Top 5 BEST Motherboards in 2025

Every PC’s motherboard functions similarly to its nervous system. Almost every component in your computer either plugs into your motherboard or into another device that does the same. The size of the PC case you’ll need to use is also determined by the motherboard’s form factor, which is usually E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, or Mini-ITX. The socket and chipset also dictate which processors you can install in your new system, which is at least as significant.

Gaming motherboards for AMD Ryzen 9000, 7000, (socket AM5), and 5000 (socket AM4) CPUs are the first of our selections below. For more detailed tested recommendations and selections, visit our dedicated pages for the best X570 motherboards and the best B550 motherboards if you’re looking for an older AMD AM4 board. Simply note that stock of those boards is becoming harder to find, and we won’t be updating those pages because companies aren’t launching new boards for what is a legacy (though lingering) platform.

Recently released Ryzen 9000 motherboards with the X870 and X870E have enhanced PCIe 5 capabilities for GPU and storage slots and support USB4. Because of its features and cheaper price compared to competitors, ASRock’s Taichi is another model we tested that is easy to recommend.

The MSI MEG Z890 Ace was the first board to be tested on our test bench for Intel’s most recent Arrow Lake S platform. It’s a good board, but before we can determine which Z890 models are worth recommending, we’ll need to test and evaluate a few more.

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Last update on 2025-02-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 BEST Motherboards in 2025

1.ASRock X870E Taichi

Last update on 2025-02-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

In recent years, ASRock’s Taichi motherboards have proven to be excellent choices for individuals seeking near-flagship features, such as fast ports, reliable power delivery, a high-end look, and a lower price point than the competition. Additionally, the most recent version, the ASRock X870E Taichi, has updated networking to 5GbE and Wi-Fi 7, more potent VRMs, USB 4.0 (40 Gbps) Type-C ports once more (now a platform standard), and more. Additionally, its launch price is lower than that of the X670E Taichi from the previous generation. For those wishing to construct a system around an AMD Ryzen 9000 CPU, this makes it simple to suggest.

The upgrade to X870/X870E gives you native support for PCIe 5.0, USB 4.0, Wi-Fi 7, and Zen 5-based CPUs.both NVMe storage and graphics. The latest Taichi gets an updated look, extra DIY features, and more. Its performance in our testing was one of the fastest we’ve tested on the platform so far, if only by meager margins.

We have been impressed by the top values of the upper mid-range segment in previous iterations of ASRock’s Taichi motherboards (from both AMD and Intel camps). Fast ports, reliable power delivery, a high-end look appropriate for a high-end motherboard, and a reasonable price are some of the flagship-like features that these boards typically offer. The ASRock X870E Taichi has been updated with a new design, more potent VRMs, USB 4.0 (40 Gbps) Type-C ports (which are now standard on the platform), 5GbE and Wi-Fi 7 networking, and more. The finest aspect? Compared to the previous generation X670E Taichi, which was released almost two years ago, it was less expensive at launch.

The ASRock X870E Taichi has all the hardware features you would anticipate from the platform. A flagship-class audio solution with DAC, dual 2.5 and 5 GbE ports, Wi-Fi 7, six SATA ports, two Type-A ports of different speeds on the rear IO, two full-length PCIe 5.0 slots, two USB 4.0 (40 Gbps) Type-C ports, and two M.2 sockets (two with EZ-release latches) are all included. Active VRM cooling is also included.

The X870E Taichi worked well with the Ryzen 9 9900X processor and in our updated testing suite. In our initial testing, the Taichi and Gigabyte’s Aorus Master traded places on the podium in the productivity tests and demonstrated their gaming prowess. Any installed CPU can perform to its full potential thanks to the Taichi’s default settings.

2.Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master

Last update on 2025-02-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The B650E Aorus Master from Gigabyte is a high-end, well-rounded motherboard that costs a lot less than X670E alternatives. It blurs the distinction between the full-featured X670 chipset and the Newegg model, which has all the features of the B650E with the exception of a few fast USB ports. It features nine USB ports on the back IO, four PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, and the same powerful VRMs as the far more costly X670E Aorus Master. In our benchmark testing, it also did as expected.

The B650E Aorus Master is more affordable than many X670-based options and has the appearance to be the main attraction of your setup. It’s among the greatest choices out there.The flagship board in Gigabyte’s B650 lineup is the B650E Aorus Master. Although it costs about less than the X670E Aorus Master that we previously reviewed, it is still fully functional and has multiple PCIe 5.0 M ports.13 USB ports (including 20 Gbps Type-C), two sockets, a last-generation flagship-class audio system, an overbuilt power delivery system, and a more upscale appearance than the price suggests. A B650-based motherboard will save you a significant amount of money when compared to X670E models, even though it lacks 40 Gbps ports, a feature that few B650 boards have.

High-level features like an 8-layer PCB, 105A SPS MOSFETs, fully reinforced slots, M.2 and PCIe EZ-latch, and more are shared by the B650 Aorus Master and its X670E sibling. Actually, the same capable power delivery (16-phase 105A SPS MOSFETs) is also used by the B650 Master. Few boards have more than the 13 USB ports on the rear IO, which include a 20 Gbps Type-C port. If this isn’t enough, you might want to reassess your peripherals. Despite using a last-generation codec (Realtek ALC1220-VB), the audio section is a flagship model, and the board has a built-in DAC. It has all the bases covered because its productivity and gaming performance on the B650 Aorus Master matched that of its peers and X670E boards.

3.ASRock X670E Taichi

Last update on 2025-02-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

For the mid-range market, ASRock’s X670E Taichi is aesthetically pleasing and well-rounded. Eight SATA ports, four M.2 sockets, and numerous USB ports—two of which are USB4 Type-C (40 Gbps)—are included in the extensive storage options available. Our benchmark testing revealed that this board’s performance and overclocking are not a cause for concern.

After comparing this ASRock motherboard to three other high-end X670E models, we concluded that the X670E Taichi was the best because it is significantly less expensive than the competition and offers almost all of the essential features for AMD’s most recent platform.

The X670E Taichi is a fantastic choice among its peers and the greatest board if your budget permits you to spend this much on one.AMD AM5 board for around . Just remember that, if you don’t need loads of PCIe bandwidth, you can save yourself or more by opting for a B650E model, many of which still have the key features most builders are after.

After much deliberation—literally a coin toss—we decided to start with the X670E Taichi for our first review of an X670 motherboard. The Taichi is an upper-midrange model, as many people are aware from earlier generations, but it is ASRock’s flagship X670E board until the Aqua is released. The X670E Taichi boasts a wealth of connectivity, including two USB 4 Type-C ports, a powerful 27-phase power supply, a high-quality audio section, and Killer-based networking, in addition to the essentials (AM5 LGA socket, DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support).

14 AM5-based motherboards were listed on ASRock’s website at the time of writing. There are nine B650E/B650 boards (Taichi, Steel Legend, PG Riptide, PG-ITX, Pro RS, and the PG Lightning) and five high-end X670E boards (Taichi/Taichi Carrara, Steel Legend, PG Lightning, and Pro RS). Two MicroATX options and a new SKU called LiveMixer, which resembles a throwback to the vintage colorful DFI boards, are mixed in with the B650 SKUs.

Returning to the Taichi, the board has all of the features of the new AM5 platform. Furthermore, it’s possibly one of the platform’s more elegantly designed motherboards. The rest of the board exudes a sense of luxury, while the chipset heatsink has the recognizable gears and cogs that define a Taichi. Nothing on our Taichi stood out as being abnormally fast or slow; performance was mediocre. As the number of datasets we have increases with each review, this could change over time. However, as of right now, nothing is out of the ordinary, and you can anticipate that this board will maximize the performance of your AMD Ryzen 7000 processor.

4.Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme

Last update on 2025-02-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Extreme offers the best value among these high-end boards, but all flagship-class Z790 motherboards offer the best features and specifications. Although it costs between less than the competition, this bird has everything else you could possibly need and more. The only drawback is that it will lose a couple M.2 sockets compared to the more costly flagship boards.

The Z790 Aorus Extreme offers flagship-class audio, PCIe 5.0 GPU and M.2 support, 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports, 10 Gb Ethernet, overkill power delivery, and the upscale look you would expect from a high-end board. Though it costs more and is physically larger, MSI’s Z790 Godlike has a few more features (such as seven M.2 sockets), making it difficult to recommend to most people unless money is no object.

Like any flagship board, the Z790 Aorus Extreme also did well in our productivity, gaming, and overlocking tests. Just keep in mind that since this is an E-ATX model, you will require a slightly larger case than those found in regular ATX models. However, choosing this board over other Z790 flagship options will save you money that you could use to purchase a larger case.

Instead of reviewing each Z790 flagship board separately, we’ll compare two motherboards side by side today and talk about Asus’ rival option to determine which one wins.

The MSI Z790 Godlike and the Gigabyte Z790 Xtreme are new off our test bench. These boards, which are currently flagship options, have many features, such as a high-end look, high-end audio options, overbuilt VRMs, and the fastest other bits, like native 10 GbE and Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports. All things considered, boards such as these (along with the Asus ROG Maximus Extreme, which was not available for this article) raise the standard for the platform and showcase its full potential.

There aren’t many notable differences between these two competitors’ general specifications (as well as those of the Asus). Even if you choose to use sub-ambient cooling techniques, these configurations are extremely excessive, even though the VRM count may differ (26+2 with 105A SPS MOSFETs on the Godlike, 20+1 with 105A SPS MOSFETs on the Xtreme). Although the number of M.2 sockets varies (MSI offers two more), most users will only use four M.2 drives. The majority of users will be pleased with the audio codec, which is also crucial. All flagships include ESS DAC/Amps and some variation of the Realtek ALC 4082 codec.

You’re covered on that front because all three boards have at least one PCIe 5.0 M.2 socket and PCIe 5.0 AIB slot. In terms of performance, the MSI Godlike generally outperforms the Aorus board in our testing suite, although the difference is insignificant in the majority of tests.

5.ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite

Last update on 2025-02-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

It’s good to see ASRock providing something slightly less expensive than the flagship motherboards, but still very well equipped, as the price of motherboards, like so many other things, has skyrocketed in recent years. The ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite, which retails for about , includes almost all of the features of the more costly Taichi, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a PCIe 5.0 M.2 socket, eight SATA ports, a very strong power supply, high-end audio, and more. In contrast to more expensive options, this one lacks the manly, upscale look. The 3D cogs that are usually used to adorn taichi boards are replaced here by simpler heatsinks, a more visible PCB, and stenciled decorations. However, this board can still be identified as a Taichi.

There’s lots of competition in the sub space, but none of the other boards available around that price come close to the specs and features here. If you want some of the best hardware the Z790 platform offers at a more reasonable price, and your build doesn’t cry out for flagship-class looks, the Taichi Lite is a well-appointed option at a price lower than most.

In our earlier review, we discovered that the Z790 Taichi was packed full of high-end features. Additionally, the Carrara version stands out from the competition thanks to its genuinely distinctive marbled appearance.Although that board’s current price of is competitive with flagship-class models, it is still not inexpensive. Imagine being able to have it both ways. The Z790 (and B650E) Taichi “Lite” is useful in this situation. The price drops by, but the impressive hardware list is still there despite the loss of the premium appearance.

The Z790 Taichi Lite, which retails for is firmly positioned in the upper mid-range of motherboard prices. You get two Thunderboard 4 (40 Gbps) Type-C ports for the price.an abundant number of storage options, including PCIe 5.0 M.2 socket and eight total SATA ports, a flagship-class audio solution with a DAC, Killer-based networking, and power delivery fit for sub-ambient overclocking.