AM5 motherboards are the backbone of modern AMD-based PCs. These boards support the latest Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series CPUs and offer top-notch features for powerful builds. The MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI stands out as the best overall AM5 motherboard for 2025, offering great value and performance at around $150.
Choosing the right AM5 motherboard is key for a future-proof PC. These boards come with PCIe 5.0 support, fast DDR5 RAM, and loads of connectivity options. Top brands like Asus, MSI, and ASRock make AM5 boards to fit different needs and budgets.
When picking an AM5 board for 2025, look at the chipset, power delivery, and extra features. The X670E chipset offers the most PCIe 5.0 lanes, while B650 boards are more budget-friendly. Make sure the board has enough power phases for high-end CPUs and the ports you need for your setup.
Building a Powerful Foundation: Top AM5 Motherboards
The AM5 platform is AMD’s latest offering for desktop processors, supporting the powerful Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. But to unleash the full potential of these processors, you need a capable motherboard. Choosing the right motherboard can significantly impact your system’s performance, features, and upgradeability. Here are some of the best AM5 motherboards to consider for your build in 2025.
1. MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI
Our top pick for 2025 is the MSI B650 Gaming PLUS Wifi
The MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI strikes an excellent balance between features, performance, and value. It’s a great choice for gamers and enthusiasts who want a reliable and well-equipped motherboard without breaking the bank.
Here’s why we like it:
- Solid Feature Set: It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard for fast and reliable wireless connectivity, a 2.5G LAN port for wired connections, and ample USB ports for peripherals.
- DDR5 Support: It’s compatible with DDR5 memory, offering increased speed and bandwidth compared to older DDR4 memory.
- M.2 Shield Frozr: This feature helps keep your M.2 NVMe SSDs cool, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
- Good Value: It offers a competitive price point for its features, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious builders.
Note: Depending on how up-to-date (or not) the BIOS software on your motherboard is, you may need to update it before using a 9000-series AMD (Zen 5) chip. For native support with 9000 series chips you can choose an X870E, X870, B850, or B840 chipset motherboard.
Links
MSI: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/B650-GAMING-PLUS-WIFI
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/MSI-Motherboard-Bluetooth-Desktop-Processors/dp/B0CB6XZ7RH
Newegg: https://www.newegg.com/msi-b650-gaming-plus-wifi-atx-amd-b650-am5/p/N82E16813144628
Other Top Contenders
While the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI is our top pick, there are other excellent AM5 motherboards to consider, depending on your needs and budget:
| Rank | Motherboard | Chipset | Form Factor | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Asus ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI | B650 | ATX | Wi-Fi 6E, PCIe 5.0 support, robust power delivery, AURA Sync RGB |
| 3 | ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi | B650 | Micro-ATX | Wi-Fi 6E, DDR5 support, good value |
| 4 | Gigabyte B650 EAGLE AX | B650 | ATX | Wi-Fi 6E, PCIe 5.0 support, Q-Flash Plus BIOS update |
| 5 | MSI PRO B650-P WIFI | B650 | ATX | Wi-Fi 6E, DDR5 support, focused on essentials |
| 6 | MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI | B650 | ATX | Wi-Fi 6E, robust power delivery, good for overclocking |
| 7 | Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX | B650 | ATX | Wi-Fi 6E, PCIe 5.0 support, good audio solution |
| 8 | Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ICE | B650 | ATX | Wi-Fi 6E, PCIe 5.0 support, improved thermal design |
| 9 | MSI MAG X670E TOMAHAWK WIFI | X670E | ATX | Wi-Fi 6E, PCIe 5.0 support, high-end features, excellent for overclocking |
| 10 | MSI PRO B650M-P | B650 | Micro-ATX | DDR5 support, focused on essentials, no Wi-Fi |
AM5 Motherboard Tier List
To help you navigate the world of AM5 motherboards, here’s a tier list categorizing them based on their features and target audience:
| Tier | Description | Example Motherboards |
|---|---|---|
| Enthusiast/Overclocking | High-end motherboards with robust power delivery, advanced cooling, and extensive features for overclocking and maximizing performance. | MSI MEG X670E GODLIKE ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero |
| Gaming/Performance | Motherboards with a good balance of features and performance, often including PCIe 5.0 support, enhanced audio, and gaming-focused features like RGB lighting. | MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WIFI ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX |
| Mainstream/Value | Motherboards offering a good blend of essential features and affordability, suitable for general use and gaming on a budget. | MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi MSI PRO B650-P WIFI |
| Budget/Essentials | Motherboards focused on providing the core functionalities needed for an AM5 system at the most affordable price point. | MSI PRO B650M-P ASRock B650M-HDV |
Best Budget AM5 Motherboard
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, the ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi is a strong contender. It offers a good set of features, including Wi-Fi 6E, DDR5 support, and a Micro-ATX form factor, all at an affordable price point.
Best AM5 Motherboard for Gaming
For gamers seeking the best performance and features, the MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WIFI is a top choice. It boasts PCIe 5.0 support for next-generation graphics cards, robust power delivery for high-end CPUs, and excellent audio capabilities for immersive gaming.
New AM5 Motherboards
Keep an eye out for new AM5 motherboards hitting the market in 2025. Manufacturers are constantly releasing updated models with new features, improved performance, and better compatibility with the latest hardware. These new boards might offer advancements in areas like PCIe 5.0 support, DDR5 memory speeds, and integrated connectivity options. Here are some of the top choices for new boards (that support the 9000 series).
| Name | Socket / CPU | Form Factor | Memory Max | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asus ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING WIFI | AM5 | Mini ITX | 96 GB | $279.99 |
| Asus TUF GAMING B650M-PLUS WIFI | AM5 | Micro ATX | 192 GB | $189.99 |
| Asus PRIME X670E-PRO WIFI | AM5 | ATX | 192 GB | $239.99 |
| Asus ROG CROSSHAIR X870E HERO | AM5 | ATX | 192 GB | $699.99 |
| Gigabyte X870E AORUS PRO ICE | AM5 | ATX | 256 GB | $339.99 |
Best mATX AM5 Motherboard
For those seeking a compact and capable AM5 motherboard, the Asus TUF GAMING B650M-PLUS WIFI stands out. It offers a good blend of features, including Wi-Fi 6 and DDR5 support, in a smaller Micro-ATX form factor, making it ideal for smaller PC builds.
Choosing the Right AM5 Motherboard
Consider these factors when making your decision:
- Chipset: The B650 chipset offers a good balance of features and value. X670 and X670E provide more PCIe 5.0 lanes and high-end features but come at a higher cost.
- Form Factor: ATX boards offer more expansion slots, while Micro-ATX boards are more compact.
- CPU Support: Ensure the motherboard supports your chosen Ryzen 7000 series CPU.
- Memory Support: Look for DDR5 support for the best performance.
- Expansion Slots: Consider the number of PCIe x16 and M.2 slots you need.
- Connectivity: Prioritize features like Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN, and ample USB ports.
- Overclocking: If you plan to overclock, choose a motherboard with robust power delivery.
- Budget: Set a budget beforehand to narrow down your options.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the best AM5 motherboard to build a powerful and capable system that meets your needs and budget.
Things to Consider When Choosing an AM5 Motherboard:
- Chipset: B650 offers a good balance of features and value for most users. X670 and X670E are higher-end chipsets with more PCIe 5.0 lanes and features, but they come at a higher cost.
- Form Factor: ATX is the most common size with more expansion slots. Micro-ATX is smaller and more compact, suitable for smaller builds.
- CPU Support: Ensure the motherboard supports the specific AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPU you plan to use.
- Memory Support: Look for motherboards that support DDR5 memory for optimal performance.
- Expansion Slots: Consider the number and type of expansion slots you need (PCIe x16 for graphics cards, M.2 for NVMe SSDs).
- Connectivity: Check for features like Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN, and sufficient USB ports.
- Overclocking: If you plan to overclock your CPU, choose a motherboard with robust power delivery and cooling.
- Budget: Set a budget beforehand, as AM5 motherboard prices can vary significantly.
By considering these factors and comparing the features of different motherboards, you can choose the best AM5 motherboard for your specific needs and build.
Key Takeaways
- AM5 motherboards support the latest AMD Ryzen CPUs and offer PCIe 5.0
- The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX is a top pick for value and features
- Choose a board based on chipset, power delivery, and connectivity needs
Evaluating Key AM5 Motherboard Features for 2025
AM5 motherboards are changing fast. New tech and better designs make choosing the right one crucial. Let’s look at the main features to watch for in 2025.
Compatibility and CPU Support
AM5 boards will work with AMD Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series CPUs. This wide support lets users upgrade without changing boards. The Ryzen 9 7950X and future high-end chips need strong power delivery.
Good VRMs are a must for these power-hungry CPUs. Look for boards with at least 14+2 phase designs for top performance. Cooling is key too. Many boards now have large heatsinks or even active fans on VRMs.
AMD may release new CPUs in 2025. Check if your chosen board will support them through BIOS updates.
Advancements in Motherboard Architecture
2025 AM5 boards will have better designs. Expect more PCIe 5.0 lanes for faster GPUs and SSDs. Some boards might even offer PCIe 6.0 for future devices.
DDR5 RAM support is standard. But speeds keep rising. Top boards in 2025 could handle 8000 MHz or higher RAM. This boost helps CPU-heavy tasks.
Look for improved power delivery. Better components and layouts will aid overclocking. Some boards might use new materials to reduce heat.
Form Factors and Build Considerations
AM5 boards come in many sizes. ATX is still popular for most builds. But smaller options are growing.
Micro ATX offers a good mix of features and size. It fits in more cases. Mini-ITX is best for small PCs. These tiny boards pack a lot of power.
E-ATX boards are for extreme setups. They have more room for extras like added M.2 slots or bigger VRMs.
| Form Factor | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ATX | Standard | Most builds |
| Micro ATX | Smaller | Compact PCs |
| Mini-ITX | Smallest | SFF builds |
| E-ATX | Largest | Extreme setups |
Think about your case and needs when picking a size.
Enhancing Connectivity and Expansion
2025 AM5 boards will have great connectivity. Expect lots of USB ports, including fast USB4 and USB 3.2 Gen 2.
Networking is key. Many boards will have 2.5Gb or 10Gb Ethernet. Wi-Fi 6E or even Wi-Fi 7 might be standard on mid-range and up models.
For storage, multiple M.2 slots are a must. PCIe 5.0 SSDs will be more common. Some boards might have five or more M.2 slots.
Audio gets better too. Look for high-end codecs and isolated audio components. This gives clearer sound for music and games.
RGB headers are common for those who like lights. But some boards might offer new ways to control PC lighting.
Best AM5 Chipsets
The best AM5 chipset for you depends on your needs and budget. The B650 chipset offers a good balance of features and value for most users. If you need more PCIe 5.0 lanes and high-end features, consider the X670 or X670E chipsets, but be prepared for a higher price tag.
You got it! Here’s a table summarizing the best AM5 chipsets, keeping in mind those that support the latest Ryzen 9000 Zen 5 series:
| Chipset | Target User | PCIe 5.0 Support | Overclocking | USB4 | Other Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X870E | Enthusiasts, Extreme Overclockers | CPU & Chipset Lanes | Yes, CPU & RAM | Yes, 40Gbps | Dual chipset design, most robust power delivery | $400+ |
| X870 | High-end users, Gamers | CPU Lanes | Yes, CPU & RAM | Yes, 40Gbps | More PCIe 5.0 lanes than B650E | $300 – $400 |
| B650E | Performance Gamers, Content Creators | CPU Lanes (typically NVMe only) | Yes, CPU & RAM | Optional, up to 20Gbps | Solid feature set, balance of price and performance | $200 – $300 |
| B650 | Mainstream users, Budget-minded Gamers | Limited (typically NVMe only) | Yes, CPU & RAM | Usually No | Good value, fewer PCIe 5.0 lanes | $125 – $200 |
| A620 | Entry-level, Basic users | No | No | No | Essential features, most affordable | Under $125 |
Key Considerations for Ryzen 9000 Zen 5:
- PCIe 5.0: While all AM5 chipsets support the Ryzen 9000 series, prioritize X870E or X870 if you want the most PCIe 5.0 lanes for future GPUs and NVMe drives.
- USB4: This is becoming increasingly important for high-speed peripherals and displays. X870E and X870 guarantee it, while B650E may have it.
- Overclocking: All chipsets except A620 allow CPU and RAM overclocking to squeeze out extra performance.
Important Note: Always check the specific motherboard’s specifications, as features like USB4 and the number of PCIe 5.0 lanes can vary within a chipset.
FAQs
It seems like you’re interested in the long-term prospects of AMD’s AM5 platform! Let’s break down those questions to give you the clearest picture:
Will AM5 last for 5 years?
Yes, AM5 is expected to have a long lifespan. AMD has officially confirmed support for AM5 through 2027 and beyond. This means you can expect new CPUs compatible with the AM5 socket to be released until at least 2027, and likely for a while after that. This commitment to longevity is great news for anyone investing in the platform now.
What motherboard is best for AM5?
- For top-tier performance and future-proofing: The X870E chipset is your best bet. It offers the most PCIe 5.0 lanes for next-gen graphics cards and NVMe drives, ensuring you can take advantage of the fastest components for years to come. Look for boards with strong power delivery and ample connectivity.
- For a balance of performance and value: The X870 chipset is a great choice. It provides excellent features and expandability, making it suitable for high-end gaming and content creation.
- For most users: The B650E chipset offers a sweet spot. It often includes PCIe 5.0 for at least one NVMe drive and potentially USB4 support, providing a good upgrade path without breaking the bank.
Important Considerations:
- Specific needs: The “best” motherboard depends on your individual requirements. Consider factors like the number of M.2 slots, USB ports, and other features important to you.
- Reviews: Always check motherboard reviews from reputable sources to get a sense of real-world performance, stability, and features.
- Budget: Motherboard prices can vary significantly. Set a budget and choose the best option within your price range.
Which motherboards are most reliable?
Motherboard reliability is crucial for a stable system. While all major manufacturers produce reliable boards, some brands tend to have a stronger reputation for quality and durability.
- ASUS: Known for its comprehensive features, robust designs, and good customer support.
- MSI: Offers a wide range of motherboards with a focus on performance and gaming features.
- Gigabyte: Provides a good balance of price and performance with a focus on stability.
- ASRock: Often offers more budget-friendly options with decent features.
To find the most reliable specific models, look for motherboards with:
- High-quality components: VRM (Voltage Regulator Modules) with good heatsinks for stable power delivery.
- Good user reviews: Pay attention to feedback on stability, build quality, and customer support.
- Strong warranty: A longer warranty period can indicate greater confidence in the product’s reliability.
