Motherboards: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
The motherboard is the foundation of every desktop PC—the platform that connects and supports all of its critical components. That's why we test and review a wide range of ATX, MicroATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards across AMD's and Intel's latest chipsets. Whether you're building a new desktop, upgrading an existing one, or simply keeping up with the newest releases, this is a great place to start.
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By John Burek
Our Current Top Tested Picks
ASRock Z890 Taichi
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
ASRock's Z890 Taichi is a robust Intel ATX motherboard with all the features you'd want in a high-end board for your next premium PC build.
Full ASRock Z890 Taichi ReviewPros
- Six M.2 Slots
- Robust power design
- Top-tier audio hardware
- Excellent networking hardware
Cons
- Only two 3.5mm jacks on the rear I/O panel
- Bland aesthetics
Pros
- Six M.2 Slots
- Robust power design
- Top-tier audio hardware
- Excellent networking hardware
Cons
- Only two 3.5mm jacks on the rear I/O panel
- Bland aesthetics
Gigabyte X870E Aorus Master
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Gigabyte's flagship X870E Aorus Master is among the pricier AM5 motherboards using AMD's very latest chipset, but its clever layout and creature comforts make it a first-rate ATX pick for high-end AMD PCs.
Full Gigabyte X870E Aorus Master ReviewPros
- Layout makes building easy
- Intuitive connections and M.2 covers
- Easy-release GPU button
- Supports DDR5 up to 8,600MHz
- Responsive and well-laid-out BIOS
- Plenty of USB ports
Cons
- Expensive
- Few audio connections
Pros
- Layout makes building easy
- Intuitive connections and M.2 covers
- Easy-release GPU button
- Supports DDR5 up to 8,600MHz
- Responsive and well-laid-out BIOS
- Plenty of USB ports
Cons
- Expensive
- Few audio connections
MSI MPG Z890 Carbon WiFi
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
It doesn't dominate the competition, but MSI's MPG Z890 Carbon WiFi is a capable, good-looking premium motherboard with user-friendly firmware and some impressive hardware features for Intel's "Arrow Lake."
Full MSI MPG Z890 Carbon WiFi ReviewPros
- Many DIY-easing and overclocking features
- Updated BIOS interface
- Supplemental PCI Express (PCIe) power connector
- Premium all-black aesthetic
Cons
- Previous-gen audio codec
- Only one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
Pros
- Many DIY-easing and overclocking features
- Updated BIOS interface
- Supplemental PCI Express (PCIe) power connector
- Premium all-black aesthetic
Cons
- Previous-gen audio codec
- Only one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
Asus TUF Gaming X870-Plus WiFi
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Asus TUF Gaming X870-Plus WiFi is a worthwhile-value X870 AMD motherboard. It brings native Zen 5 support, new looks, the latest connectivity, and several DIY-friendly and AI features for easier use.
Full Asus TUF Gaming X870-Plus WiFi ReviewPros
- Decent all-around performance
- Capable power delivery
- DIY-friendly and AI features
- Updated design
Cons
- Two SATA ports could be limiting
- Slightly pricier than competitors
Pros
- Decent all-around performance
- Capable power delivery
- DIY-friendly and AI features
- Updated design
Cons
- Two SATA ports could be limiting
- Slightly pricier than competitors
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX motherboard performed well in our testing and looked good doing it, adding some RGB bling to our test bench. If your new system doesn't require a PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 socket, it's a great option in the midrange Intel LGA1700 market.
Full Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX ReviewPros
- Four M.2 sockets (with EZ-Latch+)
- Premium appearance
- Plenty of USB ports at rear
Cons
- No PCI Express 5.0 M.2 socket
Pros
- Four M.2 sockets (with EZ-Latch+)
- Premium appearance
- Plenty of USB ports at rear
Cons
- No PCI Express 5.0 M.2 socket
ASRock X570 Extreme4
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
ASRock's X570 Extreme4 is a well-designed ATX motherboard for AMD's last-platform AM4 Ryzen chips, packing plenty of features, an attractive look, and an easy-to-use BIOS. Value-minded power users can find a decent balance of features and punch here.
Full ASRock X570 Extreme4 ReviewPros
- Plethora of USB and SATA ports. Quality NIC and audio chipset. Easy-to-use BIOS. Pleasant, understated aesthetics.
Cons
- Lack of hardware-based overclocking features. M.2 slots can be tricky to access once PC is built out.
Pros
- Plethora of USB and SATA ports. Quality NIC and audio chipset. Easy-to-use BIOS. Pleasant, understated aesthetics.
Cons
- Lack of hardware-based overclocking features. M.2 slots can be tricky to access once PC is built out.
ASRock B760I Lightning Wi-Fi
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
A worthwhile budget Mini-ITX effort for Intel CPUs, ASRock's B760I Lightning doesn't have a lot of USB ports, but its hearty power delivery, speedy memory support, and performance (under proper cooling settings) make it a fine foundation for compact builds.
Full ASRock B760I Lightning Wi-Fi ReviewPros
- Low price
- Memory support up to DDR5-8600+
- Robust power delivery
Cons
- Only five USB Type-A ports
Pros
- Low price
- Memory support up to DDR5-8600+
- Robust power delivery
Cons
- Only five USB Type-A ports
ASRock PG Z790 Lightning Wi-Fi
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
ASRock's PG Z790 Lightning Wi-Fi is a well-equipped motherboard for just under $200, offering three M.2 sockets and six SATA ports, integrated Wi-Fi 6E, capable power delivery, and integrated RGB lighting.
Full ASRock PG Z790 Lightning Wi-Fi ReviewPros
- Lowest-priced "Z790 refresh" board
- Rear 20Gbps USB-C port
- 2.5Gbps Killer Ethernet
Cons
- Only three M.2 storage sockets
- Dated budget audio codec
- Appearance may not appeal to everyone
Pros
- Lowest-priced "Z790 refresh" board
- Rear 20Gbps USB-C port
- 2.5Gbps Killer Ethernet
Cons
- Only three M.2 storage sockets
- Dated budget audio codec
- Appearance may not appeal to everyone
MSI B760M Edge Ti Wi-Fi
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Gaming on a budget and want a stellar board for maximum looks and modest overclocking of an Intel "Alder Lake" chip? Asrock's B660M Steel Legend is an excellent choice for MicroATX.
Full MSI B760M Edge Ti Wi-Fi ReviewPros
- Robust power delivery
- Three M.2 sockets (one SATA-compatible)
- Six SATA ports
Cons
- Comparatively high price
- Budget audio codec
Pros
- Robust power delivery
- Three M.2 sockets (one SATA-compatible)
- Six SATA ports
Cons
- Comparatively high price
- Budget audio codec
ASRock B650E PG-ITX
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Well-priced at $289.99, ASRock's B650E PG-ITX is the only motherboard in its class with a PCI Express 5.0 M.2 socket and Killler networking, as well as robust power delivery. If you don't mind a previous-gen audio codec and only two SATA ports, it's the pick of the litter for B650 Mini-ITX.
Full ASRock B650E PG-ITX ReviewPros
- Two M.2 sockets (one PCIe 5.0)
- Robust power delivery
- Killer-brand networking
Cons
- Two instead of four SATA ports
- M.2 fan is noisy at default settings
- Only two fan/pump headers free
Pros
- Two M.2 sockets (one PCIe 5.0)
- Robust power delivery
- Killer-brand networking
Cons
- Two instead of four SATA ports
- M.2 fan is noisy at default settings
- Only two fan/pump headers free
Latest Motherboard Stories
Building a desktop PC, or upgrading an aging one? Here's all you need to know about choosing the right motherboard—plus, our top tested picks in boards for the latest AMD and Intel CPU platforms.
Another software tweak bringing free performance. I'm here for it.
PinSafe's flattened rear solder joints should prevent DIY PC builders from cutting themselves.
This suggests Zen 6 could support much faster memory standards.
The wood-accented motherboard also adopts some leather pull tabs.
ASRock's Z890 Taichi is a robust Intel ATX motherboard with all the features you'd want in a high-end board for your next premium PC build.
$399.99
As GPU prices and supplies stabilize, the Trump administration declines to revive the China-focused tariffs until at least Nov. 30.
The exemption expired over the weekend, but the Trump administration gives GPU makers another reprieve as it weighs a larger package of semiconductor tariffs.
The Gigabyte X870E Aorus Pro Ice is a well-rounded midrange motherboard and the only one close to its price with three PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 sockets. It has everything you'd expect from AMD's newest platform, and a white aesthetic that sets it apart.
$299.99
ASRock's X870E Taichi Lite is a handsomely equipped midrange AMD motherboard. While it lacks builder bling like RGB LEDs, it makes up for that with class-leading specifications and solid performance.
$348.00
The Taiwanese motherboard and GPU vendor may avoid price increases for now, though, citing a competitive market.
It doesn't dominate the competition, but MSI's MPG Z890 Carbon WiFi is a capable, good-looking premium motherboard with user-friendly firmware and some impressive hardware features for Intel's "Arrow Lake."
$369.99
Gigabyte's X870 Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice motherboard has a helpful leading-edge feature set (including Wi-Fi 7 and USB4) and a chilly white aesthetic for AMD Ryzen builders, but the pricing leaves us a little cold.
$259.99
Asus’ ROG Maximus Z890 Hero is a premium "Arrow Lake" motherboard loaded with features. Given its power-delivery components, wealth of M.2 sockets (three PCIe 5.0!), and host of PC-DIY creature comforts, you’ll have a hard time finding many boards better-equipped.
$408.25
An ROG Z890 Maximus Hero board, an over-the-top Ryujin cooler, and a special new kind of RAM highlight the nuances of Intel's just-launched desktop platform. Take a look.
The Asus TUF Gaming X870-Plus WiFi is a worthwhile-value X870 AMD motherboard. It brings native Zen 5 support, new looks, the latest connectivity, and several DIY-friendly and AI features for easier use.
$237.00
Gigabyte's flagship X870E Aorus Master is among the pricier AM5 motherboards using AMD's very latest chipset, but its clever layout and creature comforts make it a first-rate ATX pick for high-end AMD PCs.
$440.56
The software updates tackle the CPU bug affecting Intel's 13th and 14th Generation Core chips, but as MSI notes, it's intended to 'mitigate the instability,' not fix the problem completely.
Motherboards based on new 800-series chipsets will come a month or two after the Ryzen 9000 CPUs launch. Until then, you can rely on existing AM5 ones for the new processors.
We spotted more than a dozen of the company's upcoming motherboards at Computex 2024, ready to drop for AMD's and Intel's forthcoming desktop CPUs later this year.
