Buying Guide
The Best Motherboards for the Ryzen 7 7700X
Six AM5 boards for the eight-core Ryzen 7 7700X compared on power stages, M.2 slots, networking and size.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
The Ryzen 7 7700X is an eight-core chip for gaming and everyday work. Mid-range B850 and B650 boards power it comfortably.
We compared 6 boards for it. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications and retailer listings; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Value
MSI B850 Gaming Plus WiFi
5Gbps LAN, Wi-Fi 7 and a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot at an entry B850 price.
Best for: Most 7700X builds.
Our take Check price for MSI B850 Gaming Plus WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi
The TUF B850-PLUS offers a 14+2+1 layout of 80A power stages and Wi-Fi 7.
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)
Worth Considering
GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX
The B650 AORUS Elite AX pairs a 14+2+1 power layout with a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and tool-free EZ-Latch card removal.
Best for: Buyers who want 14+2+1 power stage layout.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX (opens in a new tab)
Best for USB4
ASRock X870 Pro RS WiFi
USB4 at a low X870 price.
Best for: USB4 drives and docks.
Our take Check price for ASRock X870 Pro RS WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Best Micro-ATX
ASRock B850M Steel Legend WiFi
Wi-Fi 7 and three M.2 slots on Micro-ATX.
Best for: Compact builds.
Our take Check price for ASRock B850M Steel Legend WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi
The B650 Steel Legend adds BIOS Flashback to a 14+2+1 layout with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for: Buyers who want 14+2+1 power stage layout.
Our take Check price for ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Value1 of 6
MSI B850 Gaming Plus WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B850 Gaming Plus WiFi brings 5Gbps Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7 to an entry-level B850 price, with a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.
Best for
- Most 7700X builds.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the B650 AORUS Elite AX, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Three M.2 slots cover most gaming builds. Its 5Gbps wired network speed is the fastest here; the TUF B850-PLUS comes next at 2.5Gbps. It shares a B850 chipset with the B850M Steel Legend; the X870 Pro RS goes with an X870 chipset.
It also comes with memory support to DDR5-8200 (OC). 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 priced above the X870 Pro RS and below the TUF B850-PLUS at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 3
- Wired LAN: 5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: B850
Pros
- 5Gbps wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
- Memory support to DDR5-8200 (OC)
Cons
- Costs more than the B650 AORUS Elite AX at the time of writing
Solid Alternative2 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 Wi-Fi 7.
Best for
- Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the B650 AORUS Elite AX cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It suits a 12- or 16-core Ryzen on B850. On wired network speed it ties with the B650 AORUS Elite AX, the B850M Steel Legend and the B650 Steel Legend at 2.5Gbps. It also offers a front USB 10Gbps Type-C header.
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 highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the B850 Gaming Plus and the rest.
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 B650 AORUS Elite AX at the time of writing
Worth Considering3 of 6
GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B650 AORUS Elite AX pairs a 14+2+1 power layout with a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and tool-free EZ-Latch card removal.
Best for
- Buyers who want 14+2+1 power stage layout.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the most complete B650 board for its price here. It matches the TUF B850-PLUS, the B850M Steel Legend and the B650 Steel Legend on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). Like the B650 Steel Legend, it has a wi-Fi 6E, while the B850 Gaming Plus uses a wi-Fi 7.
It also offers Q-Flash BIOS updating. 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. If you want a confirmed M.2 slot count, look to the B850 Gaming Plus instead: it offers 3, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 14+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: B650
Pros
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
- EZ-Latch for tool-free graphics card removal
- Q-Flash BIOS updating
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- No published M.2 slot count
Best for USB44 of 6
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
- USB4 drives and docks.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its M.2 slot count before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
It suits builders who want USB4 without paying for extras. An X870 chipset is unique to it among these picks, while the B650 AORUS Elite AX uses a B650 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. When we checked, only the B650 Steel Legend and cheaper picks cost less, and the B850 Gaming Plus cost more. If you want a confirmed M.2 slot count, look to the B850 Gaming Plus instead: it offers 3, while this one gives no figure.
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 B650 AORUS Elite AX at the time of writing
Best Micro-ATX5 of 6
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
- Compact builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, behind the B850 Gaming Plus (5Gbps).
Why we like it
It is the Micro-ATX pick with the most features here. On wired network speed it ties with the TUF B850-PLUS, the B650 AORUS Elite AX and the B650 Steel Legend at 2.5Gbps. 12+2+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the B650 AORUS Elite AX uses 14+2+1 power stages.
Like the B850 Gaming Plus, it has a B850 chipset, while the B650 Steel Legend uses a B650 chipset. It also offers 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. If M.2 slot count is your priority, the B850 Gaming Plus (3) is the stronger choice.
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
- Wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, behind the B850 Gaming Plus (5Gbps)
Well-Rounded Choice6 of 6
ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B650 Steel Legend adds BIOS Flashback to a 14+2+1 layout with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Buyers who want 14+2+1 power stage layout.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
Flashback lets you update the BIOS for a newer Ryzen without a working CPU. On wired network speed it ties with the TUF B850-PLUS, the B650 AORUS Elite AX and the B850M Steel Legend at 2.5Gbps. Like the B650 AORUS Elite AX, it has a B650 chipset, while the X870 Pro RS uses an X870 chipset.
It also comes with memory support up to DDR5-7200 (OC) 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. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper B850M Steel Legend and the pricier X870 Pro RS, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its M.2 slot count; if that figure matters, the B850 Gaming Plus offers 3.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 14+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: B650
Pros
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- BIOS Flashback
- Memory support up to DDR5-7200 (OC)
- White and silver finish
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- No published M.2 slot count
- Wired network speed trails the B850 Gaming Plus (5Gbps)
How We Chose These Ryzen 7 7700X Motherboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connectivity
- We compared Wi-Fi, wired LAN speed and USB4.
- Power delivery
- We noted power stage layouts where the maker lists them.
- Platform
- We checked socket, chipset and form factor from each listing.
- Storage
- We counted listed M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 support.
What to Look for in a Ryzen 7 7700X 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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Ryzen 7 7700X Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most 7700X builds | B850 Gaming Plus | 5Gbps LAN, Wi-Fi 7 and a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot at an entry B850 price |
| USB4 drives and docks | X870 Pro RS | USB4 at a low X870 price |
| Compact builds | B850M Steel Legend | Wi-Fi 7 and three M.2 slots on Micro-ATX |
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 Gaming Plus | 3 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| TUF B850-PLUS | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+2+1 |
| B650 AORUS Elite AX | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+2+1 |
| X870 Pro RS | Not listed | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+2+1 |
| B850M Steel Legend | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 12+2+1 |
| B650 Steel Legend | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+2+1 |
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 | B650 AORUS Elite AX, B850M Steel Legend |
| About $150 to $250 | B650 Steel Legend, X870 Pro RS, B850 Gaming Plus, TUF B850-PLUS |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
The B850 Gaming Plus is the value pick with 5Gbps LAN. The TUF B850-PLUS adds stronger power stages, and the B850M Steel Legend fits Micro-ATX cases.