With the launch of the brand-new AM5 platform, AMD has taken a monumental leap in desktop processor technology. The new AMD AM5 platform also signals the release of the AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, built on the new Zen 4 architecture. The AM5 motherboards bring support for innovative new technologies like DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen 5, along with a host of new chipsets at various price points. The AM5 socket is slated to be the home of AMD Ryzen CPUs for the next few years.
Here’s a quick look at our selected AM5 motherboards and a brief comparison of their specs:
Last update on 2023-09-21
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Best AM5 Motherboards In 2023
Here is a selection of the best AM5 motherboards that you can buy right now:
- Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master
- MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi Gaming
- ASUS Prime X670-P WiFi
- ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi
- ASRock X670E Taichi
- ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi
Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master
Best High-End AM5 Motherboard
Chipset: X670 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Power Delivery: 16+2+2 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6666 | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C | USB Ports: 12x rear, 9x internal | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
Pros
- Exceptional VRM design
- Robust VRM heatsink
- Superb storage features
- Loads of USB ports
- Impressive aesthetics
Cons
- Expensive
Gigabyte’s AORUS Master lineup of motherboards has been a household name among enthusiasts for several generations, and the X670E AORUS Master carries the trend forward. It is one of the most premium, high-performance AM5 motherboards currently on the market.
Design: Gigabyte has not strayed far from its contemporary design language in this particular iteration. The X670E AORUS Master looks stylish and modern while having an air of simplicity about it. The main I/O cover boasts a unique AORUS graphic with RGB lighting that can be configured using Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion software. Most of the black PCB is covered with silver heat spreaders that give the board a very sophisticated look.
Features: The AORUS X670E Master is jam-packed with high-end features, as one would expect from a premium motherboard. The Gigabyte add-in card connector particularly stands out from an expansion standpoint, and so do the 10 PWM/DC fan headers on the PCB. Gigabyte has provided a multi-key button that can be configured in the BIOS to Reset, BIOS Boot, Safe Mode, or RGB switch. The audio is handled by an ALC1220 Audio CODEC, and the Q-Flash PLUS button on the rear I/O allows you to update the BIOS easily without installing the CPU, memory, or graphics card.
Overclocking Potential: The AORUS Master is exceptionally well-equipped from an overclocking standpoint, as the robust 16+2+2 phase VRM design can handle any current AMD CPU with relative ease. Gigabyte has used 105A power stages in the VCORE, with 90A power stages in the other phases. The VRM is cooled by a massive heatsink array with an 8mm heatpipe making contact with the power delivery components via a 12W/mK thermal pad. In my testing, the MOSFETs were operating at 45C after a 30-minute all-core stress test with the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X, which is an excellent result.
Connectivity: Gigabyte has made no compromises in the connectivity department, as the X670E AORUS Master is full of premium amenities. The networking is handled by a 2.5 GbE LAN port as well as WiFi 6E, while the storage suite comprises 4 M.2 slots as well as 6 SATA ports for your classic drives. The rear I/O is a treat, with the welcome addition of a USB SuperSpeed 20 Gb/s as well as a DisplayPort over USB-C. Safe to say that the 12 rear USB ports are more than plenty for the vast majority of enthusiasts out there.
Build Quality: One glance at the board is enough to judge that the Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master is built with nothing but top-quality materials. The PCB is an 8-layer 2X copper PCB that is machined with the utmost precision and expertise. Gigabyte has also provided an extra layer of steel reinforcement around the primary PCIe slot as well as the DDR5 memory slots. The bulk of the PCB is covered with massive heat spreaders that add to the overall premium feel of the motherboard.
Value for Money: Despite being a fairly expensive motherboard, the Gigabyte X670E is not an unreasonable value for the money. There is no denying the fact that this motherboard is aimed at enthusiasts, so it might not be the ideal purchase for everybody. However, the high price tag of the AORUS Master can be justified by the sheer quality of its power delivery system and the host of features on offer. Even though it will leave a dent in your wallet, the AORUS Master X670E is one of the best X670E motherboards out there.
Buy It If:
You want a premium AM5 motherboard: With high-end features and exceptional overclocking performance; the Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master is a treat for enthusiasts.
Don’t Buy It If:
You have a limited budget: The Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master is definitely an expensive piece of hardware and may require you to stretch your budget.
What Makes It The Best High-End AM5 Motherboard?
Thanks to an exceptional 16+2+2 phase VRM design, supreme build quality, and extraordinary features, the Gigabyte X670E AORUS Master is the best high-end AM5 motherboard on the market.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
MSI MAG X670E TOMAHAWK WiFi Gaming
Best Overall AM5 Motherboard
Chipset: X670 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 14+2+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-6000+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C | USB Ports: 8x rear, 9x internal | Storage: 4x M.2, 4x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
Pros
- Solid power delivery system
- Impressive storage suite
- Remarkable networking options
- Features USB 3.2 20 Gbps
- Great value for money
Cons
- No RGB Lighting
The TOMAHAWK is an extremely popular lineup of motherboards among gamers and with the newest X670E iteration, MSI is aiming to extend that trend to the AMD AM5 series as well.
Design: MSI has established a very simplistic and industrial design language for the TOMAHAWK lineup, and this version is no different. The X670E TOMAHAWK WiFi is quite understated in its appearance, thanks to its black and silver color palette. The chipset, VRM, and M.2 slots are covered with massive heatsinks that sit atop a black PCB, giving the board a very stealthy look. There is no RGB lighting on the board itself, which is a minor drawback when it comes to appearance.
Features: MSI has loaded the X670E TOMAHAWK with plenty of premium features that cater to enthusiasts and mainstream users alike. The audio is delegated to the ALC1200 audio processor for a discernable upgrade over the standard CODEC. Users also get the option of connecting an external display over USB-C in case of troubleshooting. The board supports both ARGB 5V and RGB 12V devices via separate RGB headers, and there is a BIOS flashback button on the rear I/O as well.
Overclocking Potential: The TOMAHAWK is very well-equipped for overclocking, despite falling in the mid-range price category for AM5 motherboards. The 14+2+1 phase VRM design uses 80A power stages for optimal power delivery to the CPU. This system is more than capable of outfitting any Ryzen 7000 series CPU with reasonable overclocking headroom. The VRM is cooled by an expansive heatsink array with high-quality 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads and extra choke thermal pads to ensure maximum heat dissipation.
Connectivity: MSI has made no obvious compromises in the connectivity department, as the TOMAHAWK X670E is filled with high-end features. The storage suite consists of 4 M.2 slots, including a PCIe 5.0 slot, as well as 4 SATA ports. Network connectivity is pretty standard, with a 2.5 GbE LAN port and WiFi 6E, while the rear I/O is quite impressive thanks to the inclusion of USB 3.2 20 Gbps. There are also multiple display outputs that can come in handy in case you want to use the iGPU on the Ryzen 7000 series CPUs.
Build Quality: The PCB design of the MSI X670E TOMAHAWK is on par with some of the more premium motherboards in the AM5 lineup. MSI has used 2oz thickened copper in the 8-layered PCB, optimizing it for reliable circuit transmission. The VRM and chipset heatsinks are also quite well-built, with a high metal surface area for maximum dissipation. The innovative EZ M.2 clip feature also improves the user experience. MSI has reinforced the PCIe slot as well as the DDR5 memory slots with steel plating to improve their durability.
Value for Money: The X670E TOMAHAWK sets itself apart in the value department thanks to its extraordinary price-to-performance ratio. The TOMAHAWK is not the most affordable AM5 motherboard on the market, but it justifies its price tag very well, owing to the plethora of features it offers, as well as its reliable power delivery system. With its mid-range pricing, it is hard to find a more well-rounded AM5 motherboard that checks all the boxes without completely breaking the bank.
Buy It If:
You want a well-rounded AM5 motherboard: The MSI MAG X670E TOMAHAWK may not stand out in one particular category, but it is extremely well-rounded and delivers on all fronts.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want RGB lighting: The TOMAHAWK does not have any built-in RGB lighting to conform to its industrial styling. It does, however, support external RGB devices.
What Makes It The Best Overall AM5 Motherboard?
With its superb value, excellent overclocking potential, and versatile feature set, the MSI MAG X670E TOMAHAWK is the best overall AM5 motherboard that you can currently buy.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 7/10 |
ASUS Prime X670-P WiFi
Best White AM5 Motherboard
Chipset: X670 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 12+2 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 10x rear, 9x internal | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6
Pros
- Unique white design
- Solid power delivery system
- Affordable price point
- Versatile networking options
Cons
- No RGB lighting
- No built-in I/O shield
White-themed PCs are all the rage right now, and the ASUS PRIME X670-P is the perfect AM5 motherboard for your white PC. Not only does it have a unique white aesthetic, but it is also relatively affordable and a great value for money.
Design: The PRIME X670-P sets itself apart from the crowd thanks to its elegant white design. The VRM heatsink, I/O cover, and M.2 heat spreaders all align with the silvery-white metallic finish that is quite popular nowadays. The PCB itself is black, which adds a touch of contrast to the board’s design and elevates its personality. RGB lighting is missing from the PRIME X670-P, and there is no built-in I/O shield either. Despite these minor inconveniences, the PRIME X670-P is one of the most attractive AM5 motherboards out there.
Features: ASUS has provided plenty of handy features in the PRIME X670-P WiFi despite its conservative price point. The PCB boasts a selection of useful headers, including a Thunderbolt 4 header, as well as 5 ARGB/RGB headers to handle external devices. The board can also handle 6 fans via direct headers for maximum control. You also get a BIOS flashback button on the rear I/O, which can help you flash the BIOS without the need for a CPU, memory, or graphics card.
Overclocking Potential: Even though the PRIME X670-P is not the most premium motherboard in the AM5 lineup, it still has a very satisfactory VRM design. ASUS has used a 12+2 phase power delivery system with 60A power stages in the PRIME, making it a rather impressive performer in this category. It is definitely more suited to AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 parts, but the general overclocking potential of the board is acceptable for the price. The VRM is cooled by a two-piece heatsink that does an admirable job over prolonged periods.
Connectivity: The overall feature set of the ASUS PRIME X670-P is quite decent and covers all the bases. ASUS has provided 3 M.2 slots in this motherboard, with one of them wired for PCIe 5.0 speeds. The networking suite is standard with 2.5 GbE wired and WiFi 6E wireless capabilities. The addition of a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port on the rear I/O is a welcome sight, as is the assortment of display outputs that can come in handy from time to time. The PRIME X670-P supports memory up to 6400 MT/s, which is impressive for a board in this price class.
Build Quality: The PRIME X670-P boasts a 6-layer PCB design with 2oz Copper layers that optimize the board for reliable signal transfer. ASUS has also implemented the “SafeSlot Core” technology, which is a fancy way of representing the steel reinforcement around the primary PCIe slot. The passive chipset heatsink is quite well-built, and the primary VRM heatsinks have a feeling of quality to them as well. The M.2 heatsinks come with removable captive screws that improve the experience of PC building with the PRIME X670-P.
Value for Money: ASUS has positioned the PRIME X670-P as a relatively affordable motherboard targeted at gamers and mainstream users, as is evident by the use of the standard “X670” chipset. That said, the PRIME X670-P delivers excellent value for money since it delivers most of the features that are present on more premium motherboards without being overly expensive. It does cut a few corners here and there, but the overall package is well worth the price tag.
Buy It If:
You want a white motherboard: If you want to pair a white motherboard with your white case to complete your all-white build, the ASUS PRIME X670-P is the one to get.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want RGB lighting: Although the overall aesthetic of the board is attractive on its own, a splash of RGB lighting may have elevated it somewhat more.
What Makes It The Best White AM5 Motherboard?
The ASUS PRIME X670-P boasts an elegant white design paired with a well-rounded feature set at an affordable price point, making it the best white AM5 motherboard.
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| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 7/10 | Design: 10/10 |
ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi
Best Value AM5 Motherboard
Chipset: B650 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 12+2 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 8x rear, 7x internal | Storage: 3x M.2, 4x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6
Pros
- Quite affordable
- Robust power delivery
- Versatile connectivity options
- Superb build quality
Cons
- Plain looks
- Fewer PCIe lanes than X670
B650 is the mid-range chipset offered by AMD in the AM5 lineup, and it gives up a few PCIe lanes and connectivity features in favor of affordability. The ASUS TUF B650-PLUS WiFi is my pick for the ideal B650 motherboard since it combines versatility and value like no other.
Design: The TUF Gaming lineup of products from ASUS has its own distinct design language, and the B650-PLUS is an extension of that simplistic trend. The overall aesthetic of the board is quite understated and stealthy, while the overbuilt heatsinks betray a sense of ruggedness that is synonymous with the TUF brand. RGB lighting is notably missing from the board, which can be a minor drawback in terms of personalization, but you can attach external RGB devices via onboard headers.
Features: ASUS has equipped the TUF Gaming B650-PLUS with plenty of useful features despite its affordable price point. Audio is handled by a Realtek 7.1-Ch Audio CODEC with exclusive DTS audio processing, which is a better solution than the standard. The BIOS flashback feature can come in handy if you have to flash your BIOS without a CPU or memory. The board also boasts 4x ARGB/RGB headers for your external devices, which can be configured using ASUS AURA Sync.
Overclocking Potential: The TUF Gaming B650-PLUS is offered with a 12+2 phase VRM design with 60A power stages, which is a very respectable configuration for AM5 CPUs. This system can handle overclocking on the majority of Ryzen 7000 series CPUs without any issue. The VRM is cooled by a twin VRM heatsink array with an expansive surface area to maximize heat dissipation from the MOSFETs and chokes. While it is a little less robust than premium X670E motherboards, the VRM design is satisfactory overall and a great fit for mid-range Ryzen CPUs.
Connectivity: Despite its value-oriented pricing, the TUF Gaming B650-PLUS comes with a very respectable set of features. The board retains its PCIe 5.0 connectivity in one of the three M.2 slots, while you also get 4 SATA ports for your classic drives. Networking is pretty standard, with a 2.5 GbE LAN port along with WiFi 6 for wireless connectivity. On the rear I/O, the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps port stands out immediately, along with a plethora of other high-speed ports. Even though the B650 chipset offers fewer PCIe lanes than X670, you don’t lose a lot of connectivity by going with this option.
Build Quality: The TUF Gaming motherboards stand out from the crowd in terms of build quality, and the B650-PLUS carries forward this trend. The PCB uses TUF chokes and capacitors with a claimed 52% wider temperature tolerance and 2.5X lifespan as compared to the standard. The TUF LANguard feature provides 2.5X higher surge tolerance, while the SafeSlot+ steel reinforcement improves the durability of PCIe and DIMM slots. The TUF components also come with additional on-circuit ESD transient voltage suppression to add another layer of protection.
Value for Money: The B650 chipset already has an inherent value advantage over competing X670 motherboards. The TUF Gaming B650-PLUS is aimed at mainstream gamers who want to maximize their bang for the buck, and it succeeds in achieving that goal. Not only is it affordable, but it doesn’t cut a lot of corners as compared to more premium motherboards in the AM5 lineup, making it one of the best B650 motherboards out there.
Buy It If:
You want the best value for money: The TUF Gaming B650-PLUS maximizes the price-to-performance factor and checks a lot of boxes at an affordable price.
You want a reliable motherboard: With unique TUF components and additional durability features, the B650-PLUS is one of the most durable AM5 motherboards.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want RGB lighting: Although it looks quite nice already, a touch of RGB lighting could have improved the aesthetics of the TUF B650-PLUS.
What Makes It The Best Value AM5 Motherboard?
The affordable price point, solid build quality, versatile features, and superb value for money make the ASUS TUF B650-PLUS the best value AM5 motherboard.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 7/10 |
ASRock X670E Taichi
Best Overclocking AM5 Motherboard
Chipset: X670 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Power Delivery: 24+2+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-6600+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, 2x USB-C | USB Ports: 10x rear, 9x internal | Storage: 4x M.2, 8x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
Pros
- Extraordinary 24-phase VRM
- Superb build quality
- Loads of storage options
- Two USB-4 Type-C ports
Cons
- Very expensive
- No 10 Gigabit networking
The ASRock X670E Taichi is a premium, high-performance AM5 motherboard with an extraordinary power delivery system that is targeted at enthusiasts. If you have a high-end AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPU and want to overclock it manually, this is the board to get.
Design: ASRock’s Taichi motherboards have a very distinct and daring design language that is also present in the X670E iteration. The PCB is almost entirely covered by huge black heat spreaders with some unique design elements on them. The Taichi has a very “mechanical” theme which is evident by the various illustrations of gears and cogs that are present on the heatsinks. The customizable RGB lighting is tasteful and limited to a small area on the chipset heatsink.
Features: The X670E Taichi is one of the most premium motherboards in the AM5 lineup, so naturally, it boasts some unique features. ASRock has used the Realtek ALC4082 5.1-Ch audio codec paired with the ESS SABRE9218 DAC and premium WMA capacitors for the Nahimic Audio system in this motherboard. The PCB has dedicated power and reset buttons along with a debug display, while the rear I/O adds to the functionality with BIOS flashback as well as Clear CMOS buttons. There are 4 ARGB/RGB headers with 5V/12V configurations, respectively, to handle your external RGB devices.
Overclocking Potential: The Taichi features one of the most overbuilt power delivery systems among AM5 motherboards. ASRock has equipped this board with a 24+2+1 phase VRM design with 105A power stages for the VCORE and 105A power stages for the SOC. This is an extremely impressive configuration that can handle competitive overclocking on even the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X with ease. The superb VRM is cooled by a massive heatsink array with clever integration of a cooling fan, aluminum fins, and heat pipe for proper thermal dissipation.
Connectivity: As a premium motherboard, the X670E Taichi is packed to the brim with superb features. On the rear I/O, the two USB 4 Type-C ports immediately stand out, as do the two USB 3.2 “Lightning Gaming” ports. The Taichi offers 4 M.2 slots and 8 SATA 6 Gbps ports for your storage needs, and networking is handled by a 2.5 GbE LAN port as well as WiFi 6E. At this price point, I would have liked to see a 10 Gigabit networking port as well which would have elevated the feature set of the Taichi even more.
Build Quality: There are no doubts about the build quality of the X670E Taichi either. The 8-layer, server-grade ultra-low loss PCB ensures exceptional signal reliability and long-term durability. Both the DIMM slots and PCIe slots are reinforced with a steel layer to improve stability. The M.2 heatsinks are quite well-built and definitely make a difference in thermals when applied properly. The overall materials used in the PCB and heat spreaders are all high-quality and give the board a very premium feel.
Value for Money: Of course, the exceptional performance and premium features do come at a price. The ASRock X670E Taichi is definitely an expensive piece of kit, but it is not a bad value for the money. In fact, it is actually one of the more reasonable overclocking motherboards on the market. The target group for the X670E Taichi is a bit different than other AM5 motherboards, but it is still a great purchase if you are an enthusiast wanting to overclock your Ryzen CPU. Be aware, however, that it will definitely leave a dent in your wallet.
Buy It If:
You want to overclock your Ryzen CPU: The superb 24+2+1 phase VRM design of the X670E Taichi makes it the ideal choice for overclocking, especially if you have a premium Ryzen 7000 series CPU.
Don’t Buy It If:
You have a limited budget: The ASRock X670E Taichi will definitely make a noticeable impact on your savings.
What Makes It The Best Overclocking AM5 Motherboard?
The ASRock X670E Taichi is the best overclocking AM5 motherboard thanks to its extraordinary 24+2+1 phase VRM design with 105A power stages, coupled with a fantastic active cooling solution and robust 8-layer PCB.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Design: 8/10 |
ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi
Best Mini-ITX AM5 Motherboard
Chipset: B650 | Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Power Delivery: 10+2+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 2x DIMM, 96GB, DDR5-6400+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 8x rear, 5x internal | Storage: 2x M.2, 2x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
Pros
- Ideal for compact PCs
- Active M.2 cooling
- Loads of USB ports
- Decent networking options
Cons
- Plain looks
- Loud M.2 cooling fan
Compact PC cases have been rising in popularity over the last few years, and enthusiasts are jumping on board in increasing numbers. Mini ITX form factor motherboards are no longer handicapped in terms of performance, and the ASRock B650E PG-ITX is a prime example of that.
Design: The B650E PG-ITX is quite simplistic in its design approach, and that is a perfectly fine choice. The PCB is black with massive VRM and M.2 heatsinks in the same color, while the I/O cover has a dash of red and silver on the side. The board is missing RGB lighting, which could have added a bit more personality. Nevertheless, the simple and understated look is quite inoffensive and should go well with a wide variety of PC builds.
Features: For a mini ITX motherboard, the ASRock B650E PG-ITX offers some interesting features. ASRock has used the Realtek ALC1220 7.1-Ch Nahimic audio system in the board, which is an upgrade over the standard audio codecs. One of the most unique features of the B650E PG-ITX is its active M.2 heatsink with an embedded fan. This active heatsink, albeit a bit loud, covers the PCIe Gen 5 slot and provides a noticeable improvement in thermals for that particular SSD. The board also uses SMT-style PCIe slots to improve signal quality and reliability.
Overclocking Potential: The ASRock B650E PG-ITX is quite satisfactory in terms of power delivery. With its 10+2+1 phase design with 105A power stages, the B650E PG-ITX is a great choice for overclocking mid-range AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. The VRM heatsink is also quite well-built, with a massive fin array and heat pipe to maximize the available surface area. In my testing, the MOSFETs were operating at around 60C after a one-hour all-core stress test with the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X, showcasing the impressive cooling solution of the board.
Connectivity: Mini ITX motherboards are a bit handicapped in terms of expansion and connectivity due to their limited size. Still, the ASRock B650E PG-ITX delivers two M.2 slots and two SATA ports for your storage needs. One of the M.2 slots is equipped with PCIe 5.0 capability, while the other is a normal PCIe 4.0 slot. Networking is pretty standard, with a 2.5 GbE LAN port and WiFi 6E capability. The rear I/O is rather well-equipped for a mini-ITX motherboard, especially with the USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. There are also two “Lightning Gaming” USB ports that are sourced from different controllers to minimize interference between peripherals.
Build Quality: Even at a relatively affordable price point, ASRock has delivered excellent build quality in the B650E PG-ITX. The board has a 10-layer server-grade low-loss PCB that minimizes interference and ensures maximum signal integrity. You can also find steel reinforcement around the PCIe and DIMM slots to improve structural rigidity. The M.2 and chipset heatsink is quite well-built with a heat pipe integration as well as active cooling for the primary M.2 slot.
Value for Money: Thanks to its value-oriented B650E chipset, the PG-ITX is a relatively affordable motherboard, which is not often the case with mini ITX boards. The B650E PG-ITX is very impressive when it comes to value for money, as it is one of the very best AM5 motherboards in its price bracket. Not only that, it offers a unique selling point that increases its allure among its ATX competitors in this category.
Buy It If:
You want a compact motherboard: The ASRock B650E PG-ITX is the motherboard to pick if you’re building a small form factor (SFF) gaming PC.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want RGB lighting: Although a nice-looking motherboard, the B650E PG-ITX lacks a splash of RGB lighting.
What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX AM5 Motherboard?
Since it offers superb features, robust power delivery, and active M.2 cooling in a compact size, the ASRock B650E PG-ITX is the best mini-ITX AM5 motherboard out there.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 7/10 |
More AM5 motherboard choices:
- Best Motherboards for Ryzen 9 7950X3D
- Best Motherboards for Ryzen 9 7900X
- Best Motherboards for Ryzen 9 7900X3D
- Best Motherboards for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Best Motherboards for Ryzen 7 7700X
- Best Motherboards for Ryzen 5 7600X
What’s New In the AM5 Platform?
The AM5 platform by AMD represents a significant leap forward in processor technology, marking the end of the older AM4 platform that had been in use for over four years.
One of the most notable changes in the AM5 platform is the new AM5 socket itself. AMD has made a shift from the PGA (Pin Grid Array) to the LGA (Land Grid Array) design. This change brings a host of improvements, including an increased number of pins in the socket, going from 1331 contacts to 1718 contacts (AM4 vs. AM5). The new socket also allows for improved power delivery, enabling a remarkable increase in power draw from 142W in AM4 to 230W in AM5.
Another key upgrade in the AM5 platform is the adoption of DDR5 memory, the newest generation of memory technology. DDR5 RAM comes with various advantages over its predecessor, DDR4, such as increased capacity per DIMM, higher bandwidth, better latency, and lower power consumption. The operating voltage has also been reduced to 1.1V from 1.2V, contributing to improved efficiency and providing more headroom for overclocking.
Moreover, the AM5 platform introduces PCIe 5.0, the latest iteration of the PCI Express specification. PCIe 5.0 offers double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0, reaching 32 GT/s, and reduces latency to just 12ns. This makes it ideal for high-performance applications like gaming PCs and data centers.
Additionally, AMD has introduced two new chipsets with four total variants in the AM5 platform, targeting various price points and offering a range of features. The X670/E is the most premium chipset, designed for the most high-performance Ryzen CPUs, while B650/E is targeted at mid-range users.
How We Picked The Best AM5 Motherboard
Choosing the best motherboard for your particular PC build is not the most straightforward process. Unlike a CPU or a graphics card, the motherboard does not have any tangible effect on your PC’s gaming performance, so it is hard to just buy the “fastest” motherboard by looking at benchmarks. We test each motherboard to get an objective idea about its quality.
Here are some key factors that you should consider when shopping for an AM5 motherboard.
VRM and Overclocking
A robust VRM design with adequate power phases ensures stable and efficient power delivery to your components, especially the CPU. Consider the number of power phases, their configuration, the quality of underlying components, and the capacity of the power stages. Additionally, evaluate the VRM cooling solution, such as heatsinks or heat pipes, as it helps dissipate heat generated during heavy loads, contributing to better VRM performance and longevity.
Also Read: Does Overclocking Reduce CPU Lifespan?
Chipset choice
In the process of buying a new AM5 motherboard, the choice between X670 vs. B650 is crucial as it determines the features and capabilities of the motherboard. Different chipsets offer varying levels of connectivity options, such as PCIe lanes, USB ports, SATA ports, and M.2 slots, allowing you to connect various devices and expand your system. Moreover, certain chipsets, such as X670E, provide better support for overclocking, enabling you to push your Ryzen CPU to higher frequencies for enhanced performance.
Features
When you’re in the market for a new motherboard, it is crucial to consider its feature set, including networking, storage capabilities, and USB connectivity. Networking features like built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapters determine your system’s connectivity options, allowing for seamless online gaming or data transfers. Storage features such as M.2 slots, SATA ports, or RAID support affect your ability to expand storage and configure high-speed storage solutions. Additionally, the number and type of USB ports influence your ability to connect peripherals and devices.
Also Read: Can a motherboard bottleneck your PC?
Aesthetics
In addition to the technical specifications, the design and aesthetics of a motherboard should also be considered. The motherboard serves as the centerpiece of your PC build, and its visual appeal can enhance the overall aesthetics of your system. Factors to consider include the color scheme, lighting options, and overall design elements.
Value For Money
When choosing a motherboard, it’s important to consider the value for money it offers rather than solely focusing on the price tag. A cheaper motherboard may lack certain features or have a lower overclocking ability, leading to potential limitations or reliability issues. It’s essential to strike a balance between the price and the features, performance, and durability you require for your specific needs.
Related: How long does a motherboard last?
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FAQs
You cannot run DDR4 memory on AM5 motherboards. The new AM5 platform only supports DDR5 memory on all its chipsets.
AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs are not compatible with AM5 motherboards. They are compatible with the AM4 socket, while the AM5 motherboards use the new AM5 socket. Moreover, the CPUs have pins on them that are not physically compatible with the socket.
The AM5 motherboards come with 2 different chipsets, X670 and B650. Both these chipsets have 2 variants (X670E and X670, B650E and B650) which offer different connectivity and expansion features.
The AM5 motherboards use the brand-new AMD AM5 socket. It is a Land Grid Array (LGA) socket with 1718 pins instead of the old Pin Grid Array (PGA) socket that was present on AM4 motherboards.
X670E is better than X670 since it offers more connectivity options and better overclocking support. There are 24 PCIe 5.0 lanes in X670E versus only 8 PCIe 5.0 lanes in X670. Moreover, X670E motherboards have better power delivery capabilities for overclocking.
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