We’ve rated, reviewed, & compared some of the best AM4 motherboards for 2022. These AMD Ryzen motherboards are perfect for gaming or multi-purpose PC builds.
Now that AMD’s Ryzen CPUs are in their 4th generation (5000 series), we have a much better idea of what the best AM4 motherboard is at various price points. In this guide, we’ve taken a look at a handful of different AM4 motherboards at various price ranges to give you an idea of what options are the best for your situation.
We’ve rated each motherboard based on the performance and features it offers, as well as written an overview of each one.
So, if you’re looking to build an AMD Ryzen-based gaming PC and you’re looking for the best X570 motherboard, B550 motherboard, or A520 chipset motherboard to pair with it, this guide will help you find the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
– Our Picks for the Best AM4 Motherboards
1. ASUS ROG Strix X570-E (Top Pick)
2. MSI X570-A PRO (Value X570)
3. ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS (Top B550)
4. GIGABYTE X570 I AORUS Pro (Top Mini-ITX)
Quick-Look: Our Top Picks for the Best AM4 Motherboards
If you’re looking for a quick selection of the top AM4 motherboards currently available, the table below represents our choices for the top AM4 motherboard (overall), the best value X570 motherboard, the best value B550 motherboard, the mini-ITX AM4 motherboard, and the best budget-friendly AM4 motherboard.
|
NAME | SPECS | RATING | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK
|
ASUS X570-E |
|
/10 | ||
VALUE X570
|
MSI X570-A PRO |
|
/10 | ||
B550
|
ASUS TUF B550 |
|
/10 | ||
MINI-ITX
|
GIGABYTE X570 I |
|
/10 | ||
BUDGET
|
ASRock B550M-HDV |
|
/10 |
*To read more about our picks for the best AM4 motherboards listed above, just click the “Read Review »” button to jump to our write-up on that motherboard. You can also keep scrolling to find more AM4 motherboard options, including X570, B550, and A520 chipset options.
1. ASUS ROG Strix X570-E
Best AM4 motherboard for the money
The ASUS ROG Strix X570-E is one of the best X570 motherboards currently available. It comes with multiple M.2 ports so that you can utilize an NVME SSD.
It also has four DIMM slots and the ability to hold up to 128GB of RAM. It comes with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and it also has ASUS’ Aura Sync lighting.
If you’re looking to overclock your new generation Ryzen processor, the ROG Strix X570-E has 5-Way Optimization with Auto-Tuning and Fan Xpert 4 to help you create easy overclocking profiles.
Ultimately, while the X570-E is one of the more expensive X570 motherboards, its design and feature-set make it a good value for the price. And, compared to the extreme AM4 motherboard options out there (like the Crosshair VIII Dark Hero listed below), the X570-E comes in a significant discount.
2. MSI X570-A PRO
The best value X570 motherboard
The MSI X570-A PRO comes in at just under ~$160 and is easily one of the cheaper X570 boards on the market. And, while it doesn’t have the high-end features that come on some of the extreme X570 motherboards on the market, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a use-case that fits the X570-A PRO.
In fact, the MSI X570-A PRO will be very appealing to users who are working with a moderate budget and aren’t looking to spend thousands on their PC build. The X570-A PRO will work well for users who are planning on building single-GPU systems and who want to reach mild (and beyond) overclocks.
The X570-A PRO can hold up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with clock speeds as high as 4400 MHz. It can also house dual GPU setups, has six SATA 3 ports, two M.2 slots, and eight USB 3.2 ports.
Ultimately, if you’re looking to build a PC with a new Ryzen 5000 processor, but you’re not working with an unlimited budget, the MSI X570-A PRO will provide you with an affordable X570 chipset motherboard to help you keep your costs down without sacrificing your system’s potential.
3. ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS
The best B550 AM4 motherboard
The ASUS TUF B550-Plus baming motherboard is a solid option for anyone who wants to save a little bit of money without sacrificing too much on performance. It comes with the patented TUF color scheme (black and yellow) and features support for ASUS’s Aura Sync RGB lighting software. It has multiple RGB headers as well, so if you want to use this motherboard to drive a bunch of RGB lights, you can definitely do so.
The motherboard comes with an M.2 port that you can install an NVME SSD in, USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, military-grade components and features (TUG Chokes, TUF Capacitors, TUF MOSFETs, etc.), and a 3-year warranty. While it won’t offer the potential for high-end overclocking, if you are looking to get mild overclocks, this board will allow you to do so.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality B550 motherboard, the ASUS TUF B550 would be a worthy option for you to consider.
4. GIGABYTE X570 I AORUS Pro
The best mini-ITX AM4 motherboard
If you want to build a high-end mini gaming PC, then you’ll likely want to consider Gigabyte’s X570 I AORUS Pro mini-ITX motherboard. This is one of the better mini-ITX AM4 motherboards on the market, as it comes with all of the advanced features you’d expect out of a high-end standard ATX motherboard, but offered in a mini-ITX package.
Of course, there are limitations to any mini-ITX motherboard (PCIe slots, DIMM slots, extra SATA ports and USB headers, etc.) However, if you want a mini-ITX motherboard that will allow you to overclock your system, gives you NVME support, comes with plenty of RGB lighting options, and looks nice, too, then the Gigabyte X570 I AORUS Pro is an excellent option.
It does come with a hefty pricetag, though. But, that’s par-for-the-course for X570 mini-ITX motherboards. In fact, of the mini-ITX X570 boards on the market, the X570 I AORUS Pro is one of the more affordable options. You could save some money by opting for a B550 mini-ITX motherboard—but, even those options are at least ~$150. The only real option if you want to build a cheap mini-ITX AM4 system is an older B450 mini-ITX motherboard (see below).
Ultimately, as far as mini-ITX AM4 motherboards go, the Gigabyte X570 I AORUS Pro is one of the best options currently available.
5. ASRock B550M-HDV
The best budget AM4 motherboard
If you don’t have a ton of money to spend on a newer AM4 motherboard, the ASRock B550M-HDV might be worth considering. It’s a micro-ATX form-factor motherboard, too, so if you’re building a small form-factor computer, it will work well in certain smaller cases.
In terms of features, the B550M-HDV comes with an M.2 port, USB 3.1 Gen2, support for up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, and a 6 power phase design.
Other than that, though, this is about as stripped down of a B550 chipset motherboard as you’ll find and it doesn’t really contain any features to get excited about. However, what is exciting about this motherboard is the fact that it comes with a pricetag of just under $60. So, while it doesn’t pack any high-end features, it will give you everything you need to build a powerful gaming PC at an affordable price.
6. ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero
An extreme AM4 motherboard option
If you’re looking to build an extreme AM4 gaming PC and you have a huge budget to work with, the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero might be what you’re looking for.
Its 14+2 Ti power stages will draw in serious overclockers. And, it’s pre-mounted I/O shield and I/O shroud, multiple heatsinks, RGB lighting features, and all-black design will pull in builders who are looking for premium aesthetics, as well.
In the end, the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero won’t be a viable option for most builders. However, if you don’t mind paying a premium to maximize your overclocking potential, then this board is an excellent choice. If you aren’t trying to break records with your overclocks, though, you could save a lot of money by opting for ASUS’ not-so-extreme X570-E, instead.
7. ASRock B450 Gaming-ITX/AC
A cheaper mini-ITX AM4 motherboard
Unfortunately, mini-ITX motherboards on the AM4 socket aren’t cheap. For an X570 mini-ITX motherboard you can expect to pay around ~$200. For a B550 mini-ITX motherboard, you’ll pay at least ~$150.
However, if you don’t have a huge budget, but you want to build a mini-ITX AM4 gaming PC, you aren’t completely out of luck. If you’re willing to build your system with a slightly older B450 chipset motherboard, then the ASRock B450 Gaming-ITX/AC might be what you’re looking for.
With a pricetag of just under $100, it still isn’t the cheapest AM4 motherboard on the market. However, it is significantly more affordable than the newer mini-ITX AM4 motherboards currently available. So, if you can’t afford those boards, the ASRock B450 Gaming-ITX/AC is probably your best option.
And, with a BIOS updated version, you can still pair this board with a newer Ryzen 5000 series processor as well. So, while the board is a generation older, you won’t be limited to an older generation Ryzen CPU. Of course, there is the chance that you get a version that has an older BIOS on it, in which case you’d need an older Ryzen CPU in order to update the BIOS.
Which is the Best AM4 Motherboard for Your Needs?
You’ll find many choices for the best AM4 motherboards at every price point. The highest priced models will offer the best speed and connectivity along with all the flash you’d want for the optimal gaming experience. The top tier products add the extra bells and whistles like RGB LEDs with software control to match the display with the action.
Like with any product, you’ll see downsizing with features as you move down the scale. For motherboards, that comes at the cost of ports, slots and style elements. You’ll see the concessions in performance first in chipsets and memory downgrades. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for an inferior product.
Make the most of your limited budget by focusing on the features that are most important and in the quantity that you need. Doing without an extra expansion slot or fewer USB ports can make all the difference between a motherboard that will complement your gaming PC build and one that will drag it down.
Brian Steele says
For my most recent build, I considered the GIGABYTE X570 mini-ITX board, but went with the B550I instead, because I needed three free fan headers on the board, and with the X570 one of the fan headers is taken up by that little on-board fan.
I was thinking of going with the Asus alternative, and maybe I should have. The software provided with my 8-year old Asus Gryphon Z87 board is so much more cohesive, slicker and user-friend than the software provided the the 550I that there really is no contest. The B550I’s software can’t even do a BIOS update properly, complaining that the software utility needs to be updated first – the same utility that I just updated via the Gigabyte website. It’s working, but it really didn’t provide me with the same positive installation experience that I had with the Asus board 8 years ago.
BoomBoom says
very good gave the info I needed in a language I can relate to.
It’s good to find someone who can talk and compare without being connected to a company
Tony Lawlor says
How, how could you give the Asus X570-E mobo top spot, the Internet forums are full of people with issues regarding this mobo, from fan/coil whine noise to it not booting at all.
Bobby Gheygai says
From my forum lurking it appears almost every commonly used b550 and x570 board has a gruesome trail of angry customers who tried to use Ryzen 5000 at launch. The Gigabyte Aorus series discussion is particularly horrific but they’re still looking good with the latest bios.
Armin C4 says
What about some high-end x370’s? The crosshair VI is selling for $200.
ABDULLAH says
CAN A320 SUPPORT R7 3700X
Ronaldo Doorsamy says
yes
mike says
hello
wake up call amd has gone money hungery they dont want to spend money to creat new up grade trans and caps
they dont even have 8 k vr that will work if they do its over 1,000 just for amd cpu and mother board nothing else.
and to boot there not covering the user fields game video progam work and more use than this 300 mb 600 cpu will 2 in 3 yrs amd asus gtx rtx they have gone money hungery they our no better than intel screwing there custommers out of 900 to 1200 cpu that only cost 100 dollars they keep changing menmory rtx 20 card 2000 24 gb mem this shoulld only use ssd 970 evo 250 500 1tb or 64 gb flash mem x 2 but they cant bend there only customers over to use new tech to create the better for much less will do a life time of algorithms in days they act like AI dosent do the work truth they are trying there best to not put this power into there customers that give it to them. this is a really big problem for the people that info is collected used stored till they use a ai to figuar out just how to controll us useing this infomation or greed to limit this to take tools so we cant pass them and bring them with us like we did in the early 2003 to current now thay are just as greedy as intel just what the poeple hated .just says they really care more about money them what we have given them .they are not making america strong but hold we the people back ass they start to break all freedoms using AI but they are affaid the ai will see how they inslave the world to there 1 percent controll .so this said get the nee pads off and tech the truth why people cant spend 350 mb 650 1200 for cpu 300 to 2000 for video card 1300 just for a mb video cpu nothing else no flash drive tech nothing new just improved now they kiss dells ass the ones that wouldent give amd the time of day till the users put them in front but not look there just as bad as intel forcing people to spend 1000.00 s to have a fair computer that can stream the future most peole wont even spend that much on a 50″ led 8 k tv built in wifi so just saying whos jobe is it to put them in there place the press reporting not only old vrs new but costs unless you are just trying to get free pc stuff or big kiss it under the desk. not reporting for the pc user gammers or work user stay safe up to date make America strong !! give them the tools to think outside the box dont box the inn duh
Anonymus says
good lord man, relax… not everything is out to get you. and also, work on your writing skills, thats just awful. if you dont like something, dont buy it. but if you want a cpu, the only players for x84 and 64 are AMD and Intel. so please, keep your flames to yourself unless you have something constructive to say
Kyle says
This is probably the most illiterate response I’ve ever read. All credibility is out the window when you can’t spell or use basic punctuation.
Bern says
I’ve just been through 3 ASUS TUF Gaming B450 boards and you need to know: with all 4 RAM slots used, the board cannot sustain a DOCP profile. With 2 slots used, RAM is fine @ 3000mhz. When all 4 are used, the board won’t even POST @ 3000mhz. I can get the system to boot when I set them to 2866mhz but it crashes almost immediately under any sort of load.
It’s somewhat stable @ 2400mhz – GTA V doesn’t crash within 10 seconds – but still a lot of inconsistencies. If you look at the Tom’s Hardware review of this board, they also ran into this problem. Too bad I didn’t find that until my third board. So if you purchase this board and want some super sweet fast RAM, you better stick with 2 sticks.
rglabs says
I ran into a similiar issue with my asrock b450 board, check your documentation, my asrock b450m pro4 can only do DIMMs with ranks a certain way, your asus board may be the seem way, i struggled to get my 2×8 (16GB DC KIT) of gskill to its rated 3200mhz until i moved them into the right dimm slots based on ranking in the motherboard documentation. just a thought, my board also limits to 2666, if im using all 4 slots. before moving the dimms to the recommended motherboard spec DIMM slots, i was only able to put the 3200 dimms at 2933, just a thought, look in the book.
Ryan says
This was some great reviews
Hope you do another article aimed solely at mATX boards! and ITX boards. I’m hunting for a micro ATX board now and the reviews on the ones you covered were helpful. I didnt even think of looking at Asus before, but i am now!
It seems to be a battle between MSI B350 Gaming Pro, Asus B450 Tuf, or Gigabyte ga-b350-something…. they really need to get more creative
kikyan says
asrock X470 taichi is way better than asus rog x470 f-gaming..just saying
Gabriel Pike says
No ASRock boards?
Mosstone says
Sir the ASUS PRIME A320M-K is not a X370 chipset for $50, it’s A320 like the rest
Brent Hale says
Thank you! Fixed.