Buying Guide
The Best Motherboards for Gaming PCs
Six ATX motherboards for AM5 and Intel LGA1851 compared on M.2 slots, networking, power delivery and value for a new gaming build.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
A motherboard does not change frame rates, but it decides what you can connect: how many SSDs, how fast the network runs and how well it powers a high-end CPU.
We compared six ATX boards on M.2 slots, networking, power delivery and warranty. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best AM5 Board
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
Four M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 on B850.
Best for: Most Ryzen gaming builds.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi
The TUF B850-PLUS offers a 14+2+1 layout of 80A power stages and a front USB-C header for 10Gbps ports.
Best for: Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi
The B850 Steel Legend pairs four M.2 slots with a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and a white finish.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Our take Check price for ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Longest Warranty
GIGABYTE B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7
A five-year warranty on a B850 board.
Best for: Builders who plan to keep a board for years.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7 (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget AM5
MSI PRO B850-P WiFi
5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 on an entry-level B850 board.
Best for: Budget Ryzen builds.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO B850-P WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Best Intel Board
MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi
Four M.2 slots and 5Gbps LAN on LGA1851.
Best for: Core Ultra 200S builds.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best AM5 Board1 of 6
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B850 Tomahawk MAX covers what most Ryzen builds need: four M.2 slots, 5Gbps Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7 on a reinforced PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.
Best for
- Most Ryzen gaming builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the PRO B850-P cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the board to start from unless you need something specific. It matches the B850 Steel Legend and the Z890 Tomahawk on M.2 slot count (4). It matches the PRO B850-P and the Z890 Tomahawk on wired network speed (5Gbps).
You also get a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with Steel Armor and a rear USB 20Gbps Type-C port. 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. When we checked, only the Z890 Tomahawk and cheaper picks cost less, and the TUF B850-PLUS cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 5Gbps wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with Steel Armor
Cons
- Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice2 of 6
ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TUF B850-PLUS offers a 14+2+1 layout of 80A power stages and a front USB-C header for 10Gbps ports.
Best for
- Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the PRO B850-P, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It suits builders who want sturdy power delivery for a 12- or 16-core Ryzen. On M.2 slot count it ties with the B850 AORUS Elite and the PRO B850-P at 3. On wired network speed it ties with the B850 Steel Legend and the B850 AORUS Elite at 2.5Gbps.
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. Its price falls between the B850 Tomahawk MAX and the B850 AORUS Elite, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 3
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 14+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
Pros
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- 80A power stages
- Front USB 10Gbps Type-C header
Cons
- Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
Solid Alternative3 of 6
ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B850 Steel Legend pairs four M.2 slots with a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and a white finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the PRO B850-P cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It fits light-themed builds that still need plenty of storage. It matches the B850 Tomahawk MAX and the Z890 Tomahawk on M.2 slot count (4). It matches the TUF B850-PLUS and the B850 AORUS Elite on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
Like the TUF B850-PLUS, it has 14+2+1 power stages, while the B850 AORUS Elite uses 14+2+2 power stages. 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. When we checked, only the PRO B850-P cost less, and the Z890 Tomahawk cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 14+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
Cons
- Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
Longest Warranty4 of 6
GIGABYTE B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7 stands out for Gigabyte's five-year warranty and a 14+2+2 power layout.
Best for
- Builders who plan to keep a board for years.
Skip if
- Skip it if wired network speed matters most to you; the B850 Tomahawk MAX offers 5Gbps.
Why we like it
It trades one M.2 slot against the Tomahawk for that longer cover. It matches the TUF B850-PLUS and the PRO B850-P on M.2 slot count (3). It matches the TUF B850-PLUS and the B850 Steel Legend on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
No other pick in this guide offers 14+2+2 power stages; compare the TUF B850-PLUS, which has 14+2+1 power stages. 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.
Only the TUF B850-PLUS came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks. It gives ground on wired network speed, where the B850 Tomahawk MAX offers 5Gbps.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 3
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 14+2+2
- Form factor: ATX
- Warranty: 5-year
- Socket: AM5
Pros
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 14+2+2 power stage layout
- 5-year warranty
- PCIe 5.0 graphics slot
Cons
- Wired network speed trails the B850 Tomahawk MAX (5Gbps)
- Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
Best Budget AM55 of 6
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
- Budget Ryzen builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if M.2 slot count matters most to you; the B850 Tomahawk MAX offers 4.
Why we like it
Three M.2 slots are enough for most gaming builds. It matches the TUF B850-PLUS and the B850 AORUS Elite on M.2 slot count (3). It matches the B850 Tomahawk MAX and the Z890 Tomahawk on wired network speed (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 cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the B850 Steel Legend the next step up. It gives ground on M.2 slot count, where the B850 Tomahawk MAX offers 4.
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
Cons
- M.2 slot count trails the B850 Tomahawk MAX (4)
Best Intel Board6 of 6
MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Z890 Tomahawk is the Intel pick, with four M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 for Core Ultra 200S chips.
Best for
- Core Ultra 200S builds.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the PRO B850-P, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It runs only LGA1851 processors, not older 12th to 14th Gen chips. On M.2 slot count it ties with the B850 Tomahawk MAX and the B850 Steel Legend at 4. On wired network speed it ties with the B850 Tomahawk MAX and the PRO B850-P at 5Gbps.
An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the B850 Tomahawk MAX uses an AM5 socket. You also get a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot and M.2 heatsinks on every slot. 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 6, between the cheaper B850 Steel Legend and the pricier B850 Tomahawk MAX, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1851
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 5Gbps wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- PCIe 5.0 graphics slot
Cons
- Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
How We Chose These Motherboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Storage
- We counted listed M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 support.
- Platform
- We checked socket, chipset and form factor from each listing.
- Connectivity
- We compared Wi-Fi, wired LAN speed and USB4.
- Power delivery
- We noted power stage layouts where the maker lists them.
What to Look for in a Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the chipset to your plans
On AM5, B850 covers most gaming builds with PCIe 5.0 for at least one slot. X870E adds more PCIe 5.0 lanes and USB4 for heavy expansion.
Features, not frame rates, separate the chipsets.
Count M.2 slots
Most games now install to NVMe drives. Count how many M.2 slots you need now and later, and check which ones share lanes with other ports.
Power delivery for high-end CPUs
Boards with more and stronger power stages run hot 16-core chips more comfortably. For eight-core gaming CPUs, most current boards are enough.
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.
Check BIOS support and Flashback
A board may need a BIOS update before it runs a newer CPU. BIOS Flashback lets you update without a working CPU installed.
Networking matters for daily use
Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps Ethernet help only if your router supports them, but built-in Wi-Fi saves a PCIe card.
How to Choose a Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most Ryzen gaming builds | B850 Tomahawk MAX | Four M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 on B850 |
| Builders who plan to keep a board for years | B850 AORUS Elite | A five-year warranty on a B850 board |
| Budget Ryzen builds | PRO B850-P | 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 on an entry-level B850 board |
| Core Ultra 200S builds | Z890 Tomahawk | Four M.2 slots and 5Gbps LAN on LGA1851 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Board | M.2 slots | Wired LAN | Wi-Fi | Power stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B850 Tomahawk MAX | 4 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| TUF B850-PLUS | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+2+1 |
| B850 Steel Legend | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+2+1 |
| B850 AORUS Elite | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+2+2 |
| PRO B850-P | 3 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| Z890 Tomahawk | 4 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Boards |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | PRO B850-P |
| About $150 to $250 | B850 Steel Legend, Z890 Tomahawk, B850 Tomahawk MAX, TUF B850-PLUS, B850 AORUS Elite |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fill all four memory slots?
Two sticks usually run faster and more reliably on DDR5. Buy a two-stick kit with the capacity you need.
What size motherboard should I buy?
ATX fits most mid-towers and has the most slots. Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX suit smaller cases with fewer expansion needs.
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.
Do I need X870E for gaming?
No. A B850 board runs the same CPUs at the same speed; X870E adds more PCIe 5.0 lanes, USB4 and expansion.
Is built-in Wi-Fi worth it?
Yes if you cannot run a cable. Otherwise wired Ethernet is more consistent.
Do I need PCIe 5.0?
Current graphics cards barely benefit. PCIe 5.0 matters more for the fastest SSDs.
Bottom Line
The MSI B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is the pick for most Ryzen builds, and the MSI PRO B850-P WiFi is the budget option with the same fast networking. The MSI Z890 Tomahawk WiFi is the Intel choice.
The ASUS TUF B850-PLUS favours power delivery, the ASRock B850 Steel Legend suits white builds, and the Gigabyte B850 AORUS Elite carries the longest warranty.