Buying Guide

The Best AM5 Gaming Motherboards With Wi-Fi 7

We weighed five motherboards on M.2 slot count and wired network speed, and the PRO B850-P costs the least.

By The PC Journal editorial team

12 min read5 products evaluated

Wi-Fi 7 AM5 boards pair current Ryzen support with the newest wireless. Every pick is AM5 with Wi-Fi 7, ordered from the lowest price.

Rankings weigh M.2 slots, wired LAN and wi-Fi as the makers state them; we did not test these motherboards ourselves, and if a maker skips M.2 slots, the guide says so.

Quick Picks

Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Lowest Price Here

    MSI PRO B850-P WiFi

    Undercutting the B850M Steel Legend on price when we checked.

    Best for: Getting PCIe 5.0 graphics slot for the least money.

    Our take Check price for MSI PRO B850-P WiFi (opens in a new tab)

  2. Also Consider

    ASRock B850M Steel Legend WiFi

    A PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.

    Best for: Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.

    Our take Check price for ASRock B850M Steel Legend WiFi (opens in a new tab)

  3. Strong Alternative

    GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE

    A white ICE finish.

    Best for: Buyers who want white ICE finish.

    Our take Check price for GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE (opens in a new tab)

  4. Worth a Look

    MSI PRO X870-P WiFi

    A PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.

    Best for: Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.

    Our take Check price for MSI PRO X870-P WiFi (opens in a new tab)

  5. Solid Runner-Up

    ASRock X870 Pro RS WiFi

    Memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC).

    Best for: Buyers who want memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC).

    Our take Check price for ASRock X870 Pro RS WiFi (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

MSI PRO B850-P WiFi

Lowest Price Here1 of 5

MSI PRO B850-P WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The PRO B850-P keeps Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps LAN on a budget board, with tool-free M.2 clips.

Best for

Getting PCIe 5.0 graphics slot for the least money.

Skip if

Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.

Why we like it

Three M.2 slots are enough for most gaming builds. On wired network speed it ties with the PRO X870-P at 5Gbps. It also comes with a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.

It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the B850M Steel Legend was the next step up.

Key dimensions & specs

  • M.2 slots: 3
  • Wired LAN: 5Gbps
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
  • Form factor: ATX
  • Socket: AM5

Pros

  • 5Gbps wired Ethernet
  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • PCIe 5.0 graphics slot
  • Tool-free EZ M.2 clips
ASRock B850M Steel Legend WiFi

Also Consider2 of 5

ASRock B850M Steel Legend WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The B850M Steel Legend fits a 12+2+1 layout, Wi-Fi 7 and three M.2 slots, one of them PCIe 5.0, onto a Micro-ATX board.

Best for

Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.

Skip if

If budget leads, the PRO B850-P was cheaper at our last price check.

Why we like it

It is the Micro-ATX pick with the most features here. It matches the B850 Eagle ICE on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). It is the only pick here with 12+2+1 power stages; the B850 Eagle ICE has 8+2+2 power stages instead.

It shares a B850 chipset with the B850 Eagle ICE; the X870 Pro RS goes with an X870 chipset. You also get BIOS Flashback and a white and silver finish. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.

As a Micro-ATX board it fits smaller cases but has fewer expansion slots than ATX; check the gap between the GPU and the lower slots. When we checked, only the PRO B850-P cost less, and the B850 Eagle ICE cost more.

Key dimensions & specs

  • M.2 slots: 3
  • Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
  • Power stages: 12+2+1
  • Form factor: Micro-ATX
  • Socket: AM5
  • Chipset: B850

Pros

  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
  • BIOS Flashback
  • White and silver finish

Cons

  • Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE

Strong Alternative3 of 5

GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE is a white B850 board with Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gbps LAN and three M.2 slots.

Best for

Buyers who want white ICE finish.

Skip if

Skip it if wired network speed matters most to you; the PRO B850-P offers 5Gbps.

Why we like it

Its 8+2+2 layout suits six- to eight-core chips. On wired network speed it ties with the B850M Steel Legend at 2.5Gbps. You get 8+2+2 power stages here, which sets it apart from the X870 Pro RS and its 14+2+1 power stages.

Like the B850M Steel Legend, it has a B850 chipset, while the PRO X870-P uses an X870 chipset. You also get EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.

Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper B850M Steel Legend and the pricier PRO X870-P, at the time of writing. The trade-off is wired network speed; for more, the PRO B850-P offers 5Gbps.

Key dimensions & specs

  • M.2 slots: 3
  • Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
  • Power stages: 8+2+2
  • Form factor: ATX
  • Warranty: 3-year
  • Socket: AM5
  • Chipset: B850

Pros

  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • White ICE finish
  • EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal
  • 8+2+2 power stages, the only one here

Cons

  • Wired network speed trails the PRO B850-P (5Gbps)
  • Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
MSI PRO X870-P WiFi

Worth a Look4 of 5

MSI PRO X870-P WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The PRO X870-P keeps 5Gbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 on a plain board.

Best for

Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the PRO B850-P, which cost less when we checked.

Why we like it

Three M.2 slots are one fewer than the pricier X870 boards. On wired network speed it ties with the PRO B850-P at 5Gbps. Like the X870 Pro RS, it has an X870 chipset, while the B850M Steel Legend uses a B850 chipset.

You also get a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. If M.2 slot count is your priority, the PRO B850-P (3) is the stronger choice.

Key dimensions & specs

  • M.2 slots: 3
  • Wired LAN: 5Gbps
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
  • USB4: Yes
  • Form factor: ATX
  • Socket: AM5
  • Chipset: X870

Pros

  • 5Gbps wired Ethernet
  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • USB4 ports on the rear panel
  • PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot

Cons

  • Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
ASRock X870 Pro RS WiFi

Solid Runner-Up5 of 5

ASRock X870 Pro RS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The X870 Pro RS is ASRock's entry X870 board with a 14+2+1 layout, USB4 and Wi-Fi 7.

Best for

Buyers who want memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC).

Skip if

The maker gives no M.2 slot count, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.

Why we like it

It suits builders who want USB4 without paying for extras. 14+2+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the B850 Eagle ICE uses 8+2+2 power stages. Like the PRO X870-P, it has an X870 chipset, while the B850M Steel Legend uses a B850 chipset.

It also offers memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC) and one of the lowest X870 prices here. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. Buyers who need a confirmed M.2 slot count should compare it with the PRO B850-P, which offers 3.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
  • Power stages: 14+2+1
  • USB4: Yes
  • Form factor: ATX
  • Socket: AM5
  • Chipset: X870

Pros

  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • 14+2+1 power stage layout
  • USB4 ports on the rear panel
  • Memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC)

Cons

  • No published M.2 slot count
  • No published wired network speed
  • Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing

How We Chose These AM5 Gaming Motherboards With Wi-Fi 7

Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.

What we compared
We lined up five boards on M.2 slot count, wired network speed, wi-Fi and power stages, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
What every pick has in common
All 5, from the PRO B850-P to the X870 Pro RS, state wi-Fi, form factor and socket and share Wi-Fi 7 wi-Fi and AM5 socket.
Where the specs have gaps
The X870 Pro RS gives no M.2 slot count; the X870 Pro RS gives no wired network speed.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the PRO B850-P ($100 to $150) to the X870 Pro RS ($150 to $250).

What to Look for in an AM5 Gaming Motherboard With Wi-Fi 7

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Wired network speed

    Here wired network speed runs from 2.5Gbps on the B850 Eagle ICE to 5Gbps on the PRO B850-P. Start with the PRO B850-P if wired network speed decides it. No figure for the X870 Pro RS.

  2. USB4

    The PRO X870-P and the X870 Pro RS have it.

  3. Fit and compatibility

    It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.

  4. Extras that separate them

    The B850 Eagle ICE: EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal. The PRO X870-P: Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7. The X870 Pro RS: one of the lowest X870 prices here.

  5. Where your budget lands

    $100 to $150 buys the PRO B850-P and the B850M Steel Legend; $150 to $250 buys the B850 Eagle ICE, the PRO X870-P and the X870 Pro RS at our last check.

  6. Check the rear and front I/O

    Count USB ports you use every day and confirm a front USB-C header if your case has a USB-C port.

How to Choose an AM5 Gaming Motherboard With Wi-Fi 7

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Getting PCIe 5.0 graphics slot for the least moneyPRO B850-PUndercutting the B850M Steel Legend on price when we checked
Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 M.2 slotB850M Steel LegendA PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
Buyers who want white ICE finishB850 Eagle ICEA white ICE finish
Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 M.2 slotPRO X870-PA PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
Buyers who want memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC)X870 Pro RSMemory support to DDR5-8000 (OC)

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

The PRO B850-P leads on wired network speed at 5Gbps, ahead of the PRO X870-P at 5Gbps. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.

BoardM.2 slotsWired LANWi-FiPower stages
PRO B850-P35GbpsWi-Fi 7Not listed
B850M Steel Legend32.5GbpsWi-Fi 712+2+1
B850 Eagle ICE32.5GbpsWi-Fi 78+2+2
PRO X870-P35GbpsWi-Fi 7Not listed
X870 Pro RSNot listedNot listedWi-Fi 714+2+1

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

The PRO B850-P was the lowest-priced pick and the X870 Pro RS the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierBoards
About $100 to $150PRO B850-P, B850M Steel Legend
About $150 to $250B850 Eagle ICE, PRO X870-P, X870 Pro RS

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the PRO B850-P our Lowest Price Here pick?

It earns the label for undercutting the B850M Steel Legend on price when we checked. It suits getting PCIe 5.0 graphics slot for the least money.

Do the B850M Steel Legend and the B850 Eagle ICE differ on power stages?

The B850M Steel Legend uses 12+2+1; the B850 Eagle ICE uses 8+2+2; the X870 Pro RS uses 14+2+1. The makers of the PRO B850-P and the PRO X870-P don't say.

Will the PRO B850-P work with my setup?

It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.

What extras do the PRO B850-P and the B850M Steel Legend include?

The PRO B850-P: a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot. The B850M Steel Legend: a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. The B850 Eagle ICE: a white ICE finish.

Will a new board work with my CPU out of the box?

Usually, but check the board's CPU support list. If your chip needs a newer BIOS, BIOS Flashback updates it from a USB drive.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the PRO B850-P, chosen for undercutting the B850M Steel Legend on price when we checked. Look at the B850M Steel Legend for a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, the B850 Eagle ICE for a white ICE finish and the PRO X870-P for a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot if those matter more to you.

Enable EXPO for your DDR5 in the BIOS.