10 Best Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 (& Ryzen 2600x)

Ryzen 5 2600 is one of the most popular processors for budget gaming builds out there. It’s an absolute beast when overclocked & paired with an equally good motherboard.

You can see a list of 10 best motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 below; however, there are a few things every gamer needs to keep in mind when choosing a new motherboard.

• Socket: AM4
• max CPU: Ryzen 9
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: 4 x DDR4 Slots
  Up to 128 GB, Supports DDR4 4133+(OC)
• PCIe: 2 PCIe 3.0 x16, 3 PCIe 2.0 x1
• Display: HDMI
• Audio: Realtek® ALC1220 Codec
• Storage: 6 x SATA3, 2 x M.2 slot
• LAN: 1(Intel® I211AT)

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At the top of our list, we have the B450 Gaming Pro AC from MSI. This is objectively the best B450 motherboard out there, with high-end VRMs offering great overclocking potential and a sleek, industrial look with an all-black color scheme that has hints of grey throughout. It comes in the ATX form factor and can run up to 128GB of memory at up to 4133Mhz. RGB lights surround the chipset and the top-back of the motherboard to provide extra flair to your gaming PC.

Equipped with four dual-channel RAM slots, six audio jacks at the rear, support for six USB 3.2 ports (one of which is a Gen2 Type-C port), six USB 2.0 ports, the Gaming Pro AC is a highly versatile motherboard that will never leave you wanting more. For storage, you get six SATA ports and two full-size M.2 slots for further expansion with a heatsink shield for the top slot. AMD’s CrossFire is also supported here on the two PCIe x16 slots.

Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 functionality comes included with this board, so you don’t have to fish out extra cash for any adapters. You get Intel Dual Band Wireless AC which will help provide high yet stable speeds for all the downloads in the world, along with Dual Mode Bluetooth, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. Another killer feature that enforces this board’s purchase is the ability to flash the BIOS with a USB without the need for a CPU.

MSI has kitted this motherboard with five PWM fan connectors, two 12V RGB headers, one 5V ARGB header, and one special Corsair header reserved exclusively for various Corsair products like their fans and light strips. If you wish to water-cool your PC, this board has got you covered even on that front with a dedicated water pump connector present onboard. (pun intended) But, if water cooling isn’t your cup of tea, you can use that connector to connect an additional PWM fan as well.

Recent Buyer Feedback

Customers are delighted and content with their purchase of the MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC. More than 88% of the feedback is positive, with only a few problems pointed out by certain users here and there. Many people allude to the number of features and extras this board has for a B450, such as onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth alongside responsive RGB. Buyers also love the look of this motherboard and applaud its durable build quality.

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Any Downsides?

A few users pointed out the BIOS is clunky and can be challenging to navigate for newbies. Some people also referred to the fact that MSI’s Dragon Centre software and Mystic Light software aren’t the most intuitive. They don’t include warnings or any cautions for overclocking, and an amateur can easily activate an overclock by mistake.

Our Thoughts

In our opinion, this is not only the best B450 on the market; this is the best motherboard for your Ryzen 5 processor. The amount of expandability and versatility of this board, with its ports, headers, and excellent VRM, is unmatched. The design and build quality are top-notch, and the included RGB is a nice plus. Even if it is an expensive motherboard with rare BIOS setbacks, MSI has produced a fantastic product that we cannot recommend enough.

• Socket: AM4
• max CPU: Ryzen 9
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: 4 x DDR4 Slots
  Up to 128 GB, Supports DDR4 4133+(OC)
• PCIe: 2 PCIe 3.0 x16, 3 PCIe 2.0 x1
• Display: HDMI, DVI-D
• Audio: Realtek® ALC892 Codec
• Storage: 6 x SATA3, 1 x M.2 slot
• LAN: 1(Realtek® 8111H)

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MSI’s second motherboard on this list, the B450 Tomahawk MAX II, is the latest revision of MSI’s undisputed value champ, the B450 Tomahawk. This motherboard is the perfect embodiment of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. You get just the features you need and nothing more, but what you do get is enough to power any Ryzen 5 build.

With an ATX form factor and a metallic aesthetic, the MAX II revision of the Tomahawk improves upon its predecessors with support for higher frequency RAM, up to 4133Mhz (although you are limited to only 3466Mhz on a Ryzen 5 2600), and a better audio codec onboard in the form of Realtek ALC897 Codec. We also get an upgraded blacked-out colorway instead of the metallic grey on the VRM and chipset heatsink. Perhaps, the most significant improvement here is the inclusion of a USB BIOS Flashback feature that can come in handy in many situations.

Internal I/O

This motherboard comes with four dual-channel RAM slots that can support up to 128GB of memory. You also get two full-size PCIe x16 slots running at Gen3 speeds and three additional PCIe x1 slots as well. For storage, there is one full-size M.2 slot, with six SATA ports for further expansion.

Rear I/O

MSI has added three USB 3.2 ports on the back of this board, with one of those being a Type C port, alongside six USB 2.0 ports for further connectivity. Six audio ports are also included at the rear alongside a Gigabit LAN port and even a PS/2 port. You get one HDMI and one DVI port for display, but these will be rendered non-functional with a Ryzen 5 2600(X) processor.

Recent Buyer Feedback

The majority of the customers who’ve bought this board have become its advocates very quickly, with many praising its price to performance ratio and its incredible value proposition. There are next to no complaints about this product, which is evident by its 94% positive rating online. People have had no problems overclocking both their RAM and CPU with this board’s BIOS and appreciate the robust power delivery that MSI has to offer here. The confident yet straightforward black aesthetic is also a hit among many buyers who’re happy with their purchase.

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Any Downsides?

There are next to no complaints regarding this motherboard. Only a tiny fraction of users stated that they had problems with their BIOS for 3rd Gen Ryzen chips, but that is not going to be an issue with a Ryzen 5 2600. It also doesn’t come with any mounting screws or standoffs, so you will have to buy your own.

Our Thoughts

The MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II is an excellent motherboard, punching above its weight in every way possible. From premium VRMs to a pleasing design and support for all the extra hardware you could ever want, this board is a must-buy. The only reason this isn’t our number one choice is because it does not include an ARGB header and has slightly weaker VRMs compared to the Gaming Pro Carbon AC. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a solid mid-range board for your Ryzen 5 CPU, then it doesn’t get better than this, especially at this price.

• Socket: AM4
• max CPU: Ryzen 9
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: 4 x DDR4 Slots
  Up to 128GB, Supports DDR4 3466+(OC)
• PCIe: 2 PCIe 3.0 x16, 4 PCIe 2.0 x1
• Display: HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2
• Audio: Realtek® ALC897 Codec
• Storage: 6 x SATA3, 2 x M.2 slot
• LAN: 1(Realtek® 8111H)

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If you’re looking for a motherboard that has all the features one could ever want, on top of great aesthetics complemented by plenty of RGB onboard and a highly affordable price tag, you’d get ASRock’s B450 Steel Legend. Extras such as a steel PCIe x16 slot, high-quality 60A power choke, and a 20oz copper PCB are evident of this board’s value. Seriously, you will not find a motherboard that can do more or has more features than this one at the same price, even if you tried.

This motherboard comes included with an ARGB header; no other board in this price range offers that. Moreover, you get tons of RGB on the VRM and around the chipset heatsink that shines bright and is synchronizable with ASRock Polychrome software. Mix that with the black and white camo design of the PCB, and you have one stylish-looking motherboard that can spice up any PC build.

Internal I/O

You get four dual-channel RAM slots here that can handle up to 64GB of memory at 3533Mhz using XMP profiles. There are two PCIe x16 slots on board, along with a whopping four PCIe x1 slots. This board is kitted with six angled SATA ports for easy connectivity, another convenience that you will not find in any other motherboard at this price point, and two full-size M.2 slots, one of which is properly protected by a cover.

Rear I/O

ASRock has included five USB 3.1 ports on this board with two additional USB 2.0 ports. You also get one Gen2 Type-C port, making a total of six USB 3.1 ports, alongside six gold-plated audio jacks and a gigabit LAN port at the rear. Lastly, HDMI and DisplayPort 1.2 are also present for graphics, but they will not work with your Ryzen 5 CPU.

Recent Buyer Feedback

This motherboard has a 92% rating online, with many people citing it for its vast set of features at such an affordable price. Buyers seem to love the build quality, and especially the motherboard’s design with its camo aesthetic and vivid RGB. People say that the BIOS is relatively easy to navigate, and this board has all the features one could ever want in a mid-range gaming rig.

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Any Downsides?

While a 4+2 phase VRM powers the B450 Steel Legend, it is still not an excellent option for overclocking. Various customers have alluded to how this board seems to crash when a moderate to heavy OC is applied to the processor. Similarly, the memory overclocking also raised problems for a few buyers, but these problems were seldom and scarce.

Our Thoughts

ASRock has managed to create an affordable motherboard that still has all the nice extras that you’d usually find on much more expensive models, and that is why we recommend this board. Goodies like the ARGB header, extremely high-quality build, and stunning aesthetics heavily impressed us, especially at this price point. If you do not plan to overclock your Ryzen 5 2600 or only experiment with a very light OC, this is the board to get; the additional features are just the cherry on top.

• Socket: AM4
• Form Factor: Micro ATX
• Memory: 4 x DDR4 DIMM Slots
  Up to 128 GB, Supports DDR4 3466+(OC)
• PCIe: 2 PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 PCIe 2.0 x1
• Display: HDMI, Displayport 1.2
• Audio: Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec
• Storage: 4 x SATA3, 2 x M.2
• LAN: Realtek RTL8111H-CG

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One of the best Micro-ATX motherboards in the market right now for Ryzen 5, the B450M Mortar from MSI offers a fantastic feature set with great overclocking potential thanks to its seven power phases. The sleek, industrial look is borrowed from its bigger brother, the B450 Tomahawk MAX, and it looks just as great here. Similarly, there are eight individual RGB LEDs in the top back of the motherboard to provide some accent lighting.

This motherboard comes in the Micro-ATX form factor, which allows it to be compatible with a wide range of PC cases out there. You can build a compact yet powerful PC using this motherboard and with no compromises. This is essentially just a shrunken down B450 Tomahawk. It even got updated in the same way by having the MAX moniker added to its name, shifting to a black color scheme, and improving upon the RAM speeds alongside upgrading to a better audio codec.

Internal I/O

There are four dual-channel RAM slots on this board that support up to 128GB of RAM running at a maximum of 3466Mhz for Ryzen 5 2600 and 2600X. Even in such a small form, MSI has added two PCIe x16 slots, with the primary one being armored with steel to prevent EMI. Furthermore, there are two PCIe x1 slots present here with two full-size M.2 slots for SSDs. Speaking of storage, this motherboard has four SATA slots as well.

Rear I/O

At the back, we were astonished to see a CMOS switch included on a sub-100 dollar motherboard. Moreover, just like the Tomahawk MAX, MSI has put the Realtek ALC897 audio codec on board, which results in six gold-plated audio jacks at the rear. You also get six USB 3.2 ports and two USB 2.0 ports. The Gigabit LAN port is present right next to the Type-C port. And a PS/2 port is also present for old-school accessories alongside an HDMI and DisplayPort.

Recent Buyer Feedback

The B450M Mortar MAX has an astonishing 96% positive rating, with basically every single customer vouching for it. The most amount of praise stems from this board’s robust VRMs that can handle even the most intense overclocks without issues. Multiple users have detailed how great this is for overclocking, with many calling it the best mATX B450 available. People also love its industrial design and point out that it looks aesthetically pleasing in any build, especially with those RGB LEDs at the back.

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Any Downsides?

Even more so than the B450 Tomahawk, we weren’t able to find a single con about this board—a testament to just how fantastic this motherboard is. The only concern here could be that this board might not look as good inside certain large-size cases that don’t bode well with empty space, or those that require a chassis to appear “full” look aesthetically pleasing.

Our Thoughts

If you’re looking for an mATX B450 motherboard that has all the power you could ever want, then look no further. MSI has made a beast of a product that can push the Ryzen 5 2600(X) to its absolute limits while still maintaining stable speeds. If you don’t have an absurdly large chassis or want to build a compact yet powerful gaming rig, then the MSI B450 Mortar MAX gets our recommendation for the best Micro-ATX B450 out there.

• Socket: AM4
• max CPU: Ryzen 9
• Form Factor: Micro ATX
• Memory: 4 x DDR4 Slots
  Up to 128GB, Supports DDR4 3466+(OC)
• PCIe: 2 PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 PCIe x1
• Display: HDMI, DVI-D, D-Sub
• Audio: Realtek® ALC892 Codec
• Storage: 4 x SATA3, 1 x M.2 slot
• LAN: Realtek RTL8111H

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Want to build a Micro-ATX gaming PC but don’t have the big bucks to spend? Fear not, as ASRock has come to your rescue once again with another motherboard that offers a spectacular value proposition unlike any other. The B450M Pro 4 is a relatively inexpensive board with plenty of features unique to this motherboard and cannot be found in different options at this price bracket.

It features a solid build quality, delivers stable power to all of your components, and even has VRM and chipset heatsinks, all of which are a rare sight at this price point. The ARGB header makes a return from the B450 Steel Legend, and you get four 4-pin PWM fan headers, all of which can be used for even a water pump fan, along with one more CPU fan header. There is even an RGB header present onboard. You simply do not get this sort of versatility in headers and connectors for this price on any other motherboard.

Internal I/O

This motherboard comes with four dual-channel RAM slots that can run up to 128GB of memory at a maximum of 3200Mhz. You get two PCIe x16 slots along with one PCIe x1 slot. The top PCIe x16 slot runs at Gen3 speeds while the one beneath it is limited to only Gen2 speeds, but both are capable of running in AMD’s CrossFire. There are two M.2 slots present onboard, with one of them being full-size and four SATA ports for future expansion.

Rear I/O

You will find four USB 3.1 Gen1 ports at the back with two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, one of which is Type-C. Realtek Gigabit LAN is also present here, right next to the three audio jacks powered by the ALC892 Audio Codec, which has been fitted with ELNA audio caps. For graphics, ASRock has included an HDMI port, a DVI port, and, interestingly, a D-Sub port as well. Lastly, there is a PS/2 port at the rear as well, which can come in handy in certain situations.

Recent Buyer Feedback

Its customers heavily praise the features and functionality offered here for the price, and the 94% positive feedback is evident of this. People are pointing out how this board punches above its weight in many departments by including extras that are only present on more expensive models and how it offers such a phenomenal value proposition. There is also a consensus regarding the look of this board, with users being quite fond of its industrial black and grey aesthetic.

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Any Downsides?

Some users have mentioned that the BIOS is not great and can be challenging to navigate as it looks outdated. In addition, it is too basic or stripped down for advanced customizations and control. Moreover, there are only four SATA ports on this motherboard which can hinder future expandability. A few buyers have also called out the ASRock Polychrome software for being clunky and troublesome as it caused issues for them while trying to control connected RGB devices through it.

Our Thoughts

ASRock has crafted a very solid mATX contender here that offers all the features you need and more, along with a price tag that isn’t too steep. We were duly impressed by the sheer amount of functionality you get in such a small package. Just don’t buy this thinking; you can achieve extreme overclocks with it. If you’re on a budget and need a reliable and robust motherboard that can even handle some light overclocking, then look no further.

• Socket: AM4
• Max CPU: Ryzen 9
• Form Factor: mini-ITX
• Memory: 2 x DDR4 Slots
  Up to 32GB, Supports DDR4 3600+(OC)
• PCIe: 1 PCIe 3.0 x16
• Display: HDMI
• Audio: ROG SupremeFX8 CODEC S1220A
• Storage: 4 x SATA3, 2 x M.2 slot
• LAN: Intel® I211-AT

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ITX builds are getting more common these days as you can get the same performance out of these small machines as you would from a larger PC. If you’re interested in an ITX rig and have a pretty penny to spend then, ASUS has got you covered. ASUS’s ROG Strix B450-I Gaming is a premium motherboard that looks amazing and offers all the bells and whistles you could ever want.

It features an all-black PCB design with a metallic aesthetic embellishing the heatsinks and parts of the motherboard. You get Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 onboard with proper antennas provided in the box to support said functionality. There are 12 individual ARGB LEDs on the entire back-left of the motherboard that give a nice pop of color to the largely blacked-out look of this board. Furthermore, you get one ARGB and one RGB header for further customization. ASUS has also kitted this board with 8-phase power delivery and a VRM heatsink for maximum overclocking potential.

Internal I/O

Being an ITX board, there are only two RAM slots present here, but they are dual-channel. You can fill up to 32GB of memory in those DIMMs and can overclock them up to 3600Mhz. There is only one PCIe x16 slot on this motherboard, but it’s covered in steel to provide better support for heavier graphics cards, and there are no PCIe x1 slots on this board. For storage, you get two full-size M.2 slots, with the top one being protected by a very stylish-looking M.2 shield that acts as a heatsink since it has a thermal pad inside for passive cooling. Lastly, four SATA ports have been included here for all the expansion you need.

Rear I/O

ASUS has used a slightly enhanced version of the Realtek S1220A audio codec here, which they’re calling the SupremeFX S1220A. This results in three LED-illuminated audio jacks at the back for an immersive sound stage. In terms of USB connectivity, you get two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports along with four USB 3.1 Gen1 ports, none of these are Type-C, and you also don’t get any USB 2 ports either. One HDMI port is present onboard for graphics. Right next to the gigabit LAN port, you will see two antennae prongs stemming from the “ASUS Wi-Fi GO!” module responsible for the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Recent Buyer Feedback

Customers have been largely happy with their purchase of this motherboard. It has 92% positive feedback online, with people applauding this board’s premium look and quality—the gamer-y aesthetic compliments all kinds of rigs. Enthusiasts were able to overclock their Ryzen 5 without any issues on this board and had very stable results. The RGB LEDs on board were also a hit amongst many buyers who stated that they looked stunning and added an elegant flair to their gaming PC.

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Any Downsides?

For a board, this premium, supporting only up to 32GB of RAM, is an odd choice. An alarmingly large number of people had problems with Wi-Fi, stating that it had various connection problems where the speeds were extremely low, or it would randomly disconnect and reconnect. Some users even pointed out that their unit shipped with a Realtek Wi-Fi card instead of the advertised Intel one. People have also had clearance problems where certain graphics cards, RAMs, and coolers have been tight-fit and challenging to install, but this is simply a by-product of the ITX form factor and not exclusively this board’s fault.

Our Thoughts

If you’re looking for a premium, high-quality ITX motherboard for your Ryzen 5 2600(X) and you plan to overclock it to maximize its full potential, then this motherboard is perfect for you. You will have to manage building in a tight-fit motherboard that requires precision planning, but at the end of the day, no other ITX motherboard in this price range will serve you as well as this one. Oh, and don’t forget the stunning RGB bling this motherboard has to offer.

• Socket: AM4
• Form Factor: mini-ITX
• Memory: 2 x DDR4 Slots
  Up to 64GB, Supports DDR4 3466(OC)
• PCIe: 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16
• Display: HDMI
• Audio: Realtek® ALC887 Codec
• Storage: 4 x SATA3, 1 x M.2 slot
• LAN: Realtek® 8111H Gigabit LAN

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As we discussed earlier, ITX gaming rigs are at an all-time high right now. At first, there used to be only expensive high-end motherboards that enabled this hobby, but thanks to the ITX craze’s growing popularity, many manufacturers have now launched budget ITX motherboards that are feature-packed yet still affordable. One of those manufacturers is MSI and its B450I Gaming Plus MAX Wi-Fi motherboard, an updated version of the older B450I Gaming Plus AC.

MSI has created a solid mid-range ITX B450 board with good VRMs, plenty of added functionality with extras like an RGB header, and onboard Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth, along with a pleasing aesthetic combined with durable build-quality. If you want to overclock your Ryzen 5 on a budget while still maintaining a compact footprint, then this motherboard is all you need. You even get VRM and chipset heatsinks on this motherboard at this price. Another welcomed addition is the inclusion of the two RGB headers, something that you won’t find on other motherboards of this class.

Internal I/O

There are two dual-channel RAM slots on this motherboard that support up to 3466Mhz of RAM, which allow you to put up to 64GB of memory in them. MSI has included one metal-reinforced PCIe x16 slot and one full-size M.2 slot. For redundant storage, four SATA ports are also present onboard.

Rear I/O

You’ll get four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports on the back in addition to the two USB 2.0 ports. The Realtek ALC897 audio codec powers the three audio jacks to provide a vivid sonic experience. A gigabit LAN port is included right next to the two Wi-Fi antenna prongs as well. Furthermore, you get one HDMI port and one DisplayPort for graphics here, both of which will be disabled for your Ryzen 5 2600(X).

Recent Buyer Feedback

This motherboard enjoys a comfortable 92% positive rating online, with customers commending it for how much it packs in such a small package. People seem to have no problem overclocking with the board; in fact, they state that the included VRMs are best-in-class for a budget motherboard and can handle more than just a Ryzen 5 processor. Buyers are more than happy with their purchase, with many claiming that they used it in their first-ever PC build and were left highly satisfied. The overall consensus indicates that customers bought this motherboard with certain expectations, and it met all of them.

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Any Downsides?

Multiple users reported that this motherboard is incredibly crammed, so much so that certain CPU coolers, such as the Ryzen 5 stock cooler, were almost impossible to install onto this board. This can be a particularly difficult and annoying inconvenience for a newbie who’s building their first gaming PC. The inclusion of only one M.2 slot and that too at the back of the board also disappointed many buyers. Lastly, there is only one case fan header on this board which can be a nuisance if you don’t have a PWM splitter.

Our Thoughts

As a no-frills motherboard that gets the job done, this is one complete package that has all the necessary features you need and then some. MSI has once again proven that you don’t always need to spend the big bucks to get good performance and quality. If you can live with its almost claustrophobically tight layout and have an aftermarket cooler ready to go, then this mortarboard will serve you wonders. For the price, you simply cannot get a better ITX option than this one that performs as well and packs these many valuable features.

• Socket: AM4
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: 4 x DDR4 Slots
  Up to 64GB, Supports DDR4 3600(OC)
• PCIe: 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8)
• Display: HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2
• Audio: Realtek^® S1220A Codec
• Storage: 6 x SATA3, 2 x M.2 slot
• LAN: Intel® I211-AT

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While not offering any significant advantage over B450, due to the natural hierarchy of the AM4 chipset, we felt it was necessary to include a few X470 motherboards in our list. Therefore, we have put together three of the best options for X470 boards, all distinct from each other, for every kind of user out there. Starting with the top overall choice for everyone, the Prime X470-Pro from ASUS.

This motherboard looks extremely sleek with its black and white aesthetic, which is sure to blend well with any gaming rig. The grey heatsinks combined with the white I/O cover and white accent lines going across the black PCB almost give it a two-tone look. ASUS has even added some RGB lighting on the edge of the I/O cover and the bottom heatsink for that extra bling.

However, appearance isn’t this board’s only attraction. Featuring a 10-phase VRM, this board can handle even the most intense overclock without breaking a sweat. Additionally, there are seven fan headers present onboard with dedicated support for water-cooling as well. This motherboard is built exceptionally well and feels premium; quality components have been used all-around to add to this board’s potency.

Internal I/O

You get four dual-channel RAM slots on this motherboard capable of supporting up to 64GB of memory at up to 3466Mhz. There are three PCIe x16 slots at your disposal, with the top two being reinforced by metal to fortify their rigidity and prevent retention. Similarly, there are three PCIe x1 slots present onboard as well. Furthermore, two M.2 slots are also included on this board, one of which is protected by a heatsink shield. You can further expand your storage as there are six SATA ports on this board, all of which are angled sidewards for easy connectivity.

Rear I/O

This motherboard includes four USB 3.1 Gen1 ports (three Type-A, one Type-C) and two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, along with two USB 2.0 ports. For audio, there are six audio jacks on this board powered by the Realtek S1220A audio codec. An Intel gigabit LAN port is also present at the rear. Lastly, a PS/2 port is available for connecting old accessories, and you get one HDMI plus one DisplayPort for video output, which won’t work with a Ryzen 5 2600(X).

Recent Buyer Feedback

The most amount of praise for this board came from its BIOS. Customers seem to love ASUS’s intuitive yet comprehensive BIOS design that’s easy to navigate and offers advanced fine-tuning. A similar consensus is shared over the design of this product, with an almost unanimous appreciation coming from the buyers who are very fond of the look this board provides. Overclocking is, as expected, a breeze for this board. Many buyers stated how easy it was to produce stable overclocks using this board and how well it handles said overclocks. The 94% positive feedback is evident of this fact.

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Any Downsides?

Considering this motherboard’s price group, it’s odd to see no ARGB headers onboard; this can be a deal-breaker for some. ASUS’s AURA Sync software is also problematic and doesn’t always play nice with third-party accessories or components so beware of that. Many customers pointed out that they had problems unscrewing the M.2 heatsink as it was too tightly screwed into place. Lastly, this board also does not come with a CMOS button, another surprising absence given its price.

Our Thoughts

If you’re looking for the best X470 out there that can overclock any Ryzen 5 processor while also looking good, then the X470-Pro is made for you. The stylish aesthetic of this board is sure to spice up any rig and provide an elegant look. This board features superb build quality and all the features you could ever need; hence it gets our recommendation. Just make sure not to buy any accessories that require an ARGB connection to the motherboard and stick to components that work with either the simple RGB header or controlled with an external device like an RC remote.

• Socket: AM4
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: 4 x DDR4 Slots
  Up to 64GB, Supports DDR4 4133(OC)
• PCIe: 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8)
• Display: HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2
• Audio: Realtek^® ALC1220-VB codec
• Storage: 6 x SATA3, 2 x M.2 slot
• LAN: Intel^® GbE LAN chip

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The X470 AORUS Gaming 7 is, simply put, a monster. It features a 10+2 phase VRM that will handle even the most insane overclocks possible, so much so that your CPU might fry before those VRMs start to break a sweat. Cooling those VRMs is an absurdly beefy heatsink, one of the best you’ll find on any X470. It utilizes a fin-stack design with an actual heat pipe that comes in contact with the VRMs. This is also the only motherboard on our list to feature an integrated I/O shield. This board has a very gamer-y aesthetic with the all-black PCB and angular heatsinks that feature aggressive designs on top.

Moreover, there is RGB everywhere on this board. The RAM slots, all three of the PCIe x16 slots, the VRM, audio DAC, and the chipset heatsink, along with a light strip at the top right, all feature RGB. In addition, you get a total of eight 4-pin PWM fan headers, two ARGB headers, and three RGB headers included here. There is a clear CMOS switch onboard, an OC button, the ESS SABRE DAC, a digital display that can show error codes, and support for dual-BIOS as well. You also get Intel 802.11ac 2×2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 functionality.

Internal I/O

A maximum of 64GB of memory is supported on its four dual-channel RAM slots that can handle up to 4133Mhz of speeds via XMP overclocking. You get three PCIe x16 slots, all-metal reinforced to prevent GPU sag, along with two PCIe x1 slots. You get two M.2 slots, both of which are protected by a shield, with the top one being full-size as well. For redundant storage, six SATA ports are included onboard.

Rear I/O

There are a tonne of USB ports on this motherboard. Two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports (one of which is Type-C) are coupled with six USB 3.1 Gen1 ports. You also get two additional USB 2.0 ports. For audio, Gigabyte has included the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which powers the five audio jacks plus a SPDIF connector. A gigabit LAN port is also present at the back, along with two Wi-Fi antenna prongs for boosted signals.

Recent Buyer Feedback

This motherboard has an 86% positive rating online, with a large number of buyers applauding the sheer amount of I/O this board has. People have been able to overclock their processors without any issues and mention that the VRMs are, in fact, overkill for a mere Ryzen 5 CPU. The very aggressive aesthetic of the board was met with favorable responses, with people praising the extensive RGB implementation of this motherboard. Similarly, this motherboard’s premium feel and build-quality stood out, and customers were very impressed by just how premium this board is. Lastly, the inclusion of so many fan and (A)RGB headers was also a hit amongst buyers who praised the board for offering such versatility,

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Any Downsides?

Unfortunately, as great as the hardware is, this motherboard seriously lacks software. The BIOS is clunky, unintuitive, and unnecessarily difficult to navigate. Gigabyte’s Fusion app is also a buggy mess, with many users opting out of even installing it and sticking to the BIOS’s RGB settings. Who would’ve thought having a beefy heatsink would be a bad thing? Well, the VRM heatsink on this board is so absurdly large that it can actually interfere with some cases, coolers, and even give you a hard time while screwing it in, especially with the mounting hole closest to the VRM heatsink.

Our Thoughts

If you want the best of the best and want to utilize every ounce of that Ryzen 5 2600(X), this motherboard is what you should get. Clunky software aside, Gigabyte has curated an incredible product that looks great, performs great, and is built like a tank. Everything screams quality and reminds you of the fact that you bought a flagship motherboard. For the no-compromise package it offers, we feel its premium price tag is absolutely warranted.

• Socket: AM4
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: 4 x DDR4 Slots
  Up to 64GB, Supports DDR4 4133Mhz (OC)
• PCIe: 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 x PCIe x1
• Display: HDMI, DVI-D
• Audio: Realtek® ALC892 Codec
• Storage: 6 x SATA3, 2 x M.2 slot
• LAN: Realtek® 8111H

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The X470 Gaming Plus MAX from MSI is a fantastic ATX motherboard with durable build quality, decent VRMs for overclocking, just enough features to get by, and an enticing price tag that won’t break the bank. This board is the successor to the X470 Gaming Plus, as indicated by the “MAX” moniker added to the end of its name. Similar to the Tomahawk and the Mortar, that MAX label brings an updated look, better audio codec, higher RAM frequency support along with the upgrade to USB 3.2 here.

MSI has equipped this board with 8 RGB LEDs located under the board on the right side for some pleasant accent lighting. You can further customize your gaming rig by adding even more RGB, as this board also includes two 12v RGB headers. It features a professional-looking, industrial design with an all-black PCB that goes well with any gaming PC. A 4+2 phase power delivery is used here, with the latter being used for SOC voltage. Two beefy heatsinks spread over the chipset and VRM, which are highly effective in dissipating heat to maintain cooler temperatures.

Internal I/O

Support for dual-channel RAM is present here, with four DIMM slots that can handle up to 128GB of memory clocked at a maximum of 3466Mhz via XMP profiles. There are two PCIe x16 slots on this motherboard with three additional PCIe x1 slots. The top-most PCIe x16 slot has been reinforced with metal to prevent GPU sag, protecting the PCIe slot itself and enabling it to lift even the heaviest of video cards without any issues. For storage, you get two full-size M.2 slots along with six SATA ports for redundant storage.

Rear I/O

You get a substantial amount of USB 3.2 ports at the back of this board, six to be exact. Moreover, two USB 2.0 ports have been added there as well. The audio codec used here is Realtek ALC897 which enables the six gold-plated audio jacks, one of which is an optical S/PDIF OUT port. MSI has included one HDMI port and one DVI port for display as well; right next to that sits the PS/2 port. Lastly, a gigabit LAN port is also present at the rear of this motherboard.

Recent Buyer Feedback

With the 92% positive feedback online, it is safe to say that this motherboard is a hit among customers who’re looking for X470 on a budget. The most common sentiment coming from all buyers is that this motherboard just works, that it doesn’t give any problems and works flawlessly, and performs great for the price. Many buyers applauded the BIOS for being easy to use and highly responsive. People like the clean, black aesthetic of this board and the solid build quality it has for the price. Another user also pointed out that its LLC (Load Line Calibration) is surprisingly great for a budget motherboard, along with many others praising its low-end yet reliable VRMs as it was able to handle their overclocks without any issues.

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Any Downsides?

There is no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on this motherboard, which is a tad bit surprising since many others in this price group do include those features. Similarly, USB Type-C is also a no-show here. Additionally, the VRM, while being sufficient for up to a Ryzen 5 2600X, is not good enough for anything over that. According to many users online, Mystic Light software is also not among the best and is very troublesome to use.

Our Thoughts

If all you want is an X470 board that can handle moderate overclocking for your CPU, one that doesn’t require you to pay top dollar, then go with this motherboard. MSI continues to set itself apart from other manufacturers by offering performance, features, and quality at a reasonable price. Sure, you can get good looks or good features if you go with a different board, but none of them will offer as complete of a package that includes a little bit of everything as this one. This motherboard is the “Jack of all trades, King of none,” but in a good way.