The wait is over; AMD’s latest and greatest offering, the 3D V-Cache variant of the already top-tier Ryzen 9 7950X, is finally here under the Ryzen 9 7950X3D name. With much higher cache storage, lower TDP, and a bit toned-down clock speeds, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D will go down in history as one of the most powerful CPUs of its time.
When the Ryzen 9 7950X was released, we told you about the best motherboards to go along with it. Similarly, today, we will be walking you through the Best Motherboards For Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
Here is a comparison of our selected motherboards, what, and who they are for:
Last update on 2023-03-20
Our list is comprised of six motherboards, and each motherboard is the best in its specific category. So, whether you want the best bang for the buck motherboard or the one that offers the most overclocking potential, we have got your back.
Let’s get started!
Also Read: 5 BEST CPU Coolers For Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Best Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D
These are our recommendations for the Best Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D:
- 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
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
Pros
- Solid 14+2+1 VRM design and 8-layer PCB
- Great Cooling
- Plenty of storage and expansion options
Cons
- No RGB.
Let’s begin with the MSI PRO X670-P WiFi. If you want a no-brainer motherboard that offers all the essential features and some more to support a high-end gaming rig equipped with the mighty Ryzen 9 7950X3D, then there’s no better companion for you than the ultimate MSI PRO X670-P WiFi.
When we call the MSI PRO X670-P WiFi a no-brainer choice for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, we really mean it. That’s because the motherboard packs a bunch of features to go along with such a powerful CPU. For instance, let’s talk about its power design.
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.
Moving on, MSI didn’t stop at the VRM structure to ensure reliability and durability; it also used an 8-layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper so that the motherboard can keep up with the faster transfer speeds and the higher bandwidth that your rig will require.
With great power comes great thermals, and to deal with the high temperatures, MSI has gone above and beyond to equip the PRO X670-P with superb cooling capabilities. The motherboard uses 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads along with choke thermal pads so that the VRM does not overheat.
Not only that, but the entire VRM is covered with a massively extended heatsink to quickly dissipate all the excess heat. Additionally, to make sure that your M.2 SSD is also running cool, the motherboard uses a double-sided M.2 Shield Frozr.
On the topic of SSD, let’s discuss the storage options. The MSI PRO X670-P comes with 4x M.2 slots and 6x SATA 6G options. Of the four M.2 Slots, one of them is from the CPU, which supports PCIe 5.0 x4, and the other 3 are from the chipset and support PCIe 4.0 x4.
Going over the memory specifications, the motherboard comes with DDR5 4x DIMM Slots with support for over 6600MHz frequency, which is quite good. Plus, with a maximum memory capacity of 128GB, you can say goodbye to all memory bottlenecks.
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.
Look-wise, 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.
What We Liked
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.
What We Disliked
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.
Verdict
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
Pros
- Exceptional 16+2+2 Digital Power Phases
- Incredible cooling capabilities
- Lots of USB ports and expansion options
- Beautiful looks
Cons
- Expensive
Let’s face it; if you’re building a Ryzen 9 7950X3D rig, then you probably have a big budget to afford high-end components. So, if you’re looking for a premium high-end motherboard to go along with your mighty CPU, then we recommend you the GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER.
We have already reviewed the GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER in detail, and the motherboard blew us away with its top-notch performance and looks. Paired with the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X, MSI GeForce RTX 3090, and DeepCool LS720, we tested the X670E AORUS MASTER in various scenarios, including games, software, and much more.
In our benchmarks, we found that the X670E AORUS MASTER gave us a score of a whopping 13,134 in the 3DMARK Fire Strike. You can check out more of our benchmarks and tests in the full review.
The GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER managed to perform exceptionally well due to 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. The SOC and MISC phases have 90A Power Stage each, all of which ensures that the power delivery remains stable and reliable.
The motherboard uses an 8-layer PCB with 2x Copper to decrease impedance and increase thermal conductivity. On the topic of cooling, it comes with a 12 W/mK Thermal Pad, 8mm Mega-Heatpipe, and Fins-Array III with NanoCarbon coating.
The Fins-Array III is a phenomenal thermal solution by GIGABYTE. It uses Extended Irregular fins to significantly increase the surface area by taking up all available space. The bigger surface area ensures that the heat is exchanged quickly and efficiently.
Similarly, to cool down the M.2 Slots, the motherboard uses M.2 Thermal Guard III, which is basically a double-sided heatsink for the M.2 SSDs. 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.
For durability, the PCIe 5.0 M.2 connectors have metal shielding added to strengthen and extend their lifespan. Additionally, you can use the 6x SATA ports for more storage expansion.
In terms of memory configuration, 4x DDR5 RAMS with a maximum capacity of 128GB and a frequency of 6666MHz can be installed in the X670E AORUS Master. You also got 3x PCIe slots, with one PCIe 5.0, one PCIe 4.0, and one PCIe 3.0. Make sure to install your GPU in the PCIe 5.0 slot for the best performance.
As far as USB ports are concerned, you have a variety of options, as the motherboard comes with 12x Rear USB ports and 9x Front USB ports.
Going over the aesthetic, the GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER is one of the aggressive looking motherboards we have ever tested. It has a great black-finish PCB with RGB effects on the IO cover, all of which just adds extra points to the motherboard’s great looks.
What We Liked
The massive heatsink and durable 16+2+2 VRM structure are definitely the best things about the GIGABYTE X670E AORUS MASTER.
What We Disliked
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.
Verdict
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.
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
Pros
- Gorgeous looks with RGB
- Good performance and cooling
Cons
- Expensive
If you’re a fan of white PC builds, and your new Ryzen 9 7950X3D build is also white-themed, then you need the best white motherboard to go along with your white PC case and white CPU cooler. Well, lucky for you, we have got just the right product for you, and that is, the ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING.
We’ll come back to the design and color philosophy of the ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING later. First, let’s talk about the VRM structure. 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.
Additionally, the motherboard has an 8-layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper, so you know that it can handle high temperatures without running into trouble. Now that we’re talking about cooling, let’s go over the heatsinks of the ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING, which are plenty.
The motherboard uses two massive heatsinks to cool down the VRMs, and high-quality thermal pads are sandwiched between the heatsinks and the VRMs to facilitate efficient heat transfer. Plus, every M.2 sort also has a heatsink so that your SSDs remain cool during high-speed transfers.
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.
Similarly, you also get a bunch of USB ports both on the rear IO and the front header. In total, there are 12x Rear USB ports and 7x Front USB ports. Here, it should be noted that you get a total of 3x USB Type-C ports, which are always great to have.
With memory support of over 6400MHz, the 4x DIMM slots with their maximum 128GB capacity are more than enough to go with the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Furthermore, you get 3x PCIe slots, with one of them being PCIe 5.0 from the CPU and the other two being PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 from the chipset.
Now let’s talk about the show-stopper feature of the ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING; its looks. The motherboard 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.
On top of that, let’s not forget that there is an Aura RGB-illuminated design on the Rear IO cover that simply looks oh-so-gorgeous.
What We Liked
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.
What We Disliked
If you take the looks out of the equation, the ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING seems expensive, given its features.
Verdict
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
Pros
- Bang for the buck
- Good price-to-performance ratio
Cons
- No x4 PCIe slot
Let’s face it; the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is not a cheap processor. Consequently, all the components, along with the graphics card you purchase for this CPU, will also not come cheap. So, it’s highly likely that you’re looking for a motherboard that offers the most value for money with a great price-to-performance ratio.
And for that, we present to you the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX. We have thoroughly reviewed this motherboard. Hence, if you wanna learn our in-depth thoughts on this board, then be sure to check out our review.
We tested the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX with the Ryzen 7 7700X, MSI GeForce RTX 3090, and the DeepCool LS720 cooler.
![GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX 3DMARK Fire Strike Ultra Score [Image By Tech4Gamers]](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/B650-AORUS-ELITE-AX-3DMARK-Fire-Strike-Ultra.jpg)
During our benchmarks, we concluded that the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX gave a 3DMARK Fire Strike Ultra Score of 13,112. We also ran a ton of more tests, so be sure to check out our review.
Let’s talk about the VRM structure first. The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX comes with a Twin 14+2+1 Phases Digital VRM design. Here, Twin means that the 2x 7 phases are parallel. The 14 VCORE Phases have a 70A Power Stage, 2 SOC Phases have a 60A Power Stage, and the 1 MISC Phase has 30A Intelligent POL.
Moving on, like the other motherboards we have reviewed so far, the AORUS ELITE AX also uses an 8-layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper, so it can handle high temperatures and stable memory operations even if you put it under heavy load.
Going over the thermal design, the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX uses high-coverage heatsinks on the VRMs so that the MOSFET remains cool. Similarly, the 6mm Mega-Heatpipe is also quite hard to miss. To transfer the heat from the VRMs to the heatsink, the board uses a 7W/mK thermal pad.
The M.2 SSDs are cooled with the M.2 Thermal Guard, making sure that the storage options do not suffer from thermal throttling. In total, 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. The third M.2 slot is from the chipset, and it is also a PCIe 4.0.
Furthermore, you get 3x PCIe slots, but it is disappointing to see that none of them is x4. However, what is not disappointing is the memory support. The motherboard can handle 128GB of DDR5 memory through its 4x DIMM slots that can go over 6600MHz. Meaning that you shouldn’t worry about memory at all with the B650 AORUS ELITE AX.
The USB port selection is also rather good. You get 12x Rear USB ports and 7x Front. Here, there is one Type-C port on the back panel and one on the front, which is a good configuration.
Going over the looks, the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX looks exactly how you would expect a bang-for-the-buck motherboard to look. 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.
What We Liked
![GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX [Image By Tech4Gamers]](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Best-Overall-B650-Motherboard-1.jpg)
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.
What We Disliked
The fact that there is not even a single x4 PCIe slot is disappointing. Otherwise, the motherboard is a superb deal.
Verdict
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.
ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi
Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Specifications: CHIPSET: Intel 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
Pros
Cons
When it comes to small form factor builds, choosing a motherboard that checks all the boxes while also fitting inside the case can get challenging, especially when dealing with a processor as powerful as the Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
Thankfully, ASRock has managed to tackle all of those issues with their ASRock’s B650E PG-ITX WiFi, which delivers on all those aspects while also proving to be capable of handling the beastly Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
Before looking at its specifications, let’s first cover its overall design, which has remained fairly modern for the most part. 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.
Even when discounting all of the previously mentioned design elements, the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFI simply stands out for its great cooling solution, which incorporates a robust VRM heatsink along with an M.2 heatsink for the PCIe Gen 5.0 M.2 slot.
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. Moreover, the motherboard utilizes a 10-layer server-grade PCB for improved stability and efficiency.
All of your storage needs are facilitated through two M.2 slots and two SATA connections. It is worth mentioning that the primary M.2 slot is compatible with PCIe Gen 5.0 SSDs. Speaking of PCIe 5.0 capabilities, it also features a single PCIe Gen 5.0 x16 expansion slot, which is also the only expansion slot present on the motherboard.
Given its smaller form factor, ASRock could only include two DIMM slots for the B650E PG-ITX WiFi; however, with support for memory frequencies up to 6400 MHz, the memory slots are bound to cover your needs.
In our benchmarks, the ASRock B650E PG-ITX stood well against the competition with a Fire Strike Ultra score of 12817. Make sure to check out our complete review of the ASrock B650E PG-ITX WiFi, which also includes other benchmarks for the motherboard.
Topping all of that off is its 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.
What We Liked
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.
What We Disliked
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.
Verdict
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.
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
Pros
- Fantastic VRM Design
- Expectional Thermal Solution
- Great Overclocking Potential
Cons
- Expensive
Last but not least, let’s talk about overclocking. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is truly a powerful processor. In fact, at the time of writing, it is the most powerful gaming-centric CPU AMD has ever produced. So, it’s highly likely that most gamers and hardware enthusiasts are going to overclock this chip to go above and beyond. If you’re one of those people, then you need the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero, as it is the best motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D when it comes to overclocking.
If you’re wondering how? Then it’s because the motherboard employs a phenomenal 18+2 VRM structure where each phase is rated to support 110A. On top of that, since it has 8+8 pins ProCool II power connectors, you can really feed the Ryzen 9 7950X3D with as much power as it requires without any stability issues.
To support overclocking, ASUS has also used top-of-the-line cooling features in the ROG Crosshair X670E Hero. The high-end VRMs are cooled with massive heatsinks with durable thermal pads in between. Plus, the M.2 SSDs are also kept at an optimal temperature with the help of 3x heatsinks just for the M.2 drives. Not only that, but the topmost M.2 slot also has a backplate to ensure peak performance.
Now that we are talking about the M.2 slots, let’s get over the storage options. In total, you get 5x M.2 slots and 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports, which are more than enough for any hardcore need. The 3x M.2 slots from the CPU support PCIe 5.0 x4, and the 2x M.2 slot from the chipset support PCIe 4.0 x4. The amount of PCIe 5.0 x4 slots here is really commendable.
Moving on, you 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, where two of which are USB 4. Plus, there is also a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connector (Type-C Port) at the front header that can support up to 60W PD.
As you can see, there’s a theme here; the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero has so much more to offer than any motherboard we have reviewed so far. So, keeping up with the tradition, it comes as no surprise that the motherboard is equipped with 2x PCIe 5.0 x16 from the CPU and 1x PCIe 4.0 x1 slot from the chipset. The expansion slot configuration is really great.
Similarly, the memory configuration is also anything but disappointing; the motherboard comes with 4x DIMM slots that can handle 128GB of DDR5 memory running at over 6400MHz frequency.
Aimed at overclocking enthusiasts, the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero also offers a bundle of software suites that makes overclocking easier. For example, AI Overclocking tells you the recommended overclocking profile based on your cooling capabilities and the power of the Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
In terms of sheer looks, the motherboard lives up to its ROG name with beautiful RGB, all-black PCB, and a really aggressive design. Overall, the motherboard’s aesthetics radiate high performance, which is backed up by its insane specs.
What We Liked
As a winner of the Best Overclocking Motherboard, it is no surprise that we loved the ROG Crosshair X670E Hero’s robust VRM structure the most, followed by its sophisticated cooling system.
What We Disliked
The only negative surrounding the ROG Crosshair X670E Hero is its high price point. The motherboard is nowhere near affordable. Additionally, for the price, the exclusion of the DisplayPort connector is also hard to forget.
Verdict
All things said, 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.
Competition
ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING
Runner-Up For Best Mini-ITX Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Chipset: AMD B650E | Memory: DDR5-6400+ (OC) | VRM: 10+2 | Video Outputs: HDMI 2.1, USB3.2 Gen2 port (Type-C) | RGB Lighting: No | Network: Wi-Fi 6E, Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip, Bluetooth 5.2| Storage: 2x M.2, 2x SATA 6G | USB Ports: 8x Rear, 5x Front
Pros
- 10-layer PCB
- Good cooling
Cons
- Only one PCIe slot
- No RGB
If you’re building a small form factor Ryzen 9 7950X3D PC, and you need the best mini-ITX board to go along with it, then look no further as we present to you the ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING. The entry-level Mini-ITX board is ASUS’s way of bringing high-end performance to small form factor enthusiasts.
When we say high-end performance, we really mean it, as the board is equipped with a solid 10+2 VRM design rated for 70A each. For a Mini-ITX form factor, the VRM structure of the ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING is really impressive as it ensures that the all-powerful Ryzen 9 7950X3D gets a stable and smooth flow of power without any interruptions.
The capabilities of the ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING continue to impress further when we move toward the board’s cooling capabilities. Featuring a 10-layer PCB, the board manages to resist high temperatures without breaking a sweat.
In addition to that, the VRMs are covered with both massive heatsinks and high-quality thermal pads to ensure efficient heat dissipation. Keeping up with the theme, the M.2 slots are also covered with a huge heatsink so your SSDs can operate in optimal temperatures even during high loads.
It should come as no surprise that the ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING offers fewer storage options as compared to the other motherboards we have reviewed. But, for a Mini-ITX board, the options are just enough to get you through the day. In total, you get 2x M.2 ports and 2x SATA 6Gb/s ports. The two M.2 ports are PCIe 5.0 x4 and PCIe 4.0 x4, respectively. Here, the inclusion of PCIe 5.0 is definitely a good option.
Similarly, the USB port configuration is also adequate as there are 8x Rear USB ports and 5x Front USB ports. However, there is no Type-C port in the front header as both the Type-C ports are at the back.
One disappointing thing about the ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING is that you only get a 1x PCIe expansion slot. However, it is PCIe 5.0 x16, so at least that’s good.
Going over the memory support, you get 2x DIMM slots that can support 64GB maximum with over 6400MHz frequency. The lack of 4x DIMM slots is a hard pill to swallow, but it makes sense, given the small form factor.
Focusing on aesthetics, the ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING features an all-black PCB that gives the board a very aggressive vibe. However, the lack of RGB might make it less appealing to some people, even though it makes sense to drop RGB because you’re less likely to see it on a Mini-ITX board. Nevertheless, we found the board’s appearance on par with the gamer vibes that other ROG products give.
What We Liked
Given its small form factor, the fact that the ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING is equipped with such a great VRM structure and cooling performance is really impressive.
What We Disliked
It would have been really good if the board offered 2x PCIe expansion slots. Similarly, just 2x DIMM slots are also only okay.
Verdict
With that said, if you’re looking for a Mini-ITX motherboard that offers good value for money along with adequate performance for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, then the ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING should be your board of choice. It has a good port selection, just enough M.2 slots, and great cooling capabilities. Overall, ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING is definitely the runner-up for the Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Ryzen 9 7950X.
AMD X670E VS X670 Motherboards
There aren’t many differences between AMD X670 and X670E. In fact, the “E” in X670E stands for Extreme, which relates to the PCIe 5.0 support that the Extreme version offers.
The base X670 chipset does not support PCIe 5.0 slot for the graphics card, as that slot has been limited to the SSDs. Similarly, the base X670 chipset also has inferior data transfer bandwidth as it only has 8 lanes out of 44 PCIe lanes running at Gen 5.0 speeds, whereas the X670E chipset has 24 lanes out of the total 44 PCIe lanes running at Gen 5.0 speeds.
How We Selected The Best Motherboards For Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Tech4Gamers followed specific criteria when the Best Motherboards For Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Let’s go over it briefly. For more information, you can check our guide on How We Test Motherboards.
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
We considered overclocking heavily when selecting the Best Motherboards For Ryzen 9 7950X3D. That’s because, even if you’re not after overclocking, a motherboard with great overclocking support ensures that the board can handle high loads without breaking a sweat, which is something you’re gonna need from a motherboard for the powerful Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
The VRM architecture of a motherboard strongly influences its ability to overclock; hence the better the VRM, the more overclocking potential the motherboard has. 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 when selecting the Best Motherboards For Ryzen 9 7950X3D. That’s because the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is a beast, so it’s going to 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.
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.
Similarly, if you’re after looks, then the ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING might be your board of choice.
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, they make up for their high price point by providing better specifications.
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FAQs
Definitely, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has 122MB of combined cache, whereas the Ryzen 9 7950X, which is already a great processor for gaming, has 80MB. So, yes, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is a fantastic CPU for gaming.
In AMD CPUs, X3D stands for Extended 3D Technology, which basically means that the CPU has an additional L3 cache storage that increases its overall cache capacity, giving the CPU an edge over the non-X3D variant in gaming and other CPU-intensive tasks.
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is basically the Ryzen 9 7950X but with the Extended 3D Technology. So, the CPU has more cache than the 7950X.
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D, just like other Ryzen 7000-series CPUs, use the AM5 socket which was introduced in the Zen 4 architecture.
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