9 Best Motherboards For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X In 2024
The all-new AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is finally here, and enthusiasts are already lining up to get their hands on it. Thanks to its extraordinary specs and superb new architecture, it is the most powerful AMD Ryzen processor to date.
AMD has also launched its much-awaited AM5 platform with the new Ryzen 9 7950X, so we have some new motherboards on the market.
With this new platform, AMD has finally taken the leap to DDR5 and PCI Express 5.0 across the board. Therefore, you are definitely on the cutting edge of PC hardware if you buy a Ryzen 9 7950X CPU now.
For the Ryzen 9 7950X to fully spread its wings, we have to pair it with an equally powerful motherboard. We have got you covered with the very best motherboards for Ryzen 9 7950X currently available.
The Best Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X – Our Picks
| # | Preview | Product Name | Award | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme | Best Overall Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X | Check Price |
| 2 |  | Gigabyte X670E AORUS Xtreme | Best Premium Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X | Check Price |
| 3 |  | MSI MEG X670E ACE | Best Overclocking Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X | Check Price |
| 4 |  | ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming WiFi | Best Looking Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X | Check Price |
| 5 |  | MSI MPG X670E Carbon WiFi | Best Mid-Range Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X | Check Price |
| 6 |  | ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming WiFi | Best Mini ITX Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X | Check Price |
| 7 |  | ASUS PRIME X670E-PRO WiFi | Best White Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X | Check Price |
| 8 |  | Gigabyte X670 AORUS Elite AX | Best Value Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X | Check Price |
| 9 |  | MSI PRO X670-P WiFi | Best Budget Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X | Check Price |
| # | 1 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme |
| Award | Best Overall Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 2 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | Gigabyte X670E AORUS Xtreme |
| Award | Best Premium Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 3 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | MSI MEG X670E ACE |
| Award | Best Overclocking Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 4 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming WiFi |
| Award | Best Looking Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 5 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | MSI MPG X670E Carbon WiFi |
| Award | Best Mid-Range Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 6 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming WiFi |
| Award | Best Mini ITX Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 7 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | ASUS PRIME X670E-PRO WiFi |
| Award | Best White Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 8 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | Gigabyte X670 AORUS Elite AX |
| Award | Best Value Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 9 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | MSI PRO X670-P WiFi |
| Award | Best Budget Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X |
| Details | Check Price |
Last Update on 2024-04-26 at 02:58 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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We live, breathe, and eat motherboards here at appuals.com. Whether it’s the latest Intel or AMD chipsets, we know our way around a motherboard. We’ve been reviewing them for years, and our experience shows in our detailed, comprehensive reviews. Our leading PC hardware expert, Hassam Nasir, boasts a tremendous experience in the field of motherboard reviews which spans back to the days when Nvidia used to add an extra SLI chipset to motherboards!
One can say that he loves to get into the nitty gritty details of PC hardware such as PCB analysis, VRM performance, memory/core overclocking potential, cooling potentials of AIOs, and the list goes on and on. His expertise does not come as a surprise, since he has been obsessed with PC hardware from the era of Opterons and Smithfield Pentium processors.
However, we don’t just rely on our experience – we also put every motherboard we review through a rigorous testing process. We test for stability, compatibility, overclocking potential, and more. Our team’s key expertise lies in the area of VRM testing, both for quality and long-term reliability. Of course, we also take into account the user experience when writing our reviews. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option or the absolute best motherboard on the market, we can help you find what you need.
1. ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme
Best Overall Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X
Pros
- Incredible 22 Phase VRM
- Features 10 Gigabit LAN
- Clean Aesthetics
- Five M.2 Slots
Cons
- Sky High Price
Chipset: X670 | Power Delivery: 20+2 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400+ | Video Outputs: 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C | USB Ports: 12x rear IO, 10x internal | Network: 1x 10 GbE LAN, 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA | Form Factor: E-ATX
Check PriceNo one can talk about the best AMD motherboards of any generation without mentioning the word “Crosshair”. The Crosshair lineup is ASUS’s top-tier premium lineup of motherboards for AMD processors, and it caters to the enthusiast user. The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme continues that trend as it is a ridiculously powerful X670E motherboard for the Ryzen 9 7950X.
ASUS dominates the Intel motherboard market too, as the brand made its way into our roundup of the best Z790 motherboards too.
Firstly, the VRM on the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme is top-notch. It uses a 20+2 phase VRM to deliver power to the CPU, and it is capable of overclocking the R9 7950X as high as your heart desires. ASUS is using 20+2 teamed power stages rated at 110A, and the 8-pin power connector on the board can allow up to 1000W of power to the Ryzen 9 7950X CPU itself.
The VRM is also superbly well-cooled by a multi-piece heatsink, and the overall power delivery is extremely clean. It can be comfortably concluded that the VRM on this motherboard is one of the best on the market, and it will allow you to overclock the CPU to its full potential.
Additionally, the features of the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme are designed for enthusiasts who combine high-performance gaming with intense productivity work. It features dual high-speed LAN ports and Wi-F 6Ei for superfast and reliable networking. The availability of 10 Gigabit networking is a huge boost to the feature set of the Crosshair X670E Extreme.
Additionally, it has five M.2 slots for storage expansion and fast data transfer speeds, with three PCIe Gen 5 M.2 slots, and the rest capable of Gen 4 speeds. For connectivity, it has a plethora of high-speed USB ports, including two Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, and support for multiple displays. Honestly, there are more features here than even a power user could hope to utilize.
A similar ASUS option was selected in our list of the best motherboards for Ryzen 5 3600 as well.
The ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme motherboard has a sleek and stylish design that is sure to turn heads. The all-black color scheme is accentuated by a unique RGB lighting pattern, which carries forward the modern design philosophy of ASUS ROG.
Over the I/O cover and chipset heatsinks, ASUS has provided a retro pattern that resembles the 8-bit video games of the 80s. You can clearly make out the ROG script and ROG eye in that pattern, which gives the board a very unique look. The RGB can be configured using the ASUS AURA Sync software.
The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme is one of the best options on the market to pair with a Ryzen 9 7950X CPU. It offers excellent features and performance and is our choice for the best overall motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X in terms of quality and versatility.
The only major drawback is the extremely high price tag. The AM5 platform has taken a substantial leap over the outgoing AM4 platform in terms of features, and that jump is noticeable in terms of pricing as well. However, if you can afford it, the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme is worth the splurge.
2. Gigabyte X670E AORUS Xtreme
Best Premium Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X
Pros
- Excellent Feature Set
- Superb Power Delivery
- Lots of Storage Options
- Versatile Connectivity
Cons
- Very Expensive
Chipset: X670 | Power Delivery: 18 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6666+ | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 12x rear IO, 9x internal | Network: 1x 10 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA | Form Factor: E-ATX
Gigabyte’s top tier offering for the X670 platform, the Gigabyte X670E AORUS Xtreme is one of the best premium motherboards on the market. It has an extraordinary power delivery system and comes packed with features that make it ideal for high-end gaming processors such as the Ryzen 9 7950X.
Kicking things off with the power delivery, there is hardly anything to complain about here. It uses a robust 18-phase VRM design with high-quality power delivery components to give clean and stable power to the CPU. Since it is an X670E motherboard, you can expect top-tier overclocking performance when paired with the Ryzen 9 7950X.
The VRM is cooled by large heatsinks that are connected by a heat pipe. This VRM design is capable of overclocking the R9 7950X to its maximum potential while keeping the temperatures cool under extended loads. The AORUS Xtreme can go toe-to-toe with the aforementioned Crosshair Extreme in terms of VRM performance.
Keeping pricing to one side, we can safely say that the Gigabyte X670E AORUS Xtreme is one of the best motherboards for gaming on the X670 platform.
Of course, the Gigabyte X670E AORUS Xtreme is a premium gaming motherboard that features a range of top-of-the-line features, making it ideal for consumers who want the best possible gaming experience. One of the standout features of the motherboard is its networking capabilities, which include both WiFi 6 and 10 GbE LAN support.
This ensures that gamers can always stay connected, even when they’re playing online. The 10 GbE LAN feature can also prove very useful for content creators and creative professionals. Moreover, the motherboard also features four M.2 slots, which offer high-speed storage options for gamers who need to store large amounts of data.
In terms of connectivity, the Gigabyte X670E AORUS Xtreme features a total of twelve rear USB ports, including both USB 4.0 and 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports. There is really no weakness in the feature set of the Gigabyte X670E AORUS Xtreme at first glance.
If you are on the older Zen 2 platform, you may want to check out our selection of the best motherboards for Ryzen 7 3700X as well.
In addition to that, the aesthetics of the Gigabyte X670E AORUS Xtreme are quite impressive, although a bit controversial. The design is sleek and modern, and the color scheme is very eye-catching, but the overall look of the board can be too cluttered.
The RGB lighting over the I/O cover and the pattern over the chipset heatsink particularly contribute to this aspect. The board will still look good enough in any gaming build, however, it might not be the ideal choice if you want to build a clean and minimalistic PC.
Conclusively, the Gigabyte X670E AORUS Xtreme is the best premium motherboard for the Ryzen 9 7950X you can buy right now. Its combination of high-end features and an unparalleled power delivery system is almost too good to pass by.
However, the price tag remains a concern. It is an unusually expensive motherboard with the highest price tag in Gigabyte’s lineup. Therefore, it is one that should be carefully considered by each potential buyer from a price-to-performance standpoint.
3. MSI MEG X670E ACE
Best Overclocking Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X
Pros
- Superb Design
- Features 10 GbE LAN
- Excellent VRM
- Loads of USB Ports
Cons
- Quite Expensive
Chipset: X670 | Power Delivery: 22+2 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6666+ | Video Outputs: USB-C, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 11x rear IO, 10x internal | Network: 1x 10 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA | Form Factor: E-ATX
MSI’s ACE motherboards are aimed at the upper mid-range in terms of pricing, and the MSI MEG X670E ACE follows a similar pattern. It is the second most expensive motherboard in their lineup behind the ridiculous X670E GODLIKE, and it is probably the most reasonable pairing for the Ryzen 9 7950X out of all the motherboards on this list.
MSI has gone with an extremely potent 22+2 phase VRM system with 90A power stages. Basically, this means that your Ryzen 9 7950X will have more than enough power to run comfortably at any overclocked settings you can throw at it. The board should be able to handle any CPU overclocking scenario, as long as it is not on LN2.
Moreover, you don’t have to worry about overheating VRMs either. The multi-piece VRM heatsink is very large and has adequate finning, which is ideal for increasing the surface area and heat dissipation. The power delivery components remain comfortably cool, even under extended loads. This is why the X670E ACE is our choice for the best overclocking motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X.
Moving on to the features, it is hard to spot a weakness here as well. Networking is handled by a combination of the 10 GbE LAN port and WiFi 6E wireless connectivity, which is the best networking suite you can hope for. The 10 GbE LAN option is particularly impressive at this price point.
You also get four M.2 slots on the board, with a couple that support PCIe 5.0 as well. Additionally, the rear I/O of the X670E ACE is filled with high-speed USB ports from the latest USB 4.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 generations. MSI has also provided a USB-C output for displays, which is nice to see.
A similar MSI option was also selected in our roundup of the best motherboards for i5 12600K.
The MSI X670E also delivers in terms of design and aesthetics. In a move that is completely against MSI’s traditional design policy, the overall look of the board is actually quite simple and subtle. The whole PCB is covered with large black heatsinks and heat spreaders, with only some RGB accents here and there.
Sure, the MSI dragon on the I/O cover is still quite obvious, but the rest of the board is actually quite minimalistic which is not something you say about MSI products often. We quite like this new design implementation from MSI and would prefer if they keep it going in more products.
All in all, the MSI X670E ACE is an absolute beast of a motherboard and is a perfect fit for the Ryzen 9 7950X processor. This combination will be right at home in a premium gaming or workstation CPU. However, even though the ACE is a bit cheaper than the two entries already mentioned, it is still a pricy motherboard.
The individual buyer has to evaluate the price-to-performance ratio and decide if the MSI X670E ACE is worth the hefty price tag.
4. ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming WiFi
Best Looking Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X
Pros
- Solid Power Delivery
- Decent Networking Options
- Clean Aesthetics
- Extraordinary Rear I/O
Cons
- Expensive
Chipset: X670 | Power Delivery: 18+2 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400+ | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 13x rear IO, 9x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 4x SATA | Form Factor: ATX
Moving down the price bracket, we have the mid-range ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming WiFi motherboard. Don’t be confused, this is an X670E motherboard rather than an X670 one, with ASUS’s extra “E” denoting its position as the mainstream offering in the ASUS ROG motherboard lineup.
A similar ASUS option was picked in our roundup of the best motherboards for Ryzen 5 5600X.
With that said, it is a very competent motherboard that you should consider for your Ryzen 9 7950X. Under the massive VRM heatsinks, ASUS has provided an 18+2 phase VRM design that is very robust for an X670E motherboard.
You can expect top-tier overclocking performance from this board, which is in line with the promises of both ASUS and AMD about X670E motherboards. The VRM is also adequately cooled, and you will have no problems regarding VRM temperatures, even when running the R9 7950X overclocked.
ASUS has also equipped the ROG Strix X670E-E motherboard with a decent feature set. Sure, it is not as fancy as the Crosshair motherboards, but it is still more than good enough for most gamers and enthusiasts alike. The networking suite contains a 2.5 GbE LAN port instead of a 10 GbE one this time, which may be a bit of a letdown for some productivity-focused buyers.
Other than that, there is not a lot to complain about. The four M.2 slots are more than sufficient for your storage needs, especially thanks to their speeds. The rear I/O is well-equipped with fast USB ports as well as versatile display outputs.
More premium ASUS motherboards can be found in our list of the best motherboards for i7 12700K.
Unlike MSI, ASUS has not strayed from its design philosophy one bit. With a single glance, you can tell that this motherboard is unapologetically ASUS. The whole board looks stylish and angular, which is right in line with the ASUS ROG design language.
There is a large area of RGB lighting on the I/O cover, as well as some ROG script on the chipset heatsink. Safe to say, if you are a fan of RGB, you can’t go wrong with this motherboard. This board is our pick for the best looking motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X.
Overall, we can’t see a lot to complain about with the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming WiFi. It can be a bit over-the-top in terms of design and especially the naming scheme, but at the end of the day, it is an excellent pair for your Ryzen 9 7950X CPU. It is not cheap by any means, so potential buyers should be ready to crack open their piggy banks.
5. MSI MPG X670E Carbon WiFi
Best Mid-Range Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X
Pros
- Rear USB-C Display Output
- Solid Connectivity
- Clean Design
- Great VRM Layout
Cons
- Relatively Pricy
Chipset: X670 | Power Delivery: 18+2 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6600+ | Video Outputs: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 10x rear IO, 9x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA | Form Factor: ATX
If I had to choose an X670E motherboard that should be the first choice for most mainstream users, it may as well be the MSI MPG X670E Carbon WiFi. This board falls in the middle of the pack as far as the MSI lineup is concerned, and it caters to the mainstream buyer. Any gamer or content creator with the Ryzen 9 7950X should definitely consider this board.
One of the best things about the MSI MPG X670E Carbon WiFi is its superb power delivery system. The 18+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages is quite the beast when it comes to AMD motherboards in general, and it is capable of handling the Ryzen 9 7950X quite comfortably. Even the VRM temperatures are unproblematic thanks to the gigantic VRM heatsinks.
Moreover, the feature set of the MPG X670E Carbon WiFi is quite versatile and caters to the need of both gamers and creative professionals. You do get a 2.5 GbE LAN port as well as WiFi 6E functionality to satisfy your networking needs, and the storage is handled by four M.2 slots of various PCIe speeds. MSI has also provided a USB-C display output in addition to the traditional HDMI and DisplayPort options.
When it comes to aesthetics, the X670E Carbon WiFi is pretty standard as far as high-end motherboards go. Most of the board is covered in black plastic shrouds and heatsinks, but the I/O cover has a large MSI Dragon logo with RGB lighting inside.
We chose a similarly-priced MSI motherboard in our roundup of the best motherboards for Ryzen 9 5900X as well.
The chipset heatsink also has a bit of script on it, but other than that there are not a lot of design elements to this board. If you can look past the glaring MSI Dragon, this might be a great pick for a stealthy blackout build.
In essence, the MSI X670E Carbon WiFi is one for the mainstream users and it is our pick for the best mid-range motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X. Its price tag is high but not as high as some of the more advanced options discussed earlier.
Moreover, it has a robust VRM design to handle the R9 7950X, as well as a ton of cool features that make this board a default choice for gamers on this platform.
6. ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming WiFi
Best Mini ITX Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X
Pros
- Great for Compact Builds
- Decent VRM Setup
- Excellent Rear I/O
Cons
- Limited Expansion
- Pricy
Chipset: X670 | Power Delivery: 10+2 Phase VRM | Memory: 2x DIMM, 64GB, DDR5-6400+ | Video Outputs: HDMI, USB-C | USB Ports: 10x rear IO, 7x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 2x M.2, 2x SATA | Form Factor: Mini ITX
Compact PC builds are all the rage right now, with more and more enthusiasts building powerful PCs in small form factor cases. For that, you need a mini ITX motherboard, and what better motherboard for this use case than the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming WiFi. Ridiculous name aside, this is the very best mini ITX motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X out there.
We start off by dissecting the VRM layout of the board. The 10+2 phase power delivery system might not be the best in terms of pure numbers, but it is certainly a competent VRM design thanks to the use of premium components. Moreover, ASUS has also installed a massive VRM heatsink which is disproportionately large for the board, in favor of keeping the VRM cool.
You can expect to overclock the R9 7950X to a certain extent on this board, but we have to keep the expectations realistic. This mini ITX motherboard is built with a specific use case in mind, and that means that ASUS has had to compromise in certain areas.
Speaking of compromises, the mini ITX nature of the board translates into several compromises in the feature set as well. Firstly, the board has limited expansion due to its smaller size. Moreover, you only get two M.2 slots and two SATA ports on the board for your storage devices.
The networking suite is rather nice on the other hand, and so is the rear I/O connectivity. ASUS has provided several high-speed USB ports on the rear I/O which are nice to see in a mini ITX board.
As for the looks, there is not a lot to complain about. The board carries forward the same ROG design philosophy that is seen across their entire range of products. The design is angular, aggressive, and full of RGB lighting. This board would go perfectly in a gaming PC full of ASUS components.
Our selection of the best mini ITX motherboards for i9 9900K can also be helpful for users of that Intel platform.
In essence, the mini ITX market for the AMD AM5 platform is rather limited as of the time of writing, and the ROG Strix X670E-I is the best mini ITX motherboard out there for the Ryzen 9 7950X. It does cut corners in a few key areas, and the price tag is rather steep, but if you want to build a compact PC then this is the board to get.
7. ASUS PRIME X670E-PRO WiFi
Best White Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X
Pros
- Excellent White Design
- Relatively Affordable
- Great Features
Cons
- Mediocre VRM Cooling
- Limited Overclocking Potential
Chipset: X670 | Power Delivery: 14+2 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400+ | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 10x rear IO, 9x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 4x SATA | Form Factor: ATX
Moving further down the price bracket, we have the ASUS PRIME X670E-PRO WiFi, which is a mid-range motherboard from ASUS’s lineup. The PRIME moniker is usually used for budget-oriented offerings, but this time the PRIME is competing with other mid-range motherboards such as the aforementioned MSI and Gigabyte options.
Speaking of affordable motherboards, you can also check out our shortlist of the very best B550 motherboards on the market.
ASUS has equipped the PRIME X670E-PRO with a 14+2 Phase VRM system, which makes this motherboard a very solid fit for the Ryzen 9 7950X. Now, the power delivery components are not as premium as the ones found on the more expensive options, but they definitely get the job done. You can even expect a bit of overclocking on this motherboard, and the VRM thermals are sound as well.
As far as features go, ASUS has not disappointed here. The storage suite is as good as any other motherboard in this price category, however, you only get one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. The other three slots are equipped with PCIe 4.0 speeds.
On the rear I/O, ASUS has provided a reasonable 10 USB ports of various speeds, including the blazing fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port. You also get 2.5 GbE LAN and WiFi 6 as a part of your networking suite. It is hard to find a fault in the feature set of this board.
When it comes to aesthetics, the ASUS PRIME X670E-PRO WiFi sets itself apart from the crowd. The board is really unique and carries forward the white aesthetic that is common among ASUS PRIME products. The subtle RGB implementation over the I/O cover is rather unique and gives the board a bit of character.
Speaking of budget offerings, you can also explore our selection of the best budget AM4 motherboards for more options on a strict budget.
This is a nice fit for any white-themed PC builds out there and earns our award for the best white motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X.
Even though the ASUS PRIME X670E-PRO WiFi cuts a few corners here and there, you cannot ignore this motherboard when selecting a board for the Ryzen 9 7950X. Its incredible value proposition, decent VRM design, and versatile features make it a solid choice for even the most demanding Ryzen CPUs out there.
8. Gigabyte X670 AORUS Elite AX
Best Value Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X
Pros
- Quite Affordable
- Attractive Design
- Versatile Rear I/O
Cons
- Unremarkable VRM Design
- Minimal RGB Lighting
Chipset: X670 | Power Delivery: 16+2+2 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6666+ | Video Outputs: HDMI | USB Ports: 13x rear IO, 9x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 4x SATA | Form Factor: ATX
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a new motherboard along with your brand-new CPU, then the Gigabyte X670 AORUS Elite AX might just be the perfect pick for you. This motherboard belongs to the X670 tier rather than the X670E tier of the platform, which means that it is a little bit more affordable and has some cut-down features here and there.
Gigabyte has gone with a 16+2+2 phase VRM system on the AORUS Elite AX for this generation, and it is a perfectly sound power delivery setup. Sure, it’s not the best for extreme overclocking experiments on your Ryzen 9 7950X, but a bit of controlled overclocking should be no challenge for this setup either. The relatively large VRM heatsinks also help a lot in this regard.
You also get a pretty competent feature set for the price. The networking options are the same as you would find in a much more expensive motherboard, and the number of M.2 slots is not too bad either. Mind you, only one M.2 slot is ready for PCIe 5.0 speeds on the X670 motherboards.
Aesthetically, the board is rather understated and looks very nice. It is a much better-looking board than the aforementioned AORUS Master in our opinion, but that is a subjective take.
The board itself is covered with black shrouds and heatsinks, but you can make out the AORUS pattern on the right lower half of the board quite clearly. There is also a tiny strip of RGB lighting on the I/O cover for the RGB enthusiasts.
If the previous-gen motherboards tickle your fancy, then be sure to explore our selection of the best X470 motherboards as well.
Buying an expensive CPU does not necessarily mean that you have to buy an expensive motherboard as well. This is exactly why the Gigabyte X670 AORUS Elite AX should be on your list if you want to buy a Ryzen 9 7950X.
This motherboard is perfectly capable of handling that CPU, and it does so at a very reasonable price point, thus earning our award of the best value motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X.
9. MSI PRO X670-P WiFi
Best Budget Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X
Pros
- Very Affordable
- Clean Aesthetics
Cons
- Few Rear USB Ports
- Unremarkable VRM Cooling
- No Fixed I/O Shield
Chipset: X670 | Power Delivery: 14+2 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6600+ | Video Outputs: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 8x rear IO, 9x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA | Form Factor: ATX
Our last pick of the day comes from MSI’s PRO series, which is the entry-level series of motherboards from MSI. The MSI PRO X670-P WiFi also belongs to the X670 tier rather than the X670E tier, but it does so as a cost-saving measure. This motherboard is one for the value-hunters who want to maximize their bang for the buck.
Not only is the 14+2 phase VRM good enough for the Ryzen 9 7950X at stock settings, but you can also expect a little bit of overclocking with this power delivery system. Mind you, this motherboard is not going to break any overclocking records, but it certainly gets the job done. The VRM cooling is quite competent as well thanks to the sizeable VRM heatsinks.
At this price point, you have to expect some compromises. However, the MSI PRO X670-P manages to avoid any major cost-cutting measures in important areas. Networking, storage, and connectivity features are all in-line with what you would expect from a mid-range X670 motherboard.
Even the design of the board is not half bad. Sure, it is very simple and lacks RGB lighting, but the overall look of the board is quite modern and minimalistic. The black and silver color scheme looks modern and appealing, even if the board lacks a built-in I/O shield.
If you are more interested in value-oriented motherboards, don’t forget to check out our selection of the best B450 motherboards as well.
If you do not want to pay an exorbitant amount of money for a new motherboard for your Ryzen 9 7950X, then consider the MSI PRO X670-P WiFi. This board packs a lot of punch for the money, even though MSI has made some cost-saving decisions here and there. It is our pick for the best budget motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X.
How we picked and tested
Choosing a collection of the best motherboards for any roundup is a hard task, but the brand new AMD AM5 platform throws a few extra challenges into the mix.
Being the very first exclusive DDR5 platform, the AM5 motherboards on the X670 platform present a unique new challenge in terms of testing.
However, our highly specialized team of hardware experts is nothing but enthusiastic about the task.
We start off, of course, with the VRM design of the motherboards in question. The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is an absolute behemoth of a CPU, and it needs every bit of VRM quality to extract its maximum potential.
We also focused on the superior overclocking potential of the X670E motherboards when selecting the top choices in our roundup.
Moreover, the features offered by the AM5 motherboards were a priority as well. Of course, you cannot have a modern Ryzen 9 7950X-based PC without the latest and greatest in terms of networking and storage.
We also laid a focus on aesthetics, although that is a bit of a subjective matter. Still, we kept an eye out for community feedback on the motherboard designs and adjusted the rankings as needed.
The final challenge while choosing the motherboards was the price tag, or more specifically the price-to-performance ratio offered by the boards. The brand new AM5 motherboards are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but some offer a better value proposition than others.
When it comes to testing, our dedicated team of hardware experts left no stone unturned. The team explored every facet of the motherboards in detail to form an empirical and unbiased opinion on the board.
More specifically, we performed extensive VRM testing by measuring VRM temperatures of the boards while running an overclocked AMD Ryzen 9 7950X in an enclosed chassis for extended periods of time.
Keeping that testing data in mind, we have curated a comprehensive and detailed list of the very best motherboards you can buy for the Ryzen 9 7950X as of the time of writing.
AMD AM5 – What’s New
AMD has taken a giant leap with the AM5 platform as they aim to bring their processors into the new generation of PC hardware. With this leap, we say goodbye to the older AM4 platform that has been with us for more than four years now!
There are a lot of huge upgrades that come with the new AM5 platform, outside of the Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. Here, we have highlighted some of the key upgrades that AMD has implemented.
DDR5 Memory
DDR5 is the next generation of memory technology, offering several significant improvements over its predecessor. DDR5 RAM offers increased capacity and bandwidth, lower power consumption, and enhanced error correction capabilities. These benefits make DDR5 ideal for use in high-performance computing applications.
AMD’s AM5 platform takes advantage of the new DDR5 memory generation exclusively. While that is great news and a step in the right direction, it also means that your older DDR4 memory modules are not usable anymore. Intel, on the other hand, is still supporting DDR4 memory on their 12th Generation Alder Lake processors, along with DDR5 memory.
However, we cannot fault AMD for ditching the old standard altogether. The industry is rapidly adopting this new technology, and it is obviously going to become the mainstream memory technology in the next few years. In fact, we can safely assume that the new Zen 4 architecture has been developed with DDR5 memory in mind exclusively since we know how much Ryzen depends on memory.
As a result, DDR5 is poised to become the new industry standard for memory technology and the standard for AMD going forward as well.
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0, also known as PCIe Gen 5, is the latest iteration of the PCI Express specification. The AMD AM5 platform has adopted PCIe 5.0 as it provides a significant upgrade over PCIe 4.0 in terms of bandwidth and latency. PCIe 5.0 has a bandwidth of 32GT/s, which is double that of PCIe 4.0, and a reduced latency of just 12ns. The bandwidth can scale up to 128 GB/s over 16 lanes!
This makes it ideal for use in high-performance applications such as data centers and gaming PCs. PCIe 5.0 is also backward compatible with PCIe 4.0, meaning that it can be used in any system that supports PCIe 4.0.
Currently, many AM5 motherboards on the X670E and X670 chipsets are taking advantage of the PCIe 5.0 protocol in their storage slots. This is a huge upgrade over the older X570 standard which only had PCIe 4.0 as the maximum for M.2 slots.
We can expect a large number of PCIe 5.0 SSDs to hit the shelves over the course of the next few years, ushering in a completely new era of storage. The AM5 motherboards will be ready for those devices from day one since X670 motherboards already support this technology.
Moreover, you also get PCIe 5.0 support on the primary x16 PCIe slot, but that is less important since graphics cards do not really saturate the PCIe 4.0 standard we currently have.
X670E vs. X670
You may have noticed that there are some motherboards that are labeled “X670E” while others are labeled as “X670”, so why is that? Well, AMD has created a tier system within the X670 chipset which was not seen in previous generations.
Basically, an X670 motherboard with the “E” suffix belongs to the highest tier of motherboards available for the Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. This means that the X670E motherboards (or X670 Extended) are generally superior to X670 motherboards, despite being on the same chipset.
There are a number of differences between the two tiers. Firstly, AMD has claimed that the X670E motherboards have “Extreme Overclocking” support, which basically means that they have the best VRM setups among all AM5 motherboards.
Secondly, the X670E boards have PCIe 5.0 capability “everywhere” as mentioned by AMD in their launch announcement, while X670 motherboards only have PCIe 5.0 storage and graphics capability. This means that X670 motherboards have fewer PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots and PCIe slots than X670E motherboards.
Lastly, X670E motherboards have better connectivity than their X670 counterparts. You can get up to four HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0 ports on an X670E motherboard.
In conclusion, you can think of the X670E chipset to be the ultimate platform for AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, while the X670 is still a pretty good option in second place.
Buyer’s Guide
Motherboards are already notoriously complicated to shop for, and the new AMD AM5 platform does not necessarily make the process any easier. If you are one of the lucky ones to get your hands on the new Ryzen 9 7950X CPU, then you will need a new motherboard to go along with it.
Consider the following factors when making your motherboard purchase. It is difficult to judge how much should you actually spend on a motherboard, as the answer does vary from case to case.
VRM Design
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is an absolute beast of a CPU, and it requires a similarly potent motherboard to maximize its potential. When buying a motherboard for the Ryzen 9 7950X, be sure to consider the VRM design and power delivery of the motherboard.
VRM, or voltage regulator modules, are a crucial part of any motherboard. The VRMs are responsible for delivering power to the CPU, and they play a crucial role in both CPU overclocking and long-term reliability. When buying a motherboard, it is important to consider VRM quality especially if you plan to do any CPU overclocking on the board.
Lower-quality VRMs can lead to instability and overheating, so it is important to choose a motherboard with high-quality VRMs if you plan on overclocking your CPU or tweaking any voltage settings.
VRMs are also an important factor to consider when it comes to cooling. Higher quality VRMs tend to run cooler due to their efficient nature, which can help to extend the lifespan of your motherboard and other components.
For these reasons, VRM quality should be one of the main factors you consider when buying a motherboard for the Ryzen 9 7950X.
Form Factor
One of the most important factors to consider when buying any motherboard is the form factor. The form factor refers to the size and shape of the motherboard, and it is important to choose a form factor that will fit in your computer case.
The most common form factors are ATX, micro ATX, and mini ITX. ATX motherboards are the largest size and most compatible with a wide range of cases, while micro ATX and mini ITX motherboards are smaller and more specialized.
Some of the very high-end motherboards (such as the X670E options listed in this roundup) can also be of the E-ATX form factor. The E-ATX size is a bit larger than your typical ATX motherboard, and they do need a somewhat bigger case in most scenarios.
For the best balance of features and the highest compatibility, you should consider an ATX motherboard. However, if you want something more compact and somewhat cheaper, a micro ATX motherboard can also be an option for you.
If you want something extremely small and compact to fit inside an SFF (small form factor) case, then you will have to go with mini ITX. These motherboards are very cut-down in terms of features, but they are also expensive as well due to their rarity and specialized nature.
Ultimately, the form factor you choose should be based on the size of your computer case and the features you need.
Storage, Connectivity, Networking
When you’re building a PC, the motherboard is automatically one of the most important components to consider. That’s because it houses all the other parts of the system, and its features will dictate what kinds of storage, networking, and other options you have. So, what factors should you look for when buying a motherboard?
Consider what kind of features you need. Do you need built-in WiFi or Bluetooth? What are your networking needs? In the current day, you should look for a motherboard that has at least a 2.5 GbE LAN port as well as Wi-Fi connectivity, especially on this platform.
Also, consider what kind of storage options you want. M.2 slots are becoming increasingly fast for high-speed storage devices like PCIe SSDs. Moreover, you should also consider the PCIe generation that those M.2 slots can support.
Next, think about connectivity. Most motherboards will come with HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for video, but Thunderbolt is becoming a very popular standard for connectivity as well. You should also look for other high-speed USB ports such as the new USB 4.0 standard if you have the budget for it.
By taking these features into account, you can be sure to find the right motherboard for your Ryzen 9 7950X processor.
Aesthetics
It is common knowledge that the motherboard is the backbone of a computer, providing the necessary connections between the CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals. While its primary purpose is to provide a functional foundation for a system, aesthetics also play an important role in the motherboard buying process.
After all, the motherboard is one of the most visible components in a computer, and its design can have a big impact on the overall look of the system. When choosing a motherboard, it’s important to consider factors like color, design, and overall aesthetics. For many buyers, features like RGB lighting are also important considerations.
Aesthetics are mostly a subjective thing, but they do count towards the overall motherboard purchasing decision. By taking aesthetics into account, you can ensure that your motherboard not only provides a strong foundation for your system but also fits in with your desired aesthetic.
With the help of our comprehensive motherboard buying guide, you can be sure to find a motherboard that fits both your budget and your needs.
Best Motherboard for Ryzen 9 7950X - FAQs
The Ryzen 9 7950X cannot work on X570 motherboards. It uses a brand new AM5 socket that is physically different from the AM4 socket used on X570 motherboards. You will need an X670 motherboard to run a Ryzen 9 7950X as of the time of writing.
You cannot use DDR4 memory with Ryzen 9 7950X. You can only use DDR5 memory with the new Ryzen 7000 series CPUs on the AM5 platform. Unlike Intel, AMD has not given users the choice between DDR4 and DDR5 memory for this generation. The entire AM5 platform is exclusive to DDR5 memory only, so you will probably have to discard your old DDR4 memory kits.
X670E is better than X670 because it has a few more features and a bit better overclocking support. Both motherboard tiers belong to the same chipset “X670”, but X670E motherboards have a better power delivery system for superior overclocking performance. Moreover, you get better PCIe 5.0 support across your storage and graphics devices.
The Ryzen 9 7950X is better than the Core i9 12900K according to initial benchmarks. AMD has made a substantial leap in gaming performance while increasing productivity performance side-by-side. This means that the Ryzen 9 7950X has a claim for being the fastest gaming CPU on the market right now.
B550 motherboards are not compatible with Ryzen 9 7950X since they use the AM4 socket. The Ryzen 7000 series processors use the AM5 platform with a completely new socket, so they won’t even fit into the older motherboards. Moreover, you need DDR5 memory for the AM5 CPUs while B550 only supports DDR4 memory.
Ryzen 9 7950X supports PCIe 5.0 technology and so do the rest of the Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. Most X670E motherboards offer PCIe 5.0 storage as well as graphics support by providing PCIe 5.0 lanes to multiple M.2 and PCIe slots. However, some X670 motherboards only provide PCIe 5.0 support to a single M.2 slot or PCIe slot.
