 MISC Phase has a 30A Intelligent POL. While it may not be a premium solution, this VRM setup can definitely keep up with the Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

Editor`s Note

AMD does not provide an unlocked multiplier on the 3D V-Cache CPUs, so the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is not overclockable by traditional means. Therefore, if you’re on a relatively tight budget, going for a B650 motherboard is a perfectly fine choice for stock operation.

– Sameed Hussain

Features and Connectivity: For storage, you get 3x M.2 slots and 4x SATA 6Gb/s connectors. Two of the three M.2 slots are from the CPU, where one of them is PCIe 5.0, and the other one is PCIe 4.0. You get 12x Rear USB ports and 7x Front ports for connectivity, including one Type-C port on the back panel and one on the front, which is a good configuration.

Buy It If:

Here are a few shots we took during our review:

Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX

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You want an affordable AM5 motherboard: The best thing about the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX has to be its price. The motherboard is really affordable and gives good value for money.

Don’t Buy It If:

You require PCIe x4 slots: The fact that there is not even a single x4 PCIe slot is disappointing. Otherwise, the motherboard is a superb deal.

What Makes It The Best Value Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D?

In a nutshell, the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX is the perfect daily driver for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. It offers solid performance, good storage, and expansion options, and just the right looks. But, most importantly, the B650 AORUS Elite motherboard offers great value for money, making it the best value motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

• Read Our GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX Review

ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Chipset: AMD B650 | Memory: DDR5-6400+ | VRM: 10+2+1 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 | RGB Lighting: No | Network: 2.5 GbE LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 2x M.2, 2x SATA 6G | USB Ports: 8x Rear, 5x Front

Design and Build Quality: Although the entirety of the PCB is donned in a black coating, ASRock has included a red stripe going down the I/O heatsink, which compliments the purely black aesthetic of the rest of the motherboard. Moreover, the motherboard utilizes a 10-layer server-grade PCB for improved reliability and efficiency.

Performance: Its capabilities as a mini-ITX board are further evidenced by its VRM configuration, which consists of a 10+2+1 VRM design, with each phase rated at 105 Amps. The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFI also stands out for its great cooling solution, which incorporates a robust VRM heatsink along with an M.2 heatsink.

Features and Connectivity: All of your storage needs are facilitated through two M.2 slots and two SATA connections. There is a decent selection of rear I/O ports, which include four USB 2.0 ports along with 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. Additionally, a front USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connection is also present for anyone looking to make use of faster speeds.

Nauman Siddique, our resident motherboard guru, shared his thoughts on the ASRock B650E PG-ITX.

“It is a tiny beast featuring an AM5 platform with a plethora of features and efficient cooling for key components”.

Buy It If:

Take a glance at a few pictures from our review:

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You want a well-rounded mini-ITX motherboard: The ASRock B650E PG-ITX is a mini-ITX motherboard done right, boasting an excellent 10+2+1 phase power delivery along with a decent selection of rear I/O ports.

Don’t Buy It If:

You require more troubleshooting features: While ASRock has not left us with a lot to dislike about the B650E-PG ITX WiFi, the absence of any debug LEDs and RGB is a bit disappointing.

What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D?

It is clear that its smaller overall footprint has not stopped ASRock from packing the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi with a plethora of noteworthy features, including an impressive cooling solution and PCIe Gen 5.0 connectivity. That, combined with its well-constructed design, is exactly why we have crowned it the best mini-ITX motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

• Read Our ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi Review

ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero

Best Overclocking Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D

Chipset: AMD X670 | Memory: DDR5-6400+ (OC) | VRM: 18+2 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 2x USB3.2 Gen2 port (Type-C) | RGB Lighting: Yes| Network: Wi-Fi 6E, Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip, Bluetooth 5.3| Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA 6G | USB Ports: 12x Rear, 11x Front

Design and Build Quality: In terms of sheer looks, the motherboard lives up to its ROG name with beautiful RGB, an all-black PCB, and a really aggressive design. The motherboard’s aesthetics radiate high performance, which is backed up by its insane specs. The build quality is top-notch, which is evident at first glance as well.

Performance: The motherboard employs a phenomenal 18+2 VRM structure where each phase is rated to support 110A. On top of that, ASUS has used 8+8 pins ProCool II power connectors for maximum power input while the high-end VRMs are cooled with massive heatsinks with durable thermal pads in between.

Features and Connectivity: In total, you get 5x M.2 slots and 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports, which are more than enough for any hardcore need. You also get a plethora of USB ports with 12x Rear USB ports and 11x Front USB ports. Just at the back, you get 4x Type-C ports, two of which are USB 4 for fast transfer speeds.

Buy It If:

You want an overclocking powerhouse: It is no surprise that I loved the ROG Crosshair X670E Hero’s robust VRM structure the most, followed by its sophisticated cooling system.

Don’t Buy It If:

You have a limited budget: The only negative surrounding the ROG Crosshair X670E Hero is its high price point, which is nowhere near affordable.

What Makes It The Best Overclocking Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D?

All things considered, the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero is truly the perfect motherboard for performance enthusiasts out there. So, if you plan to overclock your Ryzen 9 7950X3D, then you should go with this motherboard without any second thoughts as it is the best overclocking motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

How We Tested & Picked These Motherboards For Ryzen 9 7950X3D

It is recommended that you consider these factors whenever you’re buying a motherboard to make the best purchase decision.

• VRM: As its name implies, a VRM is in charge of controlling and delivering a steady and smooth flow of voltage to your computer’s processor and other components. So, we selected the motherboards that offered a great VRM design comprising multiple phases built with high-quality, durable materials.
• Overclocking Potential: The VRM architecture of a motherboard strongly influences its ability to overclock. But that’s not all; in order to obtain strong overclocking results, the board must also have a robust cooling system that ensures that everything runs at lower temperatures, even under heavy load.
• Heatsink – Cooling: Cooling is an integral factor to consider since the Ryzen 9 7950X3D can generate a lot of heat. That’s why we scrutinized the motherboards based on their cooling capabilities a lot. Massive heatsinks, thermal pads, and PCB layers, all of these factors must be considered to avoid thermal throttling.
• Features: Other features such as USB ports, expansion slots, RGB, and memory support must also be considered. For instance, if you’re going to need a lot of Type-C USB ports in your day-to-day usage, then the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero might appeal to you more than the rest.
• Price: At the end of the day, you won’t go with a motherboard that is simply overpriced or does not offer good value for money. So, for every motherboard we selected, we made sure that it offered great value for money. Yes, some of the selected motherboards are more expensive than others, but it all comes down to the value proposition.

Our testing extends to other Ryzen 7000 series motherboards as well:

• Best motherboards for Ryzen 9 7950X
• Best motherboards for Ryzen 9 7900X
• Best motherboards for Ryzen 7 7700X
• Best motherboards for Ryzen 5 7600X

Recent Updates

Sameed Hussain

[Hardware Expert]

With a major in Computer Science, Sameed is a tech enthusiast who puts his passion for gadgets into words and creates informative blogs. From comparing different hardware to reviewing the best RAMs, motherboards, and graphics cards for your next build, Sameed has covered a wide spectrum of topics that have given him a special insight into every nook and cranny of the tech world. Sameed is also a certified expert at Computer Hardware & Networking.

Get In Touch: sameed@tech4gamers.com

Best Motherboards For Ryzen 9 7950X3D [Dec 2023] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

This comparison table showcases our top motherboard choices for the H610 chipset:

Motherboard

ASUS Prime H610M-A D4

Gigabyte H610M S2H DDR4

ASRock H610M-HDV/M.2

Gigabyte H610I DDR4

MSI Pro H610M-G DDR4

Preview

Award

Best Overall H610 Motherboard

Best High-End H610 Motherboard

Best Value H610 Motherboard

Best Mini-ITX H610 Motherboard

Best Budget H610 Motherboard

What We Liked

Dual M.2, Good Thermals, VRM Control, Excellent Build, & RGB Headers

6+1+1 VRM design, Realtek 2.5 GbE LAN port, Three-year warranty

Dark Aesthetics, 2x Audio Codecs, PCIe 4.0 Slot, Great Performance Value & Ram Support

Selection of Ports, SLI/Crossfire Option, Neat Software & Thermals

Affordable, Good Expansion Options, Software, & Quality

What We Disliked

No built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, No DDR5 support

Only one PCIe 3.0 M.2 slot, A bit expensive

Expensive, Only one PCIe slot

Lack of built-in WiFi or Bluetooth, Only 1 M.2 slot

Single M.2 slot, No built-in WiFi/Bluetooth

Memory

DDR4 @3200 MHz, 64 GB

DDR4 @3200 MHz, 64 GB

DDR4 @3200 MHz, 64 GB

DDR4 @3200 MHz, 64 GB

DDR4 @3200 MHz, 64 GB

USB Ports

2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 7x USB 2.0

5x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 8x USB 2.0

4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 5 USB 2.0

4x USB 3.2, 8x USB 2.0

4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 6x USB 2.0

Network

Intel Gigabit Ethernet

Realtek Gigabit Ethernet LAN chip

Intel Gigabit Ethernet

Intel Gigabit Ethernet

Intel Gigabit Ethernet

Storage

2x M.2, 4x SATA III

1x M.2, 6x SATA III

1x M.2, 4x SATA III

1x M.2, 4x SATA III

1x M.2, 4x SATA III

Check Price

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASUS Prime H610M-A D4

Preview

Award

Best Overall H610 Motherboard

What We Liked

Dual M.2, Good Thermals, VRM Control, Excellent Build, & RGB Headers

What We Disliked

No built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, No DDR5 support

Memory

DDR4 @3200 MHz, 64 GB

USB Ports

2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 7x USB 2.0

Network

Intel Gigabit Ethernet

Storage

2x M.2, 4x SATA III

Check Price

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

Gigabyte H610M S2H DDR4

Preview

Award

Best High-End H610 Motherboard

What We Liked

6+1+1 VRM design, Realtek 2.5 GbE LAN port, Three-year warranty

What We Disliked

Only one PCIe 3.0 M.2 slot, A bit expensive

Memory

DDR4 @3200 MHz, 64 GB

USB Ports

5x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 8x USB 2.0

Network

Realtek Gigabit Ethernet LAN chip

Storage

1x M.2, 6x SATA III

Check Price

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

ASRock H610M-HDV/M.2

Preview

Award

Best Value H610 Motherboard

What We Liked

Dark Aesthetics, 2x Audio Codecs, PCIe 4.0 Slot, Great Performance Value & Ram Support

What We Disliked

Expensive, Only one PCIe slot

Memory

DDR4 @3200 MHz, 64 GB

USB Ports

4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 5 USB 2.0

Network

Intel Gigabit Ethernet

Storage

1x M.2, 4x SATA III

Check Price

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

Gigabyte H610I DDR4

Preview

Award

Best Mini-ITX H610 Motherboard

What We Liked

Selection of Ports, SLI/Crossfire Option, Neat Software & Thermals

What We Disliked

Lack of built-in WiFi or Bluetooth, Only 1 M.2 slot

Memory

DDR4 @3200 MHz, 64 GB

USB Ports

4x USB 3.2, 8x USB 2.0

Network

Intel Gigabit Ethernet

Storage

1x M.2, 4x SATA III

Check Price

Buy on Amazon

Motherboard

MSI Pro H610M-G DDR4

Preview

Award

Best Budget H610 Motherboard

What We Liked

Affordable, Good Expansion Options, Software, & Quality

What We Disliked

Single M.2 slot, No built-in WiFi/Bluetooth

Memory

DDR4 @3200 MHz, 64 GB

USB Ports

4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 6x USB 2.0

Network

Intel Gigabit Ethernet

Storage

1x M.2, 4x SATA III

Check Price

Buy on Amazon