Buying Guide

The Best Motherboards for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 7800X3D

Six AM5 motherboards for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 7800X3D, from a budget B850 to X870E, compared on M.2, networking and power.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read6 products evaluated

PC components laid out on a workbench ready for a build
Illustrative image

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 7800X3D are eight-core chips rated at 120W, so any current AM5 board powers them comfortably. The choice comes down to storage, networking and budget.

We compared six AM5 boards on M.2 slots, networking, USB4 and power stages. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications; we did not test these parts ourselves. Update the BIOS if the board predates your chip.

Quick Picks

Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Best for Most 9800X3D Builds

    ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi

    Four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 14+2+2 layout on B850.

    Best for: Gaming-first 9800X3D builds.

    Check price for ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  2. Best X870E for X3D

    MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk MAX WiFi PZ

    5Gbps LAN, USB4 and four M.2 slots.

    Best for: X3D builds that want every feature.

    Check price for MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk MAX WiFi PZ on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  3. Well-Rounded Choice

    GIGABYTE X870E AORUS PRO X3D ICE

    The X870E AORUS PRO X3D is Gigabyte's board branded for X3D chips, with an 18+2+2 layout, USB4 and four M.2 slots in a white ICE finish.

    Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.

    Check price for GIGABYTE X870E AORUS PRO X3D ICE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  4. Solid Alternative

    MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi

    The B850 Tomahawk MAX is a strong mid-range match, with four M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 on B850.

    Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.

    Check price for MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  5. Best Budget Pick

    ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFi

    Four M.2 slots on an entry-level B850 board.

    Best for: Spending the budget on the GPU instead.

    Check price for ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  6. Worth Considering

    MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi

    The X870E Carbon is the premium MSI option with USB4 and Wi-Fi 7, for builds that want a high-end board to match a high-end chip.

    Best for: Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.

    Check price for MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Best for Most 9800X3D Builds1 of 6

ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi

The Strix B850-A gives a 9800X3D everything it needs: a 14+2+2 power layout, four M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7, without X870E pricing.

Best for

Gaming-first 9800X3D builds.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the B850 Pro RS cost less when we checked.
ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi

Why we like it

Its white finish suits light-themed builds. Its 14+2+2 VRM is rated at 80A per stage, and heatsinks bridge to the VRMs with thermal pads. ASUS AI Advisor simplifies setup.

It matches the B850 Pro RS on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). It also offers a rear USB 20Gbps 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 B850 Pro RS cost less, and the B850 Tomahawk MAX cost more.

Key specs

M.2 slots
4
Wired LAN
2.5Gbps
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7
Power stages
14+2+2
Form factor
ATX
Socket
AM5

Pros

  • 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • 14+2+2 power stage layout
  • Rear USB 20Gbps port

Cons

  • Costs more than the B850 Pro RS at the time of writing

Best X870E for X3D2 of 6

MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk MAX WiFi PZ

The X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ adds USB4 with display output, 5Gbps LAN and four M.2 slots.

Best for

X3D builds that want every feature.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the B850 Pro RS, which cost less when we checked.
MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk MAX WiFi PZ

Why we like it

It is the step up when you want X870E features. It matches the B850 Tomahawk MAX on wired network speed (5Gbps). It also offers 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. When we checked, only the B850 Tomahawk MAX and cheaper picks cost less, and the X870E AORUS PRO X3D cost more.

Key specs

M.2 slots
4
Wired LAN
5Gbps
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7
USB4
Yes
Form factor
ATX
Socket
AM5

Pros

  • 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
  • 5Gbps wired Ethernet
  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • USB4 ports on the rear panel

Cons

  • Costs more than the B850 Pro RS at the time of writing

Well-Rounded Choice3 of 6

GIGABYTE X870E AORUS PRO X3D ICE

The X870E AORUS PRO X3D is Gigabyte's board branded for X3D chips, with an 18+2+2 layout, USB4 and four M.2 slots in a white ICE finish.

Best for

Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.

Skip if

Its wired network speed is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
GIGABYTE X870E AORUS PRO X3D ICE

Why we like it

You get 18+2+2 power stages here, which sets it apart from the B850 Pro RS and its 14+2+1 power stages. It also offers X3D branding aimed at Ryzen X3D builds. 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 fifth of 6, between the cheaper X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ and the pricier X870E Carbon, at the time of writing.

Key specs

M.2 slots
4
Power stages
18+2+2
USB4
Yes
Form factor
ATX
Socket
AM5

Pros

  • 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
  • 18+2+2 power stage layout
  • USB4 ports on the rear panel
  • X3D branding aimed at Ryzen X3D builds

Cons

  • No published wired network speed
  • Costs more than the B850 Pro RS at the time of writing

The catch

The maker doesn't give its wired network speed; if that figure matters, the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ offers 5Gbps.

Solid Alternative4 of 6

MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi

The B850 Tomahawk MAX is a strong mid-range match, with four M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 on B850.

Best for

Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.

Skip if

If budget leads, the B850 Pro RS was cheaper at our last price check.
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi

Why we like it

It matches the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ on wired network speed (5Gbps). It also offers 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 Strix B850-A and cheaper picks cost less, and the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ cost more.

Key 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 B850 Pro RS at the time of writing

Best Budget Pick5 of 6

ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFi

The B850 Pro RS keeps four M.2 slots and a 14+2+1 layout on a budget board, with Wi-Fi 6E.

Best for

Spending the budget on the GPU instead.

Skip if

Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 is a problem.
ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFi

Why we like it

It leaves more money for the graphics card. It matches the Strix B850-A on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). It is the only pick here with a wi-Fi 6E; the Strix B850-A has a wi-Fi 7 instead.

It is the only pick here with 14+2+1 power stages; the Strix B850-A has 14+2+2 power stages instead. It also offers a PCIe 5.0 M.2 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Strix B850-A was closest.

Key specs

M.2 slots
4
Wired LAN
2.5Gbps
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6E
Power stages
14+2+1
Form factor
ATX
Socket
AM5

Pros

  • 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
  • 14+2+1 power stage layout
  • PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
  • Wi-Fi 6E, the only one here

Cons

  • Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
  • Wired network speed trails the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ (5Gbps)

The catch

M.2 slot count is its weakest area, and the Strix B850-A covers it better at 4.

Worth Considering6 of 6

MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi

The X870E Carbon is the premium MSI option with USB4 and Wi-Fi 7, for builds that want a high-end board to match a high-end chip.

Best for

Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.

Skip if

Pass if a published M.2 slot count matters; this one has none.
MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi

Why we like it

It has dual LAN and an EZ PCIe release button, and a heat-piped VRM heatsink with 7W/mK pads keeps the power stage cool. It also offers PCIe 5.0 graphics and M.2 Gen5 slots and Bluetooth 5 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.

Only the X870E AORUS PRO X3D came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks. There is no published M.2 slot count figure, whereas the Strix B850-A offers 4.

Key specs

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7
USB4
Yes
Form factor
ATX
Socket
AM5

Pros

  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • USB4 ports on the rear panel
  • PCIe 5.0 graphics and M.2 Gen5 slots
  • Bluetooth 5 alongside Wi-Fi 7

Cons

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

How We Chose These 9800X3D Motherboards

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

How these picks were ranked
We lined up six boards on M.2 slot count, wired network speed, wi-Fi and power stages, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 6 picks leave out M.2 slot count.
The shared baseline
All 6, from the Strix B850-A to the X870E Carbon, state form factor and socket and share AM5 socket.
Where the specs have gaps
The X870E Carbon gives no M.2 slot count; the X870E AORUS PRO X3D and the X870E Carbon give no wired network speed.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the B850 Pro RS ($100 to $150) to the X870E Carbon ($250 to $500).

What to Look for in a 9800X3D Motherboard

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 Pro RS to 5Gbps on the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ, a 100% spread. For less, the B850 Tomahawk MAX is the runner-up at 5Gbps ($150 to $250 tier). The X870E AORUS PRO X3D and the X870E Carbon give no wired network speed figure, so 4 of 6 picks are compared here.

  2. Power stages

    The Strix B850-A lists 14+2+2; the X870E AORUS PRO X3D lists 18+2+2; the B850 Pro RS lists 14+2+1. Settling power stages first narrows 3 picks to 1 or 1 or 1.

  3. USB4

    The X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ, the X870E AORUS PRO X3D and the X870E Carbon have it. Settling USB4 first narrows 3 picks to 3.

  4. Features beyond the spec table

    The B850 Tomahawk MAX: a rear USB 20Gbps Type-C port. The B850 Pro RS: a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. The X870E Carbon: Bluetooth 5 alongside Wi-Fi 7.

  5. Where your budget lands

    $100 to $150 buys the B850 Pro RS; $150 to $250 buys the Strix B850-A and the B850 Tomahawk MAX; $250 to $500 buys the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ, the X870E AORUS PRO X3D and the X870E Carbon at our last check.

How to Choose a 9800X3D Motherboard

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Gaming-first 9800X3D buildsStrix B850-AFour M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 14+2+2 layout on B850
X3D builds that want every featureX870E Tomahawk MAX PZ5Gbps LAN, USB4 and four M.2 slots
Spending the budget on the GPU insteadB850 Pro RSFour M.2 slots on an entry-level B850 board

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

The X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ leads on wired network speed at 5Gbps, ahead of the B850 Tomahawk MAX at 5Gbps. "Not listed" marks M.2 slot count where the X870E Carbon leaves the figure out.

BoardM.2 slotsWired LANWi-FiPower stages
Strix B850-A42.5GbpsWi-Fi 714+2+2
X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ45GbpsWi-Fi 7Not listed
X870E AORUS PRO X3D4Not listedNot listed18+2+2
B850 Tomahawk MAX45GbpsWi-Fi 7Not listed
B850 Pro RS42.5GbpsWi-Fi 6E14+2+1
X870E CarbonNot listedNot listedWi-Fi 7Not listed

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

At our last check the cheapest pick, the B850 Pro RS, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the X870E Carbon at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.

Price tierBoards
About $100 to $150B850 Pro RS
About $150 to $250Strix B850-A, B850 Tomahawk MAX
About $250 to $500X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ, X870E AORUS PRO X3D, X870E Carbon

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ the Best X870E for X3D?

It earns the label for 5Gbps LAN, USB4 and four M.2 slots. The B850 Pro RS, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits X3D builds that want every feature.

Do the Strix B850-A and the B850 Pro RS differ on wi-Fi?

The Strix B850-A, the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ, the B850 Tomahawk MAX and the X870E Carbon use Wi-Fi 7; the B850 Pro RS uses Wi-Fi 6E. The maker of the X870E AORUS PRO X3D doesn't state wi-Fi, so 5 of 6 picks are covered here.

Beyond the specs, what sets the Strix B850-A and the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ apart?

The Strix B850-A: a rear USB 20Gbps port. The X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ: a rear USB4 Type-C port with display output. The X870E AORUS PRO X3D: X3D branding aimed at Ryzen X3D builds.

Who should choose the Strix B850-A?

The Strix B850-A carries our Best for Most 9800X3D Builds label for four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 14+2+2 layout on B850. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits gaming-first 9800X3D builds.

Should I pick the Strix B850-A or the B850 Pro RS?

The Strix B850-A suits gaming-first 9800X3D builds; the B850 Pro RS suits spending the budget on the GPU instead.

Bottom Line

The ASUS ROG Strix B850-A is the pick for most 9800X3D and 7800X3D builds, and the ASRock B850 Pro RS saves money for the graphics card. The MSI X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ is the X870E step up.

The Gigabyte X870E AORUS PRO X3D, MSI B850 Tomahawk MAX and MSI X870E Carbon are strong alternatives.

About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

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